Article 1:Name of Organization
1.The HINDU DHARMA SAMUDAYA OF BHUTAN (HDSB) shall be established in accordance with the Religious Organizations Act of Bhutan (ROA), 2007.
2. Its headquarters shall be located in Thimphu. It shall have the authority to open branch offices in other parts of Bhutan to fulfill its aims and objectives.
3. Inspired and guided by the time-tested philosophy of Santana Dharma, the HDSB shall devote itself towards enhancing spiritual fulfillment and happiness among the Bhutanese people. It shall function as a non-profit, non-political and non-governmental foundation within the Kingdom of Bhutan.
Article 2:Status
1. The HDSB shall be a legal entity with the power to acquire, hold, and alienate property of any kind and to acquire rights, incur obligations and having perpetual succession.
2. Any actions, suits, proceedings or arbitrations shall be brought by or against HDSB in its own name.
Article 3:Principles and Philosophy
1. Within the context of its vision, the HDSB shall be guided by principles and practices of the Sanatan Dharma, which is in harmony with the Buddhist philosophy and which forms the essence of the spiritual heritage of Bhutan. It shall promote peaceful co-existence and harmony with the Buddha Dharma. It shall respect the principles and objectives of ROA as contained in Article 5.
2. “Sanatan Dharma” is a Sanskrit word meaning “Eternal Teachings/Tradition/Religion.” Sanatan Dharma is the recognition of the spiritual essence of life and its infinite religious expressions. The eternal tradition is also about many common universal principles and practices that make up the spiritual/religious lifestyle of the Hindus. These principles help them to uncover the Divinity that flows through all things and are revered by the Hindus all over the world including Bhutan. The terms Sanatan Dharma and Hinduism are interchangeable with an identical meaning.
Article 4:Vision
The HDSB shall promote peaceful co-existence, compassion and reverence for all sentient beings in all segments of the Bhutanese society. As a corollary, the HDSB shall also promote the spiritual practices and traditions of Sanatan Dharma in harmony with the national ethos so as to foster and strengthen human values.
Article 5:Aims and Objectives
The HDSB shall:
1. Function as a nodal agency for Sanatan Dharma and its religious institutions, religious sites and Mandirs.
2. Co-ordinate and conduct prayers, religious discourses, meditation and Yoga classes as well as organize and celebrate annual Durga Puja and other religious functions, festivals and events for peace and well-being of the King, country and people of Bhutan.
3. Conduct research and studies in Sanatan Dharma on themes common to Sanatan Dharma and Buddhism, and organize workshops and seminars on matters of religious interest and importance.
4. Develop general guidelines on Hindu religious practices, as required, in harmony with national ethos.
5. Promote Sanskrit Pathsalas, where needed, to meet the needs of the community for Pundits and Purohits (Lams and Chhops) in performing religious rites and Pujas, and facilitate higher studies on philosophical aspects of Sanatan Dharma and Buddhism.
6. Assist in preservation, renovation, rehabilitation and construction of Mandirs and other institutions of religious and cultural significance.
7. Extend assistance to disadvantaged groups where needed and justified.
8. Promote religious harmony and strive to strengthen socio-cultural development and unity in Bhutan.
9. Build linkages with and participate in activities of similar religious institutions at regional and international levels.
Article 6:Membership
1. Any person irrespective of caste, colour, religious pursuits who is interested in furthering his/her knowledge and understanding of Sanatan Dharma can become a member.
2. Application for membership shall be made in writing to the Executive Director.
3. A member shall be required to pay a membership fee annually as determined by the Governing Directors.
4. Each member shall accept and confirm to the principles, objectives and the Articles of Association of HDSB.
5. Each member shall safeguard the interests of HDSB.
6. A member may resign from membership by giving the Executive Director one month’s advance notice in writing.
7. A person shall be disqualified from membership if he/she violates the principles of HDS and relevant provisions of ROA.
