So far the money transferred from Calcutta to Bombay, as much money as can be arranged from the Building Fund can be immediately returned to Calcutta. But I think there is only roundabout Rs. 10,000 in the Building Fund in Bombay, although there are two Building Fund accounts here and I do not know how much is there in the other Building Fund account. Most of the money collected in India has been deposited in my Bhaktivedanta Book Trust fund for printing and purchasing books for distribution in India. Actually, our main business in this country shall be to distribute our books profusely. Mayapur, Vrindaban, these temples shall be utilized for the most part by foreigners. So far the work in India of spreading Krsna consciousness, there are already millions of temples, so what shall our two more temples accomplish for spreading Krsna consciousness? They are meant for the foreigners and big life members. But our emphasis for preaching work will be on these books. Just as I introduced this life membership program based entirely on books, so you and other leaders here in India meet together or correspond frequently to devise more and more methods for introducing our literatures to the Indian public. That is the most important business.
Deposit (Letters 1973 - 1977)
Correspondence
1973 Correspondence
A few days back Rsi Kumar has come to see me from South Africa and he has handed over to me the sum of $700 in cash. This amount was reserved to pay you for the book sales for December month for South Africa, and it was to be deposited in the BBF there with you. Instead I requested him to give to me here and I am depositing in my BBF here in India. So kindly credit this amount to Rsi Kumar and debit his bill for the amount of $700.
Regarding the purchasing of the apartment, if it is difficulty, then I request you to deposit the Rs. 30,000/- in the bank, Book Trust a/c.. It must be deposited as a fixed deposit. (at least for six months)
I am anxious to hear from you, what are the activities there in Bombay. Did you try for the land, Grand Pardi at Kemps Corner? I look forward to receiving your reply..
I beg to acknowledge receipt of your letter dated April 23, 1973 and have noted the contents. In your Zurich head office the manager told me there would no charges for depositing checks. So there is no difficulty to send you Cashier's Check, but there cannot be any charges. Also, my account is in U.S. $ and not Swiss Francs.
If you can confirm to me that there will be no charge for depositing, then I can send you checks. So please tell me what to do.
So I am very much anxious to hear the reports of these transactions. So at least once in a week, you send me a report with all the details.
I left some money with Manasvi for depositing in my personal account. Please let me know if it has been done.
You have not written anything about purchasing apartment in Juhu for Rs. 30,000/-. If there is no possibility for purchasing, then immediately deposit the money in the bank.
I think by the grace of Krsna you are getting some glimpse of hope to keep in possession the Hare Krsna land for our missionary activities. The laurel of victory will be if we can get the whole land at a monthly rent of 1000rs, as you have stated. To pay 1000rs rent per month means to keep a fixed deposit in the bank about 1 lac 70,000 and the bank pays 7 1/2% interest per anum and if we keep some fixed deposit in a private fund like Mafatlal or Birla at 12% then we have to deposit say a little more than 1 lac of rs. If we can construct a temple and building without permission of the landlord that will be our greatest triumph. If such a law is inaugurated then it is to be supposed that it is Krsna's plan.
The deposit money of Rs. 700/. with the other Shebait has not yet been settled up. We shall file a petition to the rent controller court and fix up a standard rent for all the four rooms up and down. And the rent which will be fixed up for the upper two rooms, we will adjust for one years rent from the Rs. 700/. with interest. When you file the petition we shall bring in all the Shebaits names. In this way we have to deal with these men.
I am already paying Rs 10/ per month and there is deposit of Rs. 700/. with one of the Shebait. Now all of you together fix up the legal rent after adjusting the deposit money with interest for the last seven years. If we settle up the pending matter amongst ourselves, we save so much legal expenditure, otherwise I will advise Sriman Gurudasa to take the help of the rent court, at your expense.
Please let me know how much you have deposited in the BBT account since you have taken a loan of 1 lac 50,000 on the Mayapur scheme. I have advised Gargamuni Maharaja to deposit part of his collection to the BBT account against the loan. The BBT is in the Gwalior Tank Road Branch, Central Bank of India, but Gargamuni Maharaja says you have opened another account in the Indian Overseas Marine Lines. Please let me know what is this idea? I never knew of it. Your early reply will be much appreciated.
