Hindu Mandir has become a center of contentious debate among members of the local Hindu community. The article below is written by another venerable, engaged community leader who wishes to stay anonymous. This individual is active in community affairs from Hindu Mandir, Friends of India, and other community organizations.

The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in the above letter belong to the author and are not an opinion of or endorsement by vegasdesi.com. The editor is pleased to provide vegasdesi.com with an open forum for the community members to engage in issues impacting the small but prosperous local Hindu community. Occasionally, this publication edits the article for brevity and clarity.

As posted earlier in this publication, the previous letter regarding the ongoing fiasco and controversies at the Hindu Mandir has brought a firestorm of comments from the readers. As per these letters, the current management’s divisive and diversionary operating policies are not working in the best interest of Hinduism or the community.

Below is another article provided to vegasdesi.com from a well-respected old-timer community member who prefers to stay anonymous on such controversial issues.

The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in the above letter belong to the author and are not an opinion of or endorsement by vegasdesi.com. The editor is pleased to provide vegasdesi.com with an open forum for the community members to engage in issues impacting the small but prosperous local Hindu community. 

I am sure most of the steps taken regarding kitchen usage, Sunday paid lunches, building a Mausoleum, increased Pooja fee, priest day off, charges for religious and cultural activities at temple premises, etc., were discussed and approved by the board by a majority vote before they were implemented. It seems like community input was missing, and a few community members are not happy with many of the decisions.

 I have a few suggestions to share

Trustees, elected officials, and priests need to work in harmony in the interest and promotion of the temple mission and to accomplish the objectives set forth for the coming two years.

One of the objectives should be to increase the reach out and engagement of the community by promoting and celebrating multiple religious events at the temple.

There is a need for the general body, and major policy changes should be approved by the general body

The executive committee should have total freedom and responsibility to execute the agenda and objectives established by the board.

The board must have oversight of the executive committee but should not interfere in day to day operations of the executive committee.

There is a need for the position of president-elect so that the person gains knowledge of operations and knows the ropes to climb during his/ her term after two years.

Every two years, two new trustees from the community should be elected/nominated to engage in objective setting for the new executive committee for the coming two-year term.

This is a Hindu and Jain temple. The board, the executive committee, and priests must promote and celebrate all related festivals with equal energy and enthusiasm.

Respect for individuals and humility should be a requirement for the executive committee members.

We should revert to Sunday lunches sponsored by the devotees and prepared by the devotees. This encourages fellowship and goodwill. This also brings more devotees to practice religion rather than just come to pick food.

Create an environment where the next generation of devotees get interested in serving the temple and the community rather than getting disenchanted. 

The board of trustees should set an example of trust, cooperation, and support rather than an example of conflicts and the promotion of individual agendas.

Priests must be treated with respect and dignity so that they can do the job of serving God, the temple, and the devotees.