THIS IS DRAFT and is UNDER REVIEW
MoM - Utkal Samaj - Nov 01
Location: Viman NagarAttended by (List imcomplete):
1. Krishna Rath
2. Subodh Sarangi
3. Sisir Mohapatra
4. Durgeswar Bahalia
5. Srdhar Sahoo
6. A Samal
7. Sarat Kumar Swain
8. Ashish Rajan Mishra
9. Muralidhar Mahapatra
Topics:
1. Introduction: Memebers introduced themseleves.
2. Mr SK Swain mentioned that he met a few Oriya members from Anudh and they were willing to participate in the construction of Jagannath temple. He proposed to have the next meeting in Aundh.
3. Mr A Mohanty gave an overview of the contrsuction activities. The work has been stalled due to machine malfunction. Mr Swain reassured that the machine would be replaced soon or repaired soon, however, it is as per the needs of the doner of the machine.
Rs 1 lakh has already been dispatched to the stone work.
Mr M Mahapatra opened the forum to share his thoughts on how both Utkal Samaj and Jagannath temple can co-exist. He suggested that Odiyas are reluctant to pay for both Samaj and the temple, as they dont see any need to pay extra - most of the Odiyas he discussed with are with the opinion to focus on the temple. He suggested that the Utkal Samaj membership should be brought down to Rs 100/- to increase Samaj members which in turn would spread the cause of the construction of the temple. He was supported by Mr A Samal.
Dr Tripathy proposed to have every member in the room share their thoughts:
1. Dr Tripathy gave his thoughts: He clarified that that the Utkal Samaj has ben created as highest body within which there can be many projects such as the temple. He suggested that the membership fees for Utkal Samaj be Rs 500/- and other members suggested that this should be a life member - ie any member is a life member and not to have any annual or Life membership.
Dr Tripathy also clarified that there will be no regional Utkal Samaj - there would be only regional coordinators or representatives who would need to co-ordinate work in the respective areas assigned to them
Mr Biswal proposed that there much be at least 5 representatives from each region
Mr Mohnaty suggested that the representatives will attend any meeting and let the others know about the meeting, and also hold meetings to gather the views of the people.
Mr Mishra liked the idea of the Rs 500 per month for the running expenses of the temple, however, he said that the members must also give a thought to the regualrity of the collection
Mr SK Swain assured the members that the money collected will not be misused. Currently, the money will be put in Utkal Samaj account and once the Jagannath temple account is made, that account will be used for accepting donnations.
Mr Sisir Mohapatra told the audience that the website having an ECS facility is being planned and a feasibility study is currently underway. He also said that the account statements cannot be shown on the website due to regulations. The webiste will serve as a media/markerting tool.
Mr R Mahapatra- focus should be on Jagannath Temple. The membership drive needs to be better. Any amount donated for the temple should be accepted. There should be transperacny and goverance espcily on the money being collected as people should not lose their faith in the system.
Mr Bahalia supported the representative idea.
Mr S Sahoo - He said that the wesbite contrsuction is getting nearer to completion. He suggested that the responsibilities and Account should be made clear, there is practically no action seen after several meetings. He suggest that once the Jagannath temple trust is made, all Utkal Samaj members must be made members of the temple.
Mr Samal stressed that the income-expenditure reports need to be discussed in detail. He supported the continuation of the Rs 500 collection scheme.
Mr A Mohanty requested for better and newer receipts books, he is currently collecting money and writing them in a notebook.
Mr S Sarangi stressed that the larger donnations could be received from people who are already runing religious sessions/activities.
Mr A Dash expressed his concern over the temple trust registration begin so slow and suggested that new receipts books be published as soon as possible.
Mr L Panda shared his thoughts on his experience in the Bangalore Jagannath temple and said that donnations in kind can be accepted - example if a person wishes to contribute 2 bags of cement. He also stressed on an effective collection mechanism.
Mr G Panda requested the project to be taken just like a professional project and to have a master plan which would be broken down into smaller pieces. He also said that clear responsibilities should be given to people.
Mr K Rath said that he has nothing to add, however would share his comments in the next meeting.
It was decided that the following members would be representatiing the "Dhanori" region as defined in the previous meeting.:
Mr M Mahapatra
Mr A Samal
Mr BK Gouda
Mr A Sahu
The Viman Nagar area has been decided as Viman Nagar, Chandan Nagar, Kharadi, Wadgaonsheri, Somnath Nagar, Ganesh Nagar.
The representaives would be Mr LK Sahoo, Mr BB Mohanty, Mr GB Giri.
The next meeting would be in Nov-15 at Aundh.