P.S. If you have received 3 checks for deposit in my a/c.
Regarding deposits in my bank account, yes, in the future you may make deposits in account number 366 8 80613. In the meantime, I am sending a letter to the Bank of America authorizing them to transfer $700.00 from my checking account to my investment account.
Enclosed please find three checks. Please deposit them in my Bank of America Account no 366/8-80613, and send me duplicate receipt.
Regarding account number 9-381, International Society for Krishna Consciousness, Building Fund.
I wish to send some money on account of building fund, as soon as you receive it you have to transfer it for fixed deposit account for 6 months. Please send me the necessary papers for our joint signatures.
The purpose of dispatching this money is for construction of temples in India.
Previously I heard that Giriraja had opened another Book fund account in the Overseas Bank. Is this correct? If so what is the balance amount there, that I also want to know, and who is jointly signing checks in the Overseas Bank. If there is any such account please immediately transfer to the Central Bank of India Building Fund Account and let me know all these points in detail, this is absolutely necessary. Whatever amount you have collected, that also deposit in this account. But the main point is whether any negotiations or settlement. I am prepared to send the balance of 9 Lacs, but I do not wish to block this amount without definite understanding. Kindly reply this letter immediately.
I beg to acknowledge receipt of your letter dated 22 July 1973 and herewith please find another two checks. 11-66/1210 No. 143 for $100.00 and 24-191/1230 No. 298 for $150.00 which you please deposit in my investment account No. 8-80613 Bank Branch 366.
Regarding the book transaction with the company Routledge & Kegan Paul Ltd. I see that you have already some correspondence with them. On the whole I see that the agreement is not good. So you can do the needful in this connection.
I beg to acknowledge receipt of your letter date August 11, 1973 and the duplicate deposit slips.
I herewith send you three more checks;
1,111.00
300.00
108.00
1,519.00 US DOLLARS
all of them may be deposited in my investment account No. 8-80613 Bank of America 366.
I beg to acknowledge receipt of your letter dated 16th August 1973. So the Hyderabad situation should be cautiously dealt with and Mr. Pittie should be consulted. When the final agreement is made send me a copy and if I approve then I shall send you the power of attorney.
Herewith please find fixed deposit certificate xerox copy for 143,727.78 which is equal to 10 Lakhs Rs/., now deposited with First National City Bank in the name of ISKCON on the 20th August 1973. So you can utilize this xerox certificate that we have money. I will send you further certificate of deposit in the bank for 161,000.00 equivalent to 12 Lakhs Rs/. So I think Mr. Vakhil will be convinced about our financial position and we have got 50 branches in the U.S. alone, so if required we can raise immediately 50 Lakhs Rs/. but we do not wish to block the money unnecessarily especially in India. So at any moment 12 Lakhs Rs/. can be paid to Mrs. Nair without any difficulty.
Enclosed please find one check for 18.38 dollars U.S. Please deposit this check in my investment account at the Bank of America, Culver City branch. Thank you very much.
I beg to acknowledge receipt of your letter and enclosed bank slip for 250.00 dollars but I have not as yet received the bank slip of another 1,400.00 dollars, I hope you have already deposited the same. I am expecting the receipt voucher at any moment.
Regarding initiation of the new devotees, I am sending herewith the names against each of them, the beads may be chanted upon by you and delivered by regular ritualistic ceremony. For second initiation find herewith the sacred threads duly chanted by me and you do the rest work.
That you have to arrange and on hearing from you I shall advise you. .
Herewith please find a check for Dollars 111.11 which please deposit in my investment a/c. So far my going back to L.A. is concerned, it was my plan to go there by October 10, but I don't think the negotiations with Mrs. Nair will be completed before October 27, therefore I want to go back to Los Angeles after completing this transaction.
Now the Western people have to take the leadership of spreading Vedic culture all over the world. I have given the initiation, but the rest of the work will depend on you young men and women of America. Kindly organize things in that spirit and be blessed by Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu and through Him by Lord Krsna.
