by Nidhi Bhatia

Hindu Voice UK, May - June 2007

Generosity and honesty; these are some very basic teachings of Hinduism. So you would expect them to be practiced by mandir committees and helpers, right?

I think most Hindus that attend their local Mandir have experienced or at least heard of committee elections. These are meant to be democratic with the aim of electing people that will look after the day-to-day functioning. In many cases, however, the committees seem to see their role in an entirely different way. I have a hunch that all of you have heard of some form of in fighting or some dubious dealings with mandir finances.

My local Mandir in Slough has been known for in fighting ever since I can remember. Just recently, a member of the committee was believed to have acquired substantial sums of money from the Mandir, and together with his family never seen at the mandir since.

But the real reason I decided to write this article was sparked by a recent trip to a very well known mandir in Southall. It was Sunday and food was being served, I went upstairs to be greeted with hard faced men and women that were meant to be doing seva. Correct me if I’m wrong, but one does seva voluntarily from the goodness of their heart.

But the next few minutes experience got better. I should not have been surprised but I suppose I’m guilty for holding my religion’s principles to heart. A young boy, no older than 10, asked for 3 puri’s and he was told by the woman serving that he was only entitled to one. The boy said they were not for him, but for his family and still she wouldn’t give anymore. He then asked for some curry and the man gave him a table spoon worth. I asked him if they had a quota on the food but he didn’t understand. No surprise there! As I watched food being served, I saw tiny portions sufficient for a squirrel.

So much food is donated to the mandir each day. So much money is donated each day. The mandir offers food once a week and even then they do not prepare enough for the few hundred worshippers that attend. All I did see was over weight, unhealthy women standing in the kitchen, comparing whose son is earning the most. Then these are the same women that go home, proud of their seva. Maybe they have forgotten they are in God’s home and serving Gods blessings. As a Hindu, I’ve always learnt that when food is concerned, we are abundant and must never limit the food our guests consume. The ironic thing is that as I was leaving, I saw a pile of leaflets talking about the sanctity of the Mandir food and that it must always be severed with love and abundance.

After having spoken to many mandir insiders and attendees, I understand that the President is to blame for much of the irreligious goings on. One trustee told me that she had offered many ideas to get young Hindus involved in Hinduism, one being to ensure the pundit is also English speaking, so he/she can connect with the youth. However, the all-wise President decided against it. He also created a policy of not allowing the supply of educative literature on the Mandir premises, but when asked by a Hindu group, he offered to let them provided they pay him. It’s interesting how policy changes so rapidly, when money is in sight.

This man clearly has no desire to promote education of Hinduism, nor does he desire the youth get involved (maybe because the youth are more dynamic and could oust him and his bureaucratic friends from our Mandirs). But, one of his favourite and sought after desires was to become President and dictate. So now, the apparent staunch vegetarian dictates with one hand and runs his numerous KFC franchises with the other (P.S this is NOT a joke, I wish it was). As long as people like him run our Mandirs, our youth will continue to walk the other way.

Our money clearly isn’t being used on the Mandir, as it remains in the same unhygienic state it was 10 years ago. However, our money recently has been used to make a building next door that for a fee will hold functions such as weddings and parties. And be in no doubt that the profits will not be reinvested into our Mandir. So, what will happen with our money? Nobody, apart from the ‘secret society’ knows how the money is used, so your guess is as good as mine. Although, I am seeing a few £50 notes in a distinctively dark, musty hole, made of polyester. Oh yea! It’s a pocket!

If you recognise these activities in your local Mandir, please be fearless and speak up for our Dharam, for Dharam protects those, who protect Dharam!