Management Committee

Hemant Prashar

President

Qualifications

M.Com.(Punjab University, Chandigarh), C,A, (New Zealand) – Chartered Accountant and a Justice of the Peace.

Professional Experience

After completing my post-graduate degree in Commerce, I worked as a University Lecturer in India. In early 1981, I migrated to New Zealand and studied towards a professional degree in Chartered Accountancy. In 1987, I became a member of the New Zealand Institute of Chartered Accountants and have held several senior financial management roles in large corporates in Auckland. I had an opportunity to franchise a cluster of Shell Service stations in West Auckland for nine years. I also worked as a Divisional Principal Financial Advisor in Auckland Council.

Involvement with Bharatiya Mandir

I have been associated with Bharatiya Mandir from the very beginning when the planning for this Mandir commenced in 1986. Whilst being a member of the Management Committee, I also served as an Honorary Auditor during its first 26 years. In 2014, I was elected as the Vice President of the Management Committee and a Trustee of the Mandir. A year later in 2015, I have had the privilege to lead the Management Committee as its President – the position which I currently hold.

Why I am passionate about serving Bharatiya Mandir and the Community

Bharatiya Mandir is a very special place of worship. I believe that I have vast management experience to work with the Mandir Community to enhance the level of service to the community. During the past two years, a large number of initiatives were put in place to improve the level of service to the devotees and this programme is continuing.

My Vision for Bharatiya Mandir

Bharatiya Mandir to become a leading organisation in providing religious, spiritual and educational services to the community. The Mandir complex to become a hub for running programmes on looking after our environment and on community empowerment. For the Mandir Community working collaboratively to care for our children, elderly and for those in urgent need.

Qualifications

I am a qualified Chartered Accountant and now a certified member of CPA (Certified Practising Accountants).

Professional Experience

I am currently self-employed. I am president of Agarwal Association of New Zealand.

Involvement with Bharatiya Mandir

Serving the community is my passion. I believe that it is our duty to contribute something towards our community in whatever way we can.

Why I am passionate about serving Bharatiya Mandir and the Community

I have been a regular devotee and have always offered my time and efforts to work towards the Mandir activities. I have been associated with the Management Committee since 2015 and served as a Joint Secretary till 2017. I have recently been elected to be Vice President of the Management Committee. I believe that with my professional experience and my devotion towards God, I will be able to successfully work in the best interest of Bharatiya Mandir and my devotee brothers and sisters.

My Vision for Bharatiya Mandir

My vision is to make the Bharatiya Mandir, where the Hindu community get together and enjoy and celebrate the culture and festival together.

Ambrish Gupta

Vice-President

Anil Sharma

General Secretary

Qualifications

I am a qualified professional with three decades of experience in the education sector. I am a poet by heart and have published a Poetry book. I am Justice of Peace and actively involved in social work. I have been fortunate enough to organise various events to serve the community and have earned New Zealand a World Record.

Professional Experience

I have had the pleasure of working in India, the Middle East and New Zealand which has taught me to appreciate and respect diversity and given me exposure to various cultures of the world.

Involvement with Bharatiya Mandir

I have been serving as the General Secretary for the Bharatiya Mandir Management Committee for a few years. I also volunteer my services as a Justice of Peace at the temple on certain days. Furthermore, I am actively involved in events and functions organised by Bharatiya Mandir and enjoy being a part of them.

Why I am passionate about serving Bharatiya Mandir and the Community

I take pride and honour in utilising my skills to serve a noble cause. It gives me immense satisfaction knowing I am serving the community and a selfless spiritual endeavour.

My Vision for Bharatiya Mandir

My vision for the Bharatiya Mandir is to be a hub for spiritual and community services.

Qualifications

I am a qualified electronic service technician in India. I owned and operated business of electronic goods in Bardoli, Gujarat. After arriving in New Zealand in 1986 I am registered electric technician from AUT. I am certified and registered translator in interpreting from English to Gujarati language. I am also qualified in translating medical terminology for District Health Board and Mental Health and an official interpreter for Ministry of Social Development and Department of Economic Development.

Professional Experience

I am currently self-employed and currently do the interpretations work on call.

Involvement with Bharatiya Mandir

I feel very privileged to serve the first Hindu Mandir in Auckland. I am passionate about serving the local community and helping Bharatiya Mandir foster continual growth in spiritual and cultural values for the future generations. I ensure that I am there to help and support the volunteers as and when needed. Alongside with my portfolio as the Treasurer, I also help out in day to day management of the Mandir affairs.

Why I am passionate about serving Bharatiya Mandir and the Community

I have been brought up in family that has religious and spiritual values. After immigrating to New Zealand in 1997, I decided to commit myself and serve to the best of my abilities to the temple.

My Vision for Bharatiya Mandir

My vision for the temple is in providing a platform for youth and the wider community to be more involved in religious, spiritual and physical education.

Bharat Parikh

Assistant Secretary

Harjeev Arora

Treasurer

Qualifications

I am a qualified Civil Engineer and currently own a business of Car sales and leasing.

Professional Experience

By Managing my own business for several years I have developed strong negotiating and analytical skills, which I am able to utilise flawlessly to serve my Mandir. I like my profession as it enables me to devote more time towards serving my Mandir and my community.

Involvement with Bharatiya Mandir

I feel very privileged to serve the first Hindu Mandir in Auckland. I am passionate about serving the local community and helping Bharatiya Mandir foster continual growth in spiritual and cultural values for the future generations. I ensure that I am there to help and support the volunteers as and when needed. Alongside with my portfolio as the Treasurer, I also help out in day to day management of the Mandir affairs.

Why I am passionate about serving Bharatiya Mandir and the Community

I have been brought up in family that has religious and spiritual values. After immigrating to New Zealand in 1997, I decided to commit myself and serve to the best of my abilities to the temple.

My Vision for Bharatiya Mandir

My vision for the temple is in providing a platform for youth and the wider community to be more involved in religious, spiritual and physical education.

Qualifications

I am a retired accountant and have been attached with the Mandir since day one.

Professional Experience

Accountant

Involvement with Bharatiya Mandir

I have been the Assistant Treasurer in the committee for several years and serve my Mandir with my heart and soul from the time the temple was built.

Why I am passionate about serving Bharatiya Mandir and the Community

I have been attached with Bharatiya Mandir from day one and ever since then myself and my wife are sincerely attached with it. This Mandir is part of our life and we enjoy every single minute of our service.

My Vision for Bharatiya Mandir

I would like to see the younger generation to step up and show their interest in serving our Mandir and learn the lesson of selfless devotion towards God.

Prabhu Kanji

Assistant Treasurer