Bhatnagar commends devotees for dedication, determination

Government can do great things for a nation, but it is also the responsibility of the people of a nation to do something for themselves.

Ministry of Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation Assistant minister Veena Bhatnagar, made this comment while officiating a penalty shoot-in at Naibulu Ram temple in Dreketi on Saturday night. “The temple has gradually grown in its capacity and infrastructure over the 70 years of establishment,” Ms Bhatnagar said.

“I am told that the committee started with some eight to nine members and today the membership stands around 30.

“This is quite remarkable as it is a sign of more dedicated persons committing their time to the work carried out by the temple. “The penalty shoot-in organised aims to raise funds to extend the existing temple hall building and a place for washing during temple events,” she said.

Teams taking part in the penalty shoot-in pay a registration fee, the most successful kickers move on to the next level to determine the winner.

“The extended hall will not only be beneficial for the temple events, but will also cater for the ‘Bal Vikas’ classes to be held in the comfort of the children and sure enough will allow more children to join. “Bal Vikas as the name indicates is a movement launched by Bhagwan Sri Sathya Sai Baba to blossom children to good citizens and good leaders of tomorrow, something that I, in my capacity as a Fijian citizen and a national level leader, feel very important to take Fiji forward, addressing the issues of discrimination, corruption and violence. Naibulu district advisory Ashika Devi said they hoped to raise about $6000.”

“So far the committee organised two activities over a month and managed to collect about $500.