28 years of Experiences & Lessons Learned

28 years of Experiences & Lessons Learned Sri Ganesha Temple Nashville , TN . C. K. HiranyaGowda

Informal discussions were held in 1978 and 1979 and a committee was formed in 1980 to provide an organizational structure for the temple and cultural center. There was a considerable discussion regarding the name of the organization as well as its long term goals. Finally in October 1980 the “Hindu cultural center of Tennessee” was officially incorporated 501 (C) (3) in the state of Tennessee to get our project under way.

We started meeting in individual homes for meetings, Poojas and Bhajans . • First major festival “sankrathi/Pongal” celebrated on Wednesday 14th January 1981 at “2025 priest Rd, Nashville”. We are about 45 to 50 people enjoyed the festivities and all of us were exited about the future plans for our community. • By 1982 we started meeting 3pm to 6pm in the First Unitarian Universal Church for Pooja , Bhajans and dinner. • We had several well known artists performed cultural activities. • Several lecture series on Bhagavad Gita conducted by Poojas Swami Dayananda Saraswathi ji.

In1982 we brought 13 acres of land and ground breaking was done in august 22 for a small Temple. On April 14th 1985 we had kumbhabhishekam in the small temple where we can seat about 70 to 80 devotees. • As early as 1983 we are planning to build the present temple complex. • We are fortunate to have Sri MuthiahStapathi visit us in 1983. • The main present Temple complex was a dream fulfilled on September 1991 with Murthi-Stahapana and kumbhabhishekam. • Our chief Guest was Sri PoojyaDayanandaSaraswathiSwamyji. • As of now HCCT owns 28 acres, our present visionary plan is to build a multipurpose building ( Sunday vedic classes, weak days yoga , meditation , music and dance classes etc.) more parking area and new priest quarters.

Lessons Learned • Dedication and No deviation in our commitment to this noble cause to preserve and propagate the principles of “SANATHANA DHARMA”. • There were several times disagreements came up in the meetings. We are able to brake up the word DissandAgreement . • We discussed several times among us to agree, we made our commitments to the noble cause to continue our path without deviation.

The BhagavadGita reminds us of: • The Ultimate's of human thinking • The fundamentals of ethics • Love is better than hate • Peace is better than force • Gentleness is better than violence

Who was Responsible Sri Lord Ganesha’s Presence in all of Us

The Vision Firmly establish our religious Presence in the community and Provide an educational Opportunity about our religion, To younger generations and those interested.

The Dream It was accomplished After 10yrs of uninterrupted, Dedicated days and days of work

Sri Ganesha Temple’s Community • The greatest community in North America • realized its dream without misunderstandings, • delays and infighting with in the organization • as has been the problem with many temples • Across North America. • THANK YOU!!! From the Chairman and the • Board of Trustees and all Committee members

The Dream Fulfilled on September 2,1991 With Murthi-Stahapana And Kumbhishekam

Recognition of Donors • Endowment fund: • Insurance ( Universal life, Beneficiary to HCCT) • Will (% donated to HCCT) • Donations (Father’s /Mother’s name,etc.)

Hindu Cultural Center of Tennessee Building and long range Plans 1988 How to fund and sustain it in the future Sri Ganesha Temple

Hindu Cultural Center of Tennessee A Dollar DAy 100 families ……………….$36,500 300 families……………….$100,500 500 families………………..$182,500 1000 families ……….……..$365,000 Sri Ganesha Temple

Hindu Cultural Center of Tennessee Five Dollar a DAy 100 families ……………….$182,500 300 families……………….$365,000 500 families………………..$547,500 1000 families ……….……..$912,500 Sri Ganesha Temple

Thank you http://www.ganeshatemple.org/

28 years of Experiences & Lessons Learned