Article 7:Management
a) Board of Directors
1. There shall be a Board of Directors elected from among the members which shall manage the affairs of HDSB.
2. The Board shall comprise of a Chairperson, a Vice-Chairperson, a Secretary, an Executive Director, a Treasurer and seven prominent Pundits representing the Hindu community. The Board shall constitute sub-committees as and when required to address specific issues.
3. The Board shall meet at least once every three months. The presence of three-fourth of the members of the Board shall be required to meet the quorum.
4. The Chairperson shall preside over the meetings of the Board. In his/her absence, the Vice-Chairperson shall preside over them.
5. All decisions shall be taken by consensus. If consensus cannot be reached on an issue, then the Board can resort to voting. A simple majority of votes shall win a motion. Every member shall be entitled to one vote. In case of a tie, the Chairperson shall cast a deciding vote.
6. Resolutions put to a vote shall be decided by show of hands unless a member demands voting by secret ballot.
7. A meeting of the Board shall be convened at any time, if required, by the President or on request in writing by a member of the Board.
8. The Secretary, who will also function as a Member-Secretary of the Board, shall maintain the minutes of the meeting. He shall present the minutes to the subsequent meeting of the Board for confirmation.
b) Annual General Meeting
1. An Annual General Meeting (AGM) shall be held comprising of registered members of HDSB. The AGM shall be the supreme authority on policies, programs and activities of HDSB. It shall guide and direct the Board of Directors on regular activities and approve new activities.
2. An AGM shall be held at a date and venue to be decided by the Board.
3. The Member-Secretary shall inform all the members in writing on date, time and venue of the AGM one month in advance.
4. A simple majority of members present shall form the quorum of AGM.
5. The AGM shall be presided over by the Chairperson or by Vice-Chairperson in the absence of the former.
6. The decisions in AGM shall be taken in the same manner as in the Board as indicated in points 7a.5 and 7a.6 above.
7. The Executive Director (ED) shall present an annual report on the activities and expenditures of HDSB to AGM for approval.
8. The ED shall seek guidance and approval of AGM on a program of work and budget for the ensuing financial year and on any other matter of importance.
9. The AGM shall appoint the members of the Board of Directors and auditors.
10. The Member-Secretary shall maintain and circulate the minutes of AGM to all members and present them for ratification in the subsequent AGM.
Article 8:Functions and Power of Board of Directors
1. Manage, invest and use of any movable or immovable property donated or transferred to HDSB as per this Article of Association and ROA.
2. Review reports and financial statements from the Executive Director covering the progress of activities.
3. Implement proposed activities to be undertaken in furthering the HDSB objectives and goals.
4. Propose any resolution or amendment of the provisions of this Article of Association for approval by AGM.
5. Approve employment of staff as and when necessary.
6. Approve all expenditures.
7. Recommend membership of a Hindu Pundit in Choedey Lhentshog for approval by AGM.
8. Advise Choedey Lhentshog on religious issues of significance and submit reports to it, as required.
Article 9: Tenure of Board Members
1. The tenure of membership in the Board shall be for three years. In the event that no confidence motion is tabled and supported by a simple majority of the members present and voting, such members shall be replaced by fresh elections.
2. A member may resign by giving a written notice to the Chairman of the Board.
3. All members can contest for re-election for another term.
Article 10: General Provisions
1. The financial year shall commence on 1st July and end on 30th June.
2. The accounts shall be audited by the Royal Audit Authority.
Article 11: Code of Ethics and Conduct
1. The members of the Board of Directors shall abide by and conduct themselves within the relevant provisions of ROA.
2. They shall maintain the highest principles and moral values in discharging their functions and responsibilities.
3. They shall not engage in any unlawful or corrupt practices.
4. They shall always work in the interest of the HDSB and the Bhutanese society at large.
5. They shall not undermine the national interest of Bhutan.
Article 12: HDSB Fund
1. The HDSB shall maintain and operate a fund to finance its activities
2. It shall mobilize financial resources through membership fees, return. |
