OHM CALGARY - History

Date: Saturday, January 25, 2025

Temple Project Funding Model – Meeting Summary

Time:10:30 AM – 1:30 PM

Facilitator:Krishnakumar

Attendees: Harish, Shyam, Prasanth, Praveen, Hitesh, Vijayan, Remya, Ratheesh, Rajeev, Rajeesh, Ranjith, Deepesh, Krishnan, Harish, Jayadevan, Liju, Vinod, Vivek

Agenda:

1. Brainstorming fundraising ideas

2. Introduction of fundraising tools

Proposed Fundraising Strategies:

1. Recurring Contributions:

- Allow devotees to contribute in manageable installments over time.

- Enable preauthorized debit payments for seamless contributions (Praveen Puthanveettil)

2. *Community-Based Contributions:*

- A *chit fund* model to generate funds, previously proposed by Arjun.

- He will explore feasibility with certified financial experts.

3. Event-Based Revenue:

Ticketed and sponsored cultural events (Shyam).

Open OHM events to the public with ticketing for non-members (Shyam).

4. Merchandise Sales:

Generate funds through sales of traditional items (trinkets, pooja items, ornaments, clothing, etc.) (Remya).

5.Lottery & 50/50 Draws (AGLC):

Strongly supported as a steady revenue stream.

Pursue AGCL applications for casino and lottery fundraising.

6. Service-Based Fundraising:

Offer public services for a fee (e.g., catering services).

7. Educational Initiatives:

Conduct paid religious and skill-based classes.

Examples: _Sapthaham_, financial literacy, religious education for children (Ratheesh).

8. Land/Asset-Based Contributions:

- *Bhoodhanam*: Devotees donate towards symbolic purchase of small land portions (for example, donation set as $100 per sq. ft. a devotee donates multiple sq. ft.).

- *Sreelaka-Sampradana*: Similar donation model for temple construction.

9. Corporate Donations:

Engage corporate donors through employee-giving programs like Benevity Causes (Suncor, Imperial Oil, CNR, Enbridge, Cenovus, Accenture, Deloitte, etc.).

APPEAL: We encourage everyone to check with their employer’s HR department or corporate social responsibility policy regarding donation opportunities and the possibility of pledging contributions through Benevity Causes.

10. Individual Donations & Donor Privileges:

Structured donor recognition and privileges to encourage higher contributions.

11. Demographic-Specific Initiatives:

Women- and children-led fundraising initiatives.

Expanding the Donation Landscape:

Extend appeals beyond OHM membership to:
- Hindu Malayalees in Calgary yet to join OHM.
- Non-Malayalee Hindus in Calgary and surrounding areas.
- Any well-wishers willing to support the project.
Regional outreach:
- Neighboring towns/cities: Airdrie, Okotoks, Chestermere, Cochrane, Strathmore, Red Deer, Lethbridge, Medicine Hat, Edmonton, etc.
- Digital marketing and campaigns across Canada, the USA, Europe, and the Middle East.
- Targeted outreach in Kerala and India.

Current Tools for Information Dissemination:

The "Temple Project Info" button on *ohmcalgary.com* provides up-to-date project information.

Action Items:

1. Short-Term Fundraising Focus:

- Urgently raise * *$500,000 in 2025** to meet land acquisition payment schedules.

2. Bank Account Setup:

- Establish a dedicated account exclusively for temple fundraising.

3. Financial Oversight & Compliance:

- Engage Certified Professional Accountants to oversee donation collection, accounting, and disbursement per regulations.

4. Collaboration with Sanathan:

- Align fundraising efforts with Sanathan’s donation drives.

- Streamline donation recognition and facilitate tax receipt issuance where applicable.

Leadership & Execution:

1. Community Engagement – Small Group Family Meetings:

Each attendee committed to championing the project by organizing small group discussions.
These meetings will educate potential donors on:
Why this project? Why now?
Benefits to the community—spiritual, cultural, and socio-political growth.
Fundraising models and long-term vision.*
The lasting legacy this temple will create for future generations.*

All conducted in a safe, supportive environment that fosters meaningful dialogue and addresses doubts and concerns.

2. Merchandise Sales Initiative:

- Remya Ramakrishnan will research and submit a proposal to operationalize a nonprofit merchandise-based fundraising model.

3. Educational Fundraising Initiative:

- Ratheesh Ranjan will explore the feasibility of class-based fundraising and submit a project proposal.

Meeting Adjourned at 1:25 PM.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Temple Project Working Group Kick-Off

The Temple Project Working Group officially launched on January 18, 2025, marking a significant milestone in OHM Calgary's vision to build a traditional Kerala temple. The meeting, held in person, was intentionally designed to encourage robust, face-to-face discussions, free from technical or technological constraints, allowing attendees to openly share their thoughts, ideas, and opinions.

