Bedford Hindu Temple and Community Trust Committees
Pooja Committee :
Lead : Mrs. Banu Murali
Objectives:
The objectives of Pooja committee is to: identify, plan and execute religious activities of the Temple; preserve traditional values of Hindu religion and promote mutual respect and understanding for different religious traditions and beliefs of our diversified Indian Community.
Specific Roles and Responsibilities:
• Prepare daily and weekly religious activity schedule
(calendar)
• Prepare monthly religious calendars for Bedford Hindu Temple (3 months in advance)
• Identify, plan and coordinate religious functions of Hindu religion following Indian religious calendars(with input from the priest)
• Prepare fliers for religious activities with pooja details, sponsorship etc. for publication
• Monitor and ensure timely performance of religious activities
• Responsible for arranging Bhajan, Satsang, Katha etc. in the Temple by visiting religious groups
• Implement and follow general Temple policies and procedures
• Monitor priests’ duties, schedule, fees, etc. (Coordinate with priest committee)
• Responsible for flowers, garlands, fruits and pooja material requirements
• Responsible for maintaining general cleanliness and peaceful atmosphere in the temple hall
• Plan and coordinate preparation, collection and distribution of Maha Prasadam for functions
Sub Committee: Priest Committee
Lead : Dr. Murty Vusirikala
Objectives:
To provide responsive, fair, personal and professional service and counsel to the priests on human resource questions and issues so the priests can be productive and grow, and be recognized and respected for his individual worth and dignity.
Specific Roles and Responsibilities:
• This committee functions as a guardian of the priests welfare and rights, at the same time monitoring proper functioning of the priests making sure that the priests are content.
• All priests report to this committee for guidance in human relations related conduct in the Temple.
• Priest’s outsourcing schedule is coordinated by this committee. This schedule is coordinated with religious programs committee.
• Priests financial compensation matters are also coordinated by this committee
• Any disputes are to be handled by this committee preliminarily and then recommendations are forwarded to the Trustees if felt necessary.
• This committee will have no control or input on Temple programs or activities of the priests during daily temple hours or during special events (this is the responsibility of the religious committee) unless there is a dispute in question involving the priests.
• The committee shall operate in a manner not interfering with the religious committee, which will decide on all religious activities of the temple, together with the priest.
• No priest will make any independent decisions with regards to any temple related activities without prior authorization of the religious committee. This committee will not interfere in these matters.
2. Community Connect Committee :
Lead : Dr. Murty Vusirikala
Objectives:
To promote, organise and carryout culturally relevant activities/services at Bedford Hindu Temple and within the community, relating to music, dance, arts, cuisine, language, social habits and social awareness that propagate the Indian culture while embracing the new traditions of our adopted homeland.
Specific Roles and Responsibilities:
• Organise cultural programs for holidays and festivals of interest, including but not limited to, Lohri/Makar Sankranti, Holi, Ugadi/Baisakhi, Ganesh Festival, Navratri and Diwali.
• Organise fitness/wellness programs relating to dance and music with focus on cultural integration and social interaction.
• Organise cultural programs/events with other local organisations and community groups to foster a greater appreciation and understanding of the Indian culture.
• Organise all aspects related to music and dance classes (both classical and non-classical).
• Organise trips to various cultural programs and events of interest within the UK.
• Provide community service opportunities/activities for adults and children within the local area relating to cultural areas of interest including the arts, music, dance, fitness, cuisine, language and travel to educate and foster a greater understanding of our cultural and social norms and traditions.
3. Liaison & Resources Committee:
Lead : Dr. Raj Kathane
Objectives:
The committee is the temple and cultural principle liaison to the community, area organisations, corporations and the news media to communicate the organisation’s programs and policies and to promote the organisation’s mission.
Specific Roles and Responsibilities:
• Publish and mail organisations’ newsletter and issue organisations’ e-mails
• Maintain the information booth, bulletin Boards and supporters list on the premises.
• Maintain the database including supporters list (Only chair to maintain)
• Maintain the organisations’ website and signage.
• Maintain and issue organisations’ letterhead to other committees
• Coordinate the effort and publish organisations’ souvenirs & brochures
• Maintain and publish the organisation’s donation/pledge forms.
• Author/lead and or guide other committees in matters related to advertisements, press conferences and news releases.
• Host and provide tours to schools, churches, and other such requests
4. Health & Education Committee:
Lead : Dr. Kannan Neelagiri
Objectives:
To disseminate information and resources related to health and human services to the community.
To facilitate opportunities and engage in activities geared towards familiarity and deeper knowledge of Indian heritage through education.
Specific Roles and Responsibilities:
• Identify, plan, and implement professional seminars (legal, financial, etc.)
• Arrange health seminars/fairs, eg. Blood drives.
• Create, maintain, and communicate an outreach program consisting of professional volunteers from which the needy can benefit.
• Library- Manage all aspects related to the library including collection of books, CDs/Tapes, sorting and arranging on shelves, maintaining a database, managing a check-in/out process.
• Identify, plan and implement lectures by visiting scholars and experts relating to Indian history and culture.
• Maintain contact with academic centers, museums and cultural centers
Philosophy/Vedanta
• Identify, plan and implement lecture series/study groups
• Topic specific lectures
• Young adult study circle for 15 through 21 year olds
• Adult study circle
• Manage all aspects related to Yoga instruction and seminars
• Manage all aspects related meditation classes/seminars
• Language lessons
5. Temple Upkeep and Development Committee:
Lead : Mr. Valai Gunapalan
Objectives:
To identify, plan, and execute projects
To create and maintain a clean environment of the premises.
Specific Roles and Responsibilities:
• Operation and maintenance of the audio & visual systems for temple and cultural center’s programs
• Prepare and review plans for all construction as well as
renovations.
• Consult and communicate with architects and contractors.
• Obtain necessary compliance from local authorities and planning.
• Supervise the timely progress of work and report to the
Board of Trustees.
• Maintenance of outside areas
• General maintenance of building and property.
• Clean kitchen and rest rooms, replenish supplies
• Maintenance of landscape
• Management of cleaning crew
• Attract and keep broad based volunteers that would provide services in different areas of the organisations’ needs. (Zoom Meetings, photography, video, preparing short videos)
• Maintain audio library
6. Donors and Fundraising Committee:
lead : Mr. Harve Swamynathan
Objectives:
To raise funds for the benefit of the organisation to cover its capital and operational requirements.
Specific Roles and Responsibilities:
The committee shall make recommendations regarding various fund raising programs and events to the Board of Trustees. Once the programs / events are approved, the committee shall work with other committees in soliciting pledges and donations and following up on pledges. This committee shall be responsible for:
• Pledges / Donation collection
• Regular Monthly Donor drive
• Plan and execute fundraising programs / events
Sub Committee: Donor Services:
Objectives:
Appropriately recognise our current and future donors and their benefits along with enhancing the donor experience.
Specific Roles and Responsibilities:
• Keep up to date list of all donors including Trustees, regular monthly donors as well as annual donors.
• Keep up to date contact info for each donor.
• Setup donation drives during major functions.
• Encourage Donor only benefits during temple and cultural programs.
• Manage recurring payments.