Herewith also find a letter to the devotees of Los Angeles who have deposited a sum of Dollars 256.53 in my checking a/c.
My deposit certificate will mature by Nov. 23rd but I want to continue it for another month, and I shall take the payment when I return to the U.S.A. So I shall have to write to them or you shall arrange for it? If I have to write, then I shall send you a copy of the letter to your Hawaii address.
I beg to acknowledge receipt of your letter dated 5/10/73 and have noted the contents. I have also received the enclosed duplicate deposit slip for $125.89. Also find herewith checks Nos. _ for deposit.
Regarding the Krsna books being transferred, yes for the time being you may hold it. As we are getting money from the U.S.A. it may not be required, but keep it ready and I shall let you know later on.
N.B. I am enclosing herewith two checks, #482 for $200.00 and #148844 for $10.00. Please deposit them in my investment account.
You can deposit daksina in my American Investment Account Bank Of America Branch #366, Culver City Account Number 8-80613.
I am enclosing a check for $15.00 No. 175639 drawn on Banker's Trust Co. U.S.A. by the Commercial Bank of Australia, Melbourne. Please deposit it in my investment account. Also enclosed is one slip which needs to be given at the Bank of America Culver City Branch, AttN; Marie.
I am glad to learn that you are preaching nicely. It is very important business. Unless our men understand thoroughly the philosophy, how will they be able to preach? After fencing, you can make one big electric light post to illuminate the temple ground. So you replace my Rs. 30,000/- personal deposit, and when you've done it, please let me know.
I have just received a note from the Punjab National Bank, a copy of which is enclosed. The thing is I sent Rs. 676 to my account in Vrindaban at the Punjab National Bank. They have acknowledged receipt but they say my account is closed. Now, last year when I was in India I closed one account and opened another with a deposit of Rs. 2,000. So why do they say my account is closed? My account book is not with me so I cannot give you the details but you kindly inquire there what is the position.
Whether or not the Rs. 30,000 has been repaid to my fixed deposit account from the money I advanced for purchasing our Juhu Beach property? It was supposed to be repaid before my coming back but I do not know if it has been done. Yes you keep the Rs. 2 lakhs reserved for purchasing the Mahatma Gandhi building. One thing is the Rs. 65,000 from the BBT savings account actually belongs to the Mayapur-Vrindaban Trust. This I have discussed fully with Giriraja and Karandhara and Giriraja will explain what is to be done in this connection henceforward. Whatever has been done in the past we shall not try to make up for but I want that now this Mayapur-Vrindaban Trust money to be very carefully managed and deposited into a separate bank account and not be spent under any circumstances without my direct order. Giriraja will explain the details to you in full. Regarding the Mahatma Gandhi building, the price is fixed up at 3 lakhs to be shared into 5 divisions. 3 parties may be paid Rs. 60,000 apiece on the condition that they will take the money and immediately vacate. Then we shall make a trust over the property. When I was last there I discussed this matter with Mr. Chowdry the lawyer so keep ready the 2 lakhs for this transaction and when I return this will be squared up.
1974 Correspondence
The MV Trust is registered here and I am sending you a copy of the trust so that the bank will immediately open a MV Trust account. The signators will be three, namely you two maharajas and myself. Two signators out of three will be valid for drawing money. You deposit the balance Rs 27,000 in this account. I shall try to send more money as soon as I know the account is open and you can purchase land as much bighas as possible. But don't purchase more land than we can utilize. My only desire is that our temple must be a living temple by chanting Hare Krsna Mantra and distributing prasadam as well as distributing books to the intelligent class of men. This time we shall have the first part of Caitanya Caritamrta published 400 pages. I am working on Caitanya Caritamrta continually.