Approximately 55 members who had expressed their willingness to support the project financially and otherwise—through Google Forms circulated in September, October, December, and January—were invited to participate. A general invitation was also shared with all members via WhatsApp and Facebook. The turnout reflected a promising and encouraging response from the OHM community. Although several enthusiastic supporters were unable to attend due to competing priorities, their interest and inclination to contribute were duly recognized.

During the meeting, the Board of Trustees formally acknowledged the establishment of the Temple Project Working Group. The group’s activities will evolve under the leadership of dedicated individuals who will emerge in due course, driving this initiative forward.

Key areas of expertise necessary for the project were identified, including but not limited to:

- Professional Accountants

- Legal Advisors

- Building Permit Experts

- Fundraising Specialists

- Communication and Marketing Experts

- Project Management Professionals

- Other experts needed from time to time.

This collaborative spirit laid the foundation for shaping the working group into a well-structured entity with clearly defined roles, responsibilities, and deliverables. The ultimate goal remains to secure land and construct a Kerala-style temple for worship, adhering to traditional values and practices.

To accommodate those who couldn’t attend the initial meeting but expressed a desire to contribute, a follow-up session was scheduled for January 25, 2025, at 10:15 a.m. at the Calgary Central Library, Room 3-26B. This event was focused on brainstorming and refining fundraising strategies, providing a platform for all passionate individuals to play an active role in shaping the temple's future.

This initiative represents the community's unwavering dedication and collective aspiration. With continued collaboration and the generous support of all stakeholders, the vision of building a temple rooted in the traditions of Malayala Nadu is poised to become a reality. This monumental project will enrich the spiritual and cultural legacy of our community for generations to come.

Join us in making this dream a reality!

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Date: January 18, 2025

Consultation with Kerala Temple Acharyan.

Consultant Acharyan: Brahmashree Kariyanoor Divakaran Namboothiri

Participants: OHM Board of Trustees and 2025 Religious Committee

About the Consultant Acharyan: Brahmashree Kariyanoor Divakaran Namboothiri is a highly revered and experienced temple priest from Kerala. He earned the esteemed title Thanthrarathnam from Thantra Vidya Peedham, Aluva, and belongs to the Kariannur family, renowned as Thanthris in over 50 temples in Kerala. In 1992, he served as the Melshanti of Guruvayoor Temple and has conducted Bhagavatha Saptaham, Narayaneeya Saptaham, Somayagam (2003), and Athirathram (2006). He is the current Thanthri of the Guruvayoorappan Temple in Brampton and also serves as Thanthri for a couple of other temples in the USA.

Residing in Brampton, ON, since 2006, he has a deep understanding of Canada’s climate and landscape, ensuring temple structures and rituals align with Malayalam traditions while incorporating necessary adaptations for local conditions. His unparalleled expertise and humility make him the most knowledgeable Kerala traditional temple Acharyan in Canada.

Key Recommendations from the Consultant Acharyan

1. Land Preparation (Bhooparigraham)

The construction process can begin with *Bhooparigraham*, a traditional Kerala tantric ritual. This process involves informing all beings— creatures big and small—on the land about the transformation of the site into sacred ground. It includes requesting their departure and purifying the land to prepare it for invoking the divine energy (*Chithanyam*) for worship.

2. Selection of a Thanthri (Acharayavaranam)

The temple requires the careful selection of a *Thanthri* to oversee all ritualistic aspects. This process, known as *Acharayavaranam*, involves representatives of the devotees reaching out to a potential Thanthri. The Thanthri must also agree to take on this responsibility. This step demands mutual understanding between the devotees and the Thanthri to ensure alignment on expectations and needs.

3. Development of Rituals (Nithyanidanam Kalpikal)

The specific rituals and practices for the temple will be established collaboratively by the Thanthri and the Temple Trustees, who represent the devotees. This ensures that the adopted rituals are both sustainable, enforceable, and consistent with Kerala temple traditions for generations to come.

4. Invocation of Chithanyam

The divine energy (*Chithanyam*) invoked on the land can represent any deity. The choice of the deity is flexible, allowing for alignment with the community's collective preferences.

5. Determining the Main Deity (Prathishta) and Sub-Deities (Upadevathas)

The decision on the main deity and sub-deities will be reached through consensus among the devotees. Factors such as available space, positioning of deities, ritualistic requirements, and the community's ability to sustain the worship practices for centuries will influence this decision. Practical considerations, including human and material resources for conducting daily, annual, and special *poojas*, must also be taken into account.

