In an ongoing tug-of-war between the group of community members and the Hindu administration, the Board has addressed the community concerns. In early September, engaged community members wrote an open letter to the Mandir Board concerning day-to-day administration. The Board called a town hall meeting to listen to the community, with nearly 100 public members in attendance. They were given 2 minutes individually to address their concerns, questions, and comments. Per the feedback, some attendees came prepared with their speeches and thoughts on issues impacting the Mandir, while others spoke extemporaneously.

At the meeting, the board-nominated committee members presented the Chairman’s report highlighting the accomplishments, financial viability, addition of new Board Trustees, capital construction, and more. 

The Board met on October 15^th and deliberated to reach a meaningful solution to the community concerns, from puja fees, cenotaph construction, kitchen usage, Sunday luncheon charges, and more. The Mandir Board has released a two-page response to the concerns. The report reflects lowering the puja fees, while there is no change to canteen policies of continuing charging devotees for food, and also no change to the priest’s monthly compensation. Additionally, the Board is looking forward to an advisory board from the diverse Indian communities to guide the management in celebrating a medley of year-round religious events.

Town Hall Meeting – https://www.vegasdesi.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Community-Townhall-Meeting.pdf

Board Response – https://www.vegasdesi.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/BoardMeetingCommunityResponse.pdf