Now Krsna is sending you new devotees to help in India. Yasomatinandana is a good boy, now utilize him properly. We are planning that he can open a center in Surat and he will attract many Gujaratis. He is sincere, learned, enthusiastic and qualified. Keep him nicely engaged. He has left $7,000 with me for starting a center in Surat. This money I have deposited in the Mayapur-Vrindaban Fund and when I shall start a center in Surat I will draw from that fund. For our arriving devotees they should all be coming on student visas for learning Sanskrit and Hindi languages and thus they can stay for 3 years. I have arranged this with the Consulate General in New York for the student visas for our men. I think Giriraja has written to you by now and he knows of this arrangement. Yes, Mohanananda is a very intelligent worker, now work cooperatively with him. The only fear I have is that you may fight. Please do not. That will ruin everything we have done. If there is any misunderstandings which arise, as they will, settle them up. You are all qualified American boys, now push on this glorious mission without letting it be hampered by personal differences. I am glad to hear you have a nice secretary there in Aditya; now take care of sending the BTG out regularly. There are some complaints in this department. So make Bombay the center for distributing BTG to life members.
I have deposited $100,000 in the M-V Fund which is earning interest at Rs 5,500 per month. I want to utilize this for month after month for Vrindaban, and I do not want to break the original principle I have set up in this regard. I have arranged to send $100,000 for Vrindaban and another $100,000 has been deposited for the M-V Trust. When I come to India, we shall sit together, you, myself, Bhavananda Maharaja, Gargamuni Maharaja, Gurudasa, and do the needful.
Kindly note this and if you have received the money by this time kindly transfer rupees one lac (Rs 100,000.00) to the Punjab National Bank, Moti Bagh branch, New Delhi in favor of account number 230, Vrindaban Temple Construction Fund. The balance money may be kept in fixed deposit accounts for three months in the name of Vrindaban Temple Construction Fund, (ISKCON).
I beg to acknowledge receipt of your letter dated March 20, 1974. I have noted the contents and duly received receipts for money deposited in the Union Bank.
I understand three checks totalling $1,278.21 are sent for collection to various countries and you will notify me when these are credited to my account at the Union Bank.
In your letter you made no reference to my letter of March 15 to you, and I am therefore enclosing a copy of same. Please let me hear from you on this. I want arrangement that the money from my interest of the Certified Deposit arrive at the Punjab National Bank three days after remittance by the bank in the U.S. If the Union Bank cannot arrange this I want you to inquire to see if the Security Pacific Bank is able to do it, as stated in my letter of March 15.
All such educational instructions are there in the Gita. We simply have to follow them rigidly and the whole human society will be benefited in this life and the next. I know you have ideas and full faith in Krsna and in me and also you have an opportunity to associate with some important persons. So I think you should think over day and night all these proposals. Let us do something which will bring a peaceful revolution to the whole human society. I am sure I have good assistants like you and if you all cooperate with me I am sure of success. So far you are personally concerned, I repeat, if the business in which you have spent so much time is actually profitable, then stick to it and do the needful. Otherwise, I request you to reture and devote your own work in Krsna Conscious activities. I am glad you are now ready to return the money. You can deposit in Lloyds Bank, Southampton Row Branch number 30-97-81 in London in my account 8006334.
Regarding the fixed deposit ISKCON Vrindaban Temple Construction Fund, receipt RNPIK 270090 for Rs 743,879.80 (Rupees seven hundred and forty three thousand, eight hundred and seventy nine, eighty paise only), due on May 2, 1974. This receipt is kept with your New Delhi Moti Bagh branch, in the custody of the bank. Now on maturation of this fixed deposit receipt the amount should be dispersed as follows:
1) RS 100,000.00 (Rupees one hundred thousand only) be transferred to ISKCON Vrindaban Temple Construction Fund account number 3876 with your Moti Bagh, New Delhi Branch.
2) Rs 143,879.80 (Rupees one hundred forty three thousand, eight hundred and seventy nine, eighty paise only) plus the accrued interest be deposited in the ISKCON Mayapur-Vrindaban current account number 668 with your Vrindaban branch.
3) The balance Rs 500,000.00 (Rupees five hundred thousand only) be again fixed deposited for three months. So kindly acknowledge receipt of this letter and let me know you have done the needful.
I beg to acknowledge your letter of April 29, 1974 with copy of the $50,000 check. I have also received a telegram from you today reading "Money traced to Central Bank of India Madurai 1 Tamil Nadu South PO Box 8 Second cable sent to transfer funds to Bombay Gowali Branch". Now Giriraja reports that the check has finally been deposited in the Gowalia Tank Branch.
