The Shree Sanatan Dharm Pratinidhi Sabha of Fiji plans to build a commercial building beside the Samabula Shiv Mandir where space can be leased to generate income.

This was revealed by organisation president, Sarju Prasad, during the annual general meeting at the Sanatan Dharm Vishnu Temple at Vitogo, Lautoka on Saturday.

Mr Prasad added that the religious body also planned to have an institute to nuture its followers.

“There will be a Nabua Institute of Technology, that is in the pipeline,” Mr Prasad said.

About 100 members from all districts attended the AGM.

The event also saw the election of office bearers namely six vice presidents, a patron and assistant, the general secretary and assistant and one treasurer and assistant.

With the election, Mr Prasad promised to continue the work of the religious organisation by helping the needy and also bring it to greater heights.

“Our people took part openly, some of the issues discussed were the appointment of trustees, the accounts of the Sabha and Shiv Mandir,” Mr Prasad said.

“Submissions of the ballet papers closed on September 16 where 25 branches took part.

“All issues regarding the Sabha were all ironed out and the counts were especially thoroughly looked at.”

Mr Prasad has been president since 2013. His term expires in three years.

“Since we have taken over, the national council has been very vigilant where we have tried to help the poor as much as we can, we provide meals to the golden age homes in Samabula and we have provided donations to people who can’t afford items,” said Mr Prasad.

Elected office bearers:

• Vice presidents Nand, Keshwa Sharma, Chandar Singh, Jagdish Bali, Mahendra Prasad and Suresh Niwaj
• Patron, Kanti Lal Punja and Yogeshwar Singh as the assistant
• General secretary, Vijendra Prakash with the assistants, Krishneel Jiwari and Nitesh Prasad
• Treasurer, Sunil Chandra and his assistants, Avinesh Kumar and Naren Chand.

Feedback: nicolette.chambers@fijisun.com.fj