These recommendations provide a clear and structured path forward, ensuring the temple’s construction and spiritual practices are deeply rooted in Kerala traditions while addressing the practical realities of sustaining the temple in Canada.

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

December 25, 2024

Namaskaram OHM Family,

As we approach a critical juncture in the OHM Temple Project, we want to update all members about the exciting progress and the immediate steps required to move forward.

Urgent Steps We Are Taking to Seize This Opportunity

To ensure that OHM Calgary’s vision becomes a reality, we are taking immediate and urgent steps:

1. Inviting Committed, Talented and Invested Members: We are reaching out to the talented and dedicated members of the Malayalee community to join the temple project. Whether you have proven experience in fundraising, legal, finance, loans & Grants applications, construction, building permits, or any other area required for a capital project, your expertise is invaluable as we set the course for realizing our collective dream.

If you are interested in joining the Temple Project Working Group, please complete this Google Form by January 3, 2025:

https://forms.gle/3uqd9mfUGB3qpv329

2. Town Hall Meetings: We will be holding a series of Town Halls to explain the scope, nature, and financials of the project in detail. These meetings will be a platform to engage with the community, answer questions, and align our goals. We encourage all members to attend, as your input is crucial.

MEMBERS ARE INVITED TO ATTEND THE UPCOMING TEMPLE PROJECT TOWN HALLS:

Date: Saturday, Dec 28.

Time: 9:30 am

Location: The Auditorium, Brentwood Calgary Coop: https://maps.app.goo.gl/631JxwPN2Anv46Rb9

3. Soliciting Membership Feedback: To ensure that OHM’s minimum requirements are met in the project, we are actively soliciting feedback from the membership. This will help guide the negotiation team in presenting a clear, decisive, and comprehensive response to SHCS, who is eagerly awaiting OHM Calgary’s definitive commitment by the end of January.

OHM's decision to join the project is needed by January End

To keep the project alive and moving forward, OHM will need to start bringing in financial contributions from the community by the end of January. The estimated cost to fully develop the temple complex and cultural centre over the next 4 to 5 years will range between $3.5 million and $4 million. Our collective investment through fundraising, sponsorship, donations and personal loans will guarantee that OHM owns a portion of the 12-acre land, retains autonomy over the temple’s construction and operations, and secures access to the cultural centre for our key events. This unprecedented project will feature a temple complex unlike anything else in Alberta.

What’s at Stake and What We Stand to Gain:

- Ownership of Land: OHM will own a portion of the 12 acres of land, ensuring a permanent home for our community.

- Autonomy Over the Temple: The temple will be fully operated by OHM, preserving the spiritual integrity and Kerala traditions.

- Cultural Centre Access: OHM will have exclusive access to the cultural centre for major events.

The Road Ahead

We are at a pivotal moment in the history of OHM Calgary, and your involvement will make all the difference. This project represents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to create something truly transformative for our community. The next few weeks are critical, and we need your support—financial, intellectual, and spiritual—to bring this vision to life.

Stay tuned for further updates, and we look forward to your active participation in the upcoming Town Halls and in the ongoing discussions. Together, we can build a legacy that will serve generations to come.

Sincerely,

The OHM Calgary Temple Project Adhoc Steering Committee

December 5, 2024.

A Proud Milestone for OHM Calgary

We are thrilled to share exciting news with all members! After relentless efforts and countless hours, our negotiation team has secured an exceptional partnership proposal with the Sanatan Hindu Cultural Society of Calgary (SHCS). This proposal has now been officially approved by their members for legal consultation during their Extraordinary General Body Meeting.

This landmark agreement grants OHM Calgary full autonomy over the temple's operations, legal ownership of our portion of the land, and a significant project stake ranging from 25% to 49%. Additionally, a minimum of 5,000 sq. ft. will be dedicated to our community, with flexibility for further expansion.

This achievement marks a pivotal step forward in building a vibrant spiritual and cultural hub for generations to come. Together, let’s work to turn this incredible opportunity into a reality!

November 16, 2024.

In person announcement of the temple project at the November Sathsang

October 2024.

