A dream come true

Building a Mandir in Glasgow, as authentic as possible and following Vedic rules and guidelines, has been the wish of many of us. I consider myself very fortunate to be a small part of this historic moment.

I am fortunate not only that the members of the Hindu community gave me the opportunity to be involved in this sacred work, but also that I received full support from everyone I worked with.

As Ex President and as chair of the Executive Committee, I would like to say that constructive work can only be done when people work with each other in a positive way and give active, moral and practical support to each other. That is what motivates you and makes you work well.

We had a good team. Some really good, devoted individuals worked with sheer commitment, dedication and a desire to serve the community, not for any personal glory.

Mrs Maya Shorey, our President and figurehead, although unable to do much physical work because of age and ill health, has given a great deal of moral support. On behalf of all the committee members, I wish her a long and healthy life. Building the Temple was my dream, it was her dream, it was our dream and it was your dream too. We are proud and happy that everyone's dream has come true.

At last the long awaited Murti Pratishta celebrations are here. We are writing a new chapter in the history of Glasgow Hindu Mandir, one that we Hindus will be proud of for generations to come. It is also a chapter in the long and varied history of Glasgow, a city we all love so much and where we have found a welcome.

I would like to express our sincere thanks to everyone who has helped in this endeavour in any way, big or small. I thank those who donated funds for murtis, carpets, flooring and many other items. Thanks are also due to all the volunteers, advertisers and other workers.

Our special thanks go to Acharya Ji and Surya Ji too. Acharya Ji's guidance, knowledge and many years of devoted service to the community and the Temple cannot go unmentioned. Surya Ji, a newcomer to the city whose experience of building temples has been our tower of support, deserves special mention for his enthusiastic and dedicated attitude.

Finally, we must mention Param Pujya Swami Ji, Dharamratna Swami Sri 1008 Gopal Sharan Ji Maharaj, with whose blessings, guidance and support this work has been carried out. Maharaj Ji, we humbly express our gratitude and have no doubt your blessings will always be with us.

Although our dream has been fulfilled, only one chapter has been written. There is still a second, unfinished chapter: to make a beautiful Community Centre for the Hindu community. We now have the space and must work actively towards turning the downstairs area into a Hindu Community Centre. It is not that difficult. We can do this too, but only with your help.

May God shower you all with health, wealth and prosperity.