I have also seen your reports of BBT loans to temples for various projects in the upcoming months. Regarding using New Vrindaban land for building for the older Gurukula boys it is a very good idea. As for the younger children it may be better to keep them in Dallas. But there are only 100 of them; whether they actually need new buildings in Dallas? This is to be investigated and decided upon by the GBC.
Enclosed herewith find one copy of the letter dated 8 April, 1974 addressed to your Vrindaban branch. They have sent one telegram reading as follows: "Refer Letter Dated 8/4. Ask Motibagh Office To Send Fixed Deposit Receipt No 270090 To Us—Punjab National Bank"
With further reference to my letter dated April 8th, and your reply of April 15, I beg to request you to transfer 3 lacs (Rs 300,000.00) to your Punjab National Bank, Moti Bagh, New Delhi account Iskcon Vrindaban Temple Construction Fund account number 3867 in place of the one lac (Rs 100,000.00) previously said. Therefore the fixed deposit amount will be 3 lacs (Rs 300,000.00) instead of five lacs (500,000.00). Thanking you for your reliable service.
As for the needs for construction over the next three months, one lac has been transferred to Delhi to the Vrindaban Temple Construction Fund and one lac is deposited in the Trust Fund; that makes two lacs. Plus, Birla will contribute Rs 50,000 per month. I am advising the Vrindaban Punjab National Bank to transfer to Delhi Vrindaban Temple Construction Fund a total of three lacs, see the enclosed letter to the bank. So I think this will solve your immediate construction needs for some time.
Regarding the apartments, how is the rent being collected and where is it being deposited?
Locana das may deposit his contributions with the Mayapur Vrindaban fund for going to the Krsna Balarama temple. Kindly advise the Union Bank to send the monthly interest to ISKCON Mayapur Vrindaban Trust Fund. I still don't know how many installments they have sent or how quickly they are getting the money to the Punjab National Bank in Vrindaban.
So the first telegram was replied by me and a copy of the letter is sent here. I have not replied to the second telegram. But according to the first telegram he was to repay the money, as he asked where he should deposit the money. But the second telegram showed he failed to acquire the money. Now he promises he will not return to London unless Hamsaduta goes away. How can I ask Hamsaduta to go away when he has improved the situation? From Puranjana's letter, Hamsaduta is ready to pay back the dues owed to the landlord at Bury Place. Under the circumstances, Hamsaduta must continue to act as GBC until Syamasundara settles up all monetary dues to the society and others.
As you say you have on hand a check for $41,880.83, I request you deposit that in the Mayapur Vrindaban Trust Fund. The last time I was in Hawaii I established an account in this name in one Honolulu Bank. You will find a Savings Deposit slip enclosed. You can just fill in the exact amount and deposit it with the main branch of the Liberty Bank in Honolulu account 35785, in the name of Mayapur Vrindaban Trust Fund. As for the $150 you will be receiving each month for the next five years, I think that will be sufficient tuition for your two children at Gurukula, and that will oblige your debt to Gurukula. As for Sudama Maharaja, it is better that he write to me separately; I will send him money from here for his projects.
Locana das may deposit his contributions with the Mayapur Vrindaban fund which will also go for the Krsna Balarama temple as is his desire. I am still not aware how fast the remittance is going from the Union Bank to the Punjab National Bank in Vrindaban. For example I have not received a report on when the interest for April, due payable April 10, actually reached Vrindaban. I have written the Punjab National Bank about this and am awaiting their report.
P.S. I want the monthly interest from the Union Bank to go to account 668 at the Punjab National Bank, Vrindaban, called "ISKCON Mayapur-Vrindaban Trust Fund". At present they are sending the interest to the account number 6112. "A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami". So please go to the Union Bank and find out how this change may be brought about and let me know.
Also I am enclosing a check for $21.00 (twenty one dollars) which I have received here. I want you to deposit this for me in the Union Bank, ISKCON MVT, and the savings deposit slip is enclosed.
