The Houston Durga Bari Society (HDBS) has been in existence for about two years now since its inception and incorporation as a registered non profit organization in the state of Texas. Through the generous support and tireless efforts of many members in our community, the society has made significant strides towards realizing its dreams of building a multipurpose facility with a temple and an assembly hall to host various community activities. The Facility Planning and Construction committee has worked diligently over the past several months to prepare a building plan and cost estimates for the proposed project. Members involved in fund raising activities have similarly done a remarkable job in raising funds in excess of $180,000 within a period of several months. These funds allowed us to pay in cash the purchase price for the proposed site of Houston Durga Bari facility (6.19 acres of land on Scholar Road, near Highway 6 and West Park) and have in reserve about $70,000 for future expenses. While these have been achievements of unprecedented proportions for our community, we all recognize that the more difficult task lies ahead. With a modest plan for the proposed facility currently designed, that includes construction of the sanctum for the deity of our Divine Mother and an assembly hall for various community activities, the cost estimate runs in the neighborhood of about $400,000. We would re-emphasize, as we have done in the past, that the facility to be built will be a monumental reflection of our community's resolve to maintain its identity and heritage. Its success will therefore be measured not only by the dimensions of the structure to be built but to amuch larger extent by the number of community members getting involved in its creation and maintenance. We welcomed every member's suggestion and involvement in the project. As the project currently requires active fund raising and efficient facility planning, we call upon more co-ordinators of these committees:

Mrs. Gouri Mitra (Fund Raising) at (281) 879-1368

Mr. Subir Saha (Facility Planning and Construction) at (281) 998-3404

UPDATE ON THE PROJECT:

In September 1997, HDBS acquired 6.3 acres of land on Schiller Road, near Highway 6 and Westpark Road, paid in full from donated money.

Previous Balance from 1997: $59,110.29

A. REVENUES/ COLLECTIONS

B. EXPENDITURES

Revenue for 1998 (upto 5/9/98): $11,785.00

Total Balance for 1998 (upto 5/9/98): $70,895.29

INFORMATION AND CONTACTS:

Tax deductible donations in checks are payable to Houston Durga Bari Society (HDBS) at P.O.Box 300512, Houston, Texas 77320-0512.

For further information or suggestions, please feel free to

us or contact any of the following: