By Mandakini devi dasi
As construction of the Temple of the Vedic Planetarium is now moving rapidly, fundraising has become a top priority. Campaign Chairman Ambarish Das has asked his Godbrother Kalakantha Das from Gainesville, Florida, who has worked and taught in the fundraising field, to help design the campaign. Here he answers some of my questions.
Mandakini d.d: What is the fundraising objective?
Kalakantha Prabhu: Phase One, establishing the location, design, size and most of the superstructure of the Temple will cost about $20 million US. It has been largely funded by Ambarisa Prabhu and is well underway. What we are working on now is Phase Two: to move the Deities into Their new temple. This will cost about $16 million US, six of which has already been donated or pledged. If we can raise the remaining $10 million US in the next two years, the Deities can be moved by Gaura-Purnima, 2014.
Phase Three of the project will involve installing the museum exhibits and putting the final exterior touches on the building. Final work on that phase will begin after the Deities have occupied Their new temple.
Mandakini d.d: What is the fundraising strategy?
Kalakantha Prabhu: Our first concern is to give everyone the opportunity to participate in this historic Temple. As this is truly an international temple, anyone from anywhere can contribute at any level through our website. The success of the campaign, though, depends on Lord Krishna inspiring larger donors. There are great opportunities for those making larger gifts to build significant parts of this historic temple in honor of their gurus, parents or other loved ones. There will be more information available on the TOVP website or through Braja Vilas Prabhu, the TOVP fundraising director ( fundraising@tovp.orgThis e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. ).
Mandakini d.d: How does the TOVP team plan to communicate the message?
Kalakantha Prabhu: In three ways:
1. The internet, mail and word of mouth;
2. Various media outlets;
3. Personal visits to referrals and friends ISKCON leaders
Through these avenues, news about the opportunity to make a gift to the TOVP will spread far and wide and will generate great interest around the world. Mayapur is like the root of the ISKCON tree. When the root is watered, all the leaves and branches benefit. Every person giving to this the project will feel more connected to Srila Prabhupada’s mission and proud to be associated with ISKCON through their local temple.
Mandakini d.d: Will the TOVP be thanking their big donors in a special way?
Kalakantha Prabhu: We have a variety of ways to recognize leading donors, including plaques and inscriptions on walls, pillars, arches, chattris and domes in and around the temple. Other special premiums will soon be announced on our website.
Mandakini d.d: Any other comments?
Kalakantha Prabhu: On behalf of all of Srila Prabhupada’s followers, I thank Ambarisa Prabhu for his courageous leadership for making this temple rise. He has given a sizeable gift and is also leading the fundraising campaign. This is going to be the largest Vedic temple built in the last one thousand years. It is a truly once in a lifetime opportunity. Those who contribute to the Temple will greatly enhance their appreciation when they to come to see it.
God has kindly given us some money, and we all have ideas on how to use it for Him. Yet coming together for His service pleases Him most of all. For example, the gopis heard Krishna’s flute and ran to be alone with him. Later, when Krishna left them, they all came together in service to Him. As soon as that happened, Lord Krishna returned to them and fulfilled their desire; He made each one feel that she was alone with Krishna.
In the same way, if we come together to cooperate for building this magnificent temple just as Srila Prabhupada envisioned it, then our own individual desires to serve Krishna will also be fulfilled.
Hare Krishna!
– Kalakantha Das (ACBSP)