Ajay Shah
Executive Vice President
[email protected]
Phone: (858) 866-9661
Utsav Chakrabarti
Public Relations Coordinator
[email protected]
VHPA, PO Box 2009 Natick, MA 01760
Web: vhpamerica.org
Twitter: @VHPANews
FB: facebook.com/vishwa.sampark
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
VHPA Statement on Collection for Funds for Reconstruction of Shree Ramjanmabhoomi Temple
November 13, 2019
The following statement was issued by World Hindu Council of America (VHPA)
As a preeminent Hindu organization in the US, World Hindu Council of America (VHPA) is thrilled that the Supreme Court of India has agreed with thousands of years of Hindu belief that a temple at the birthplace of Shree Rama, one of the most revered avatars of Bhagwan Vishnu be rebuilt. Many Hindus from across the country have contacted us, and asked if they can donate the money for this noble effort. We have become aware of fundraising efforts on Facebook in our name as well.
We, the Governing Council of VHPA, fully endorse the sentiments, however, we would like to inform those who are donating the money that we have not officially issued a call for donations, primarily because we do not know yet the mechanism for sending money to India for building the temple, and there is no clarity on how the funds would be utilized. The trust for building the temple, as mandated by the Supreme Court for the purpose has not been setup.
Since some funds have already been collected, we will ensure that the funds will be kept by VHPA until there is a mechanism available to send the money which is genuine, vetted and transparent to all. If for any reason we are not able to send the money, we will seek consent from donors to utilize the funds for an equivalent cause in the US if they so wish. We also request that no one collect funds on VHPA’s behalf for this purpose.
About World Hindu Council of America (VHPA)
World Hindu Council of America (VHPA) is the most prominent organization of Hindus in USA. Founded in 1970, it has branches across the country. VHPA runs educational programs for Hindu children and youth in addition to community service (seva) activities.