"I have received one letter from Jagadisa Prabhu who has been told by Tamala Krishna das Goswami Maharaja and Ramesvara Prabhu that recently more than one million dollars in funds from BBT, MVT and other contributors have been transferred into your personal accounts and that only yourself is in knowledge of the exact details of deposits and withdrawls."
"I have just received one letter from Jagadisa Prabhu who has been told by Tamala Krishna das Goswami Maharaja and Ramesvara Prabhu that recently more than one million dollars in funds from BBT, MVT and other contributors have been transferred into your personal accounts and that only yourself is in knowledge of the exact details of deposits and withdrawals."
It is good news that you have so sufficiently taken possession of the 40 acres of land there in our society name, under control of Gaurasundara. Now you require $5000.00 to cover expansion for cows, farming and unpaid debts of Gaurasundara. As for the devotee, Bhavatarini Devi, who is there, she has asked me what to do with her large inheritance of $41,000.00. I have asked her to deposit it in our Mayapur-Vrndavana Trust Fund which we have at the Liberty Bank in Honolulu. Now you can withdrawal $5000.00 required by you from this balance by the Mayapur-Vrndavana Trust at the Liberty Bank. The account number is 35785.* I am enclosing one withdrawal slip authorizing you to make the above withdrawal.
Regarding the $10,000 you are receiving shortly from your lawyer. Yes, you may keep $1,000 for the local expenses you have mentioned, and the balance $9,000 may be sent to my Mayapur Vrindaban fund which you can submit by mailing to Jayatirtha with instructions it be deposited in ISKCON Mayapur-Vrindaban fund. Thank you very much for this help in our projects to make beautiful temples in India for all of my foreign students.
I have heard very wonderful reports of the sankirtana being conducted by Gurukrpa Maharaja and yourself in Tokyo, and I am directing Jayatirtha to credit the Mayapur-Vrindaban fund for whatever amounts you deposit in Japan with Dai Nippon.
Regarding the two twenty dollar checks that you had sent previously. It has not been recorded because of the change of secretaries. I suggest that you contact your bank whether or not the checks have been deposited and you can inform me.
So I am confident that you are an experienced manager, so do the needful and somehow or other secure that Hawaii house.
What about the property income? Has the quarterly income been deposited in the Fund. I am anxious to know.
I am in due receipt of your letter dated September 9, 1974 with enclosed deposit slip. Regarding the collections of Gurukrpa Swami I have instructed to Ramesvara that the entire amount should be transferred to the Bombay American Express account. Ramesvara has written that he has sent only a portion of the collection.
We the undersigned, A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami, Brahmananda Swami and Gurudas Adhikary, put the following documents in the Safty Deposit Locker No. 196 of Syindicate Bank, Vrindaban.
The following is the list of documents:
1. Letter from Saraf Trust dated February 6, 1974
2. Registered Deed Vrindaban plot of six pages along with plot one page.
3. Letter from Gitabhai Saraf dated March 12, 1972.
4. Fixed deposit receipt in favor of ISKCON Mayapur-Vrindaban Trust for Rs. 1,60,000/- (rupees one lack sixty thousand.) Date of maturity 10-9-1979.
5. Fixed deposit receipt in favor of A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami for Rs. 11,000/- (rupees eleven thousand only). Date of maturity March 14, 1976.
I am in do receipt of your registered letter dated October 7, 1974 with enclosed true copy of gift deed and CBI receipt for the fixed deposit certificates. Srila Prabhupad would like to know what is the balance of the Central a/c in American Express Bank. We are expecting that shortly L.A. is to transfer Dollars 40,000.00 in that account, and this money should be kept there until you receive the balance pf that account to date.
Srila Prabhupad had also given to you for deposit into his personal account in CBI Gowlia Tank Branch Dollars 2,000.00; Dollars 1,000 from Tejiyas and Dollars 1,000 from himself; so please report on this. You can send the deposit receipt from the Bank.
Do not send Jashomatinandana to Punjab. He should remain in Bamcay and work there.
Enclosed is the letter to CBI regarding the extended Fixed Deposit.