OHM Calgary Temple Land Acquisition Update

Partnership Framework: Sanatan is currently reviewing the partnership structure through their council, which will determine the stake they can offer OHM. While they have expressed their intention to retain at least 51% ownership, the remaining shares will be available depending on the interest of other potential partners.
Competing Interest: Besides OHM, three other organizations are in talks with Sanatan about joining the project.
OHM’s Position: Sanatan recognizes OHM as the leading candidate, with our engagement significantly ahead of other groups. They continue to view us as a serious and committed potential partner.
Land Purchase: Sanatan is moving forward with the land acquisition, though they have yet to issue a legally binding Letter of Intent (LOI) to the seller. They are, however, closer than ever to achieving this critical milestone.
OHM’s Project Expectations with Sanatan: Based on input from our two member consultations, OHM is seeking a fair stake in the project. Our goal is to secure a distinct and autonomous space within the larger temple complex, where we can oversee our own activities. The size of the space we receive will depend on several factors, including our percentage of ownership, approved building permits from Rocky View County, architectural controls, Vasthu, traffic studies, and the percentage claimed by other organizations.
- Sanatan recently gave OHM's EC & BOT a preliminary tour of the site with the seller’s permission. During this visit, they clarified earlier misconceptions, notably that the 4 acres of wetlands are included in the 12-acre parcel and that the tallest permissible structure is 50 feet. While these adjustments are significant, they won’t impact the scope of the project, which envisions both a South Indian temple complex and a large cultural center.

OHM's Actions:

Land Suitability: We’ve initiated consultations with a respected Kerala Thanthri residing in North America to advise on the suitability of the land for a temple, in accordance with Kerala temple rituals and traditions.
Legal Review: We will engage legal counsel to help structure a shareholding agreement that ensures OHM’s interests are well protected within the partnership.

Monetary Contribution to the Project: Sanatan will proceed with the land purchase, and OHM’s financial contributions will be expected after a formal partnership agreement or MOU is signed. We are actively working toward finalizing this agreement and are hopeful that Sanatan will provide a draft for our review soon. We plan to commit once we have a clear understanding that our stake aligns with our minimum expectations. In the meantime, we are exploring ways for OHM to contribute to the project even before a formal agreement is in place.

Next Update: Updates will be provided when significant developments occur or on the third Sunday of each month, whichever comes first.

If you have any thoughts, suggestions, advice, or concerns about the project, please email us at ohmcalgary@gmail.com for prompt attention.

October 2024.

Dear OHM Family,

We are excited to share an important development in our temple project! After a productive 3-hour meeting with the Sanathan Hindu Cultural Society (SHCS), it’s clear that SHCS is moving closer to acquiring the land for our Kerala-style temple. This meeting emphasized our shared values and spiritual vision for the future.

SHCS is eager to welcome OHM as a partner in this initiative, aligning with our aspirations. Next, consultations with experts and Hindu Malayalee priests with experience in Kerala temple prathista will guide us on the project’s spiritual foundation.

Stay tuned for more updates as we continue this journey together, moving closer to making our dream a reality!

Warm regards,
OHM Calgary.

September 2024

The Sanathan Hindu Cultural Society of Calgary presented their exciting vision today to build a South Indian temple on a 12-acre parcel of land east of Calgary, along the route to Chestermere.

Key Highlights:

A 12-acre plot has been identified for a purchase price of $2M.
The proposed temple complex will feature deities of Balaji, Guruvayoorappan, and potentially Ayyappan (if OHM joins the project), along with a cultural event center for weddings and other gatherings. The facility will include a commercial kitchen, accommodate 1,000 people, and offer 200 parking stalls.
The land has electricity, gas lines, and access to a shared borewell for fresh water, but a sewage sump for wastewater disposal will need to be constructed.
A decision on purchasing the land must be made within a month, with payment installments of $300K, $500K, $500K, and $700K, due by the end of 2025.
If fundraising progresses smoothly, construction is expected to start on a small scale in 2026, with completion by 2028.
Consultations are ongoing with lawyers, chartered accountants, fundraising experts, the Brampton Guruvayoorappan temple priest, Pittsburgh temple authorities, and architects in both India and Canada to ensure the project’s viability and success.
Funding options include soft private loans, private bonds, government grants, and donations from both local and international sources.
A roadshow is being organized to share this vision with other South Indian communities, including Kannada, Telugu, and Tamil groups. OHM has been given early access to the project details, as one of our life members is actively facilitating the project.
If OHM is interested in partnering, formal proportional shareholder agreements can be arranged through legal consultation.

As a first step, OHM will organize a roadshow for its members to gauge interest and explore potential fundraising opportunities within our community.

This is an exciting opportunity for OHM to be part of a significant religious and cultural project!

September 23, 2024

Namaskaram OHM Family,

OHM Calgary is set to embark on an important mission to explore the opportunity to construct a temple in Calgary that will benefit our entire community. We kindly ask for your support and invite you to join the consultation session. Please find the details below.

Date: Sunday, 29th September 2024

Time: 4 PM - 6 PM

Location: Scarboro Community Association, 1737 14 Ave SW, Calgary T3C 0W5

We look forward to seeing you and your spouse to discuss this important matter and set a decisive direction for OHM Calgary in this significant endeavor.

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