E-Paper
Ram temple trust seeks FCRA registration to accept foreign donations
Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust treasurer Govind Dev Giri said it will soon accept foreign donations for construction of the Ayodhya temple as it has applied for FCRA registration
Pune: The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust will soon accept foreign donations for construction of the Ayodhya temple as it has applied for registration under the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) from the Union ministry, said the Trust treasurer Govind Dev Giri.
Constituted in February 2020, the trust had applied for FCRA approval in June this year.
“The trust could have got the required FCRA permission early as an exception, but we did not want it. Only those trust which have completed three years can apply for FCRA registration and we completed the period in February this year,” said Giri during an interaction with reporters in Pune on Monday.
“The Trust till date has received ₹3,200 crore from citizens and different organisations from the country. People have contributed generously and the funds are enough to successfully undertake the temple development at Ayodhya,” he said, adding that the Trust has three bank accounts — State Bank of India, Punjab National Bank and Bank of Baroda — that receives donations.
“The sanctum sanctorum within the temple is likely to be opened for devotees on Makar Sankranti in January 2024,” Giri said.
Meanwhile, the Trust and Heritage Handweaving Revival Charitable Trust in Pune will organise “Do Dhage Shri Ram Ke Liye” initiative from December 10 to 22 in which people will weave on handlooms to create “vastras” (dress) for Bhagwan Sri Ram Lalla Virajman at Ayodhya.
Giri, along with the charitable trust founders Anagha Ghaisas and Vinay Patrale, said that the 13-day event will be held at Suryakant Kakade farm in Kothrud. Handlooms from every state and Union territories in India and other countries, including Nepal, will be brought and people will weave every day till Geeta Jayanti, December 22.
“Participants will be given training in weaving,” said Patrale.
“The cloth made from the initiative shall be used for deities at the new temple complex,” said Giri.