I hope this letter meets you in good health. Jayatirtha was to inform you to send five copies of each book to Calcutta, Gargamuni Swami, to fulfill the Embassy Order gotten by Vrindaban De.
Regarding not being able to make any more loans from BBT, I think if necessary we can borrow from the bank using the fixed deposits as security. So long as the loans are not paid back to the bank we shall assure that we shall not withdraw the fixed deposits. These properties should be purchased in the name of BBT, and when the local center repays the loan, then the name can be transferred. Now you have loaned Madhudvisa Dollars 133,505.50. How will he repay? What are the terms for repayment? In France they are wanting to borrow Dollars 120,000.00. Can you arrange for this loan in January, 1975? I understand that Spiritual Sky is not able to repay its loan now. This rule must be strictly followed that 50% paid for printing and 50% paid for property and building loans.
In the meantime please go and see the Manager of Punjab National Bank, Vrindaban with the enclosed two letters and take replies. I also want to know how many Fixed Deposit Receipts are in their custody. Give me all the numbers and amounts. They should keep the certificates but you should mail me the particulars.
At the meeting of the members of the Bureau of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness held at their Head Office at the Hare Krishna Land, Juhu, Bombay on the 19th November, 1974, the following resolved:
1. That the Savings Account No. 1123 be enclosed and that the current balance be deposited in the Current Account to be opened.
I am in due receipt of your letters dated October 25 and November 9, 1974 with enclosed receipts from the bank. The business card of Mr. Thomas Orr was not enclosed however. I have also received your cable reading as follows: 13,000 DOLLARS GIVEN BY GURU-KRPA TO ME IN JAPAN LAST MONTH DEPOSITED IN BANK OF AMERICA SAVINGS ACCOUNT NOT TRANSFERRED TO INDIA REFER MY LETTER OCTOBER 25 -JAYATIRTHA.
Regarding the New York temple's books, they should be charged the regular temple price for all literature. When purchasing their house, if they require money, then the BBT will give.
It is understood from a telegram from Jayatirtha that Gurukrpa's Dollars 13,000.00 was not sent to India as you say but deposited in the Savings Account. So let it remain there.
Or there is no need of keeping a separate BBT account. The BBT is here in India. That BBT may or may not keep an office in Japan where the majority of the books are printed. The printer ships the books to, say, ISKCON LA, who can warehouse and distribute to other ISKCON centers. BBT India issues the advice what amount ISKCON LA has to pay the printer. And ISKCON LA pays 50% directly to the printer for goods received and 50% may be deposited in the ISKCON Mayapur Vrindaban Fund, to be used for temple construction or purchasing property. In this way there is no need of keeping any separate BBT account which may be taxable. And, ISKCON LA acts as the appointed agent of BBT India. So, if ISKCON LA goes into liquidation, BBT India will not be affected. If the agent goes into liquidation, does it mean that the supplier must also go into liquidation? So ISKCON LA receives goods and pays according to advice received from BBT India.
I have received your latest receipt from Bank of America dated 15, November, 1974 confirming $4235.43 that was sent to the Punjab National Bank in New Delhi. But I have not received as of yet any statement from them, indicating that the money has come. I have written them for that statement. Gurukrpa has deposited $63,752.54 to Dai Nippon under Credit note no. 134, dated December 19, 1974. Kindly animate this amount to Bank of America, International Society for Krishna Consciousness, Mayapur-Vrndavana Fund, account no. 16026 in Bombay.
1975 Correspondence
The interest rate here in the west is very low now, so I am thinking very seriously to invest about 410,000 dollars (approximately 32 lakhs rupees). I want to know immediately what kind of monthly interest I would receive if I was to put this amount in a fixed deposit for five years. Check with the big banks and find out what the highest interest rate would be. You can check with many of the big banks such as First National Bank, Punjab National, Central, Bank of India, State Bank of India, etc. Please see to this matter immediately without any delay and let me know by return post to New York Temple.
I have today advised the Bank of America, Los Angeles branch to transfer the whole amount of the two fixed deposits to their Bombay branch, account number 16026, in favor of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (Mayapur Vrndavana Fund).
Re: Time fixed deposits for 257,356.09 dollars and 110,000.00 dollars respectively, due to be matured by the first week of March with interest.
With reference to the above, I beg to inform you that on maturity of the above time fixed deposit, you can transfer the whole amount to your Bombay branch, account number 16026, in favor of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (Mayapur vrindavan Fund).
Re: A/c No. 668 Vrindaban Construction Fund Fixed Deposit for Rs. 3,14,557.36 Date of Maturity 21/6/75
Regarding the above mentioned C.D. which matured on June 21, 1975, out of this 1 lakh of Rupees may be kept with you, and the balance should be renewed for Fixed Deposit for 3 (three) months.
The 1 lakh of Rupees may be kept in your custody, and you issue a letter of credit in favor of Sri Chanshyam das Agarawal of Murzaffar Nagar stating that on completion of the negotiation of selling his land to Mayapur-Vrindaban Trust he will get up to 1 lakh of Rupees when the conveyance deed is registered before the Registrar.
Enclosed find a copy of my letter to Bank of America, Bombay. Please take this copy to the Manager and see whether they have made the Fixed Deposit in the name of Bhaktivedanta Book Trust.
Also send me a report of the Bombay affairs. You should send reports regularly. Copies of your letters may be sent to Los Angeles and New York during the next thirty days as I will be touring.
I also request you to send me an account statement of Bank of America A/c No. 16026 International Society for Krishna Consciousness.
Please place the entire amount on a Fixed Deposit for six months in the name of Bhaktivedanta Book Trust. The Fixed Deposit receipt may be kept with you, and when I return to Bombay I shall collect it from you.
I am in due receipt of your letter dated July 15, 1975 with enclosures redirected to from various places. I am enclosing herewith a check for Dollars 50,000.00 from Bank of America in favor of ISKCON, so you can deposit in your account. It is good that you are contacting interested persons who want to donate. Bhogilal Patel is a perfect gentleman. He has got money and also heart. His son is also good. Yes, get the tax exemption, and they can donate to us each year regularly. It costs them nothing and we get money.
You are GBC so you must stop all this from going on. The best procedure is that the Treasurer takes all money collected and immediately writes it in the book and then daily deposits everything in the bank. None of the collection should be used for spending. All expenditures should be done by check as far as possible. Check means two signatures, so in this way this nonsense will be stopped. Please see that all temples are following this system. These report are very much disturbing to me. How can I translate?
Also I want that all centers follow the following procedure for handling the money. Whatever income is there, every cent must be given to the treasurer. Immediately he records it in the book. Then daily he deposits everything in the bank. For the expenditures, he withdraws from the bank the petty cash by check signed by himself and the President. Then the expenditures are checked by the President to see how the money is being spent. The important thing is that all monies must be given to the treasurer and he records it and every day deposits everything in the bank. And whatever is spent that also is withdrawn from the bank. This will stop the embezzling that is going on. Please arrange for this and inform me.
I am in due receipt of the September BBt Trustees report with enclosed report of Mayapur-Vrindaban Fund, Bank of America account number 6004-07143, for the months of July, August, and September 1975.
I have noted that in July there were so many deposits. Why in August, September there were not so many deposits? Please explain.
I am in due receipt of your letter dated November 12, 1975 with enclosed photographs and also your letter of November 8th. I note that starting December 15th there will be a monthly deposit in the amount of $1,900 in the Mayapur-Vrndavana fund account. You have got a good business brain and you worship the Deity very nicely. Therefore I like you.
With reference to our conversation regarding opening a branch in our temple. The amount of 5 laks of Rs. to be deposited is already secured. As soon as you open the branch your Bombay head office will immediately transfer the money. The other bank was very much eager to open a branch in our temple, but because our negotiations with you were already completed we did not accept. I hope by this time you have your sanction from the head office and do the needful as soon as possible.
In the meantime I have written one letter to the Punjab National Bank, the copy of which will speak for itself is sent herewith. Please induce them to open the branch as soon as possible. The money is ready for being deposited.
1976 Correspondence
Now