Then, in 1978, some individual came together and began having organized religious activities once a month on a rotational basis at people's homes. However, at this time there were not enough people in the community to support a center. The purpose of there kirtans was to learn and practice Hinduism, and also to pass our rich culture and traditions to our children. Diwali, Navratri and other religious programs were celebrated in conjunction with the Indian Students Association of the University of Tennessee.

The Hindu population began to grow in the early 80's as the Tennessee Valley Authority began hiring more people for technical positions. As the Hindu community grew, the demand for organized religious functions grew along with it. By 1982 the Knoxville participants in Kirtans had saved $267.80. On April 8, 1982, a check of $20 was sent to the Hindu Cultural Society of Western New York to purchase a Bhajan Book, the same book which is currently being used by our congregation today.

In 1984 a committee was formed to establish a Hindu Community Center. The purpose of this community center would be a) to hold community worship meetings based upon the Hindu philosophy at regular intervals to fulfil the religious needs of our community, b) to hold Sunday school offerings for our children so that they would have the opportunity to learn about their religion and culture, and c) to work towards the acquisition of a permanent place to house the Hindu Community Center and its activities.

Finally, in 1985 the Hindu Community Center was registered as a non-profit organization with the State of Tennessee. As the population of the Hindu Community continued to grow, there arose the demand for larger meeting places.

Thus, the monthly pujas were moved to Camp Tiyani in Oak Ridge to accommodate the growing population. At this time fund raising activities were also started to build our own community center.

On August 30, 1986, a draft for a permanent home for the Hindu Community Center was issued to the congregation for their comments.

Then, on October 28, 1988, with the blessings of God, the Hindu Community Center purchased 5.65 acres of land in Loudon County for $21,000, paid in cash.

The very successful India Night function was held on February 4, 1989, at Bearden High School to raise finds and to promote the cause of the Hindu Community Center.

The executive committee has visited temples in the United States to learn from their experiences to help in the creation of our own center. Thus, we could take advantage of everyone's knowledge to build the best community center that we could.

The Bhumi puja was performed on November 12, 1989 and ground breaking ceremonies were held on June 30, 1990. Construction of the center began on July 8, 1990. Subsequently the Hindu Community Center's activities gained momentum with the involvement and participation of the Hindu Community in Knoxville and surrounding areas. Swami Chidanand Saraswati (Muniji) of Rishikesh, India, provided encouragement and guidance from time to time, for which we would like to thank hime.

The first phase of construction was completed on January 1, 1991, which marked the beginning of the use of the center for community activities.

The Hindu Community Center is the pinnacle of success for the Hindu community and will remain so for many years. This center will be a unifying force in the community and symbol of that unity. Our dream has finally been realized in the completion of our Hindu Community Center. This would not have been possible if it were not for your support and efforts as members and supporters of our Hindu Community.

We are thankful to the God who has made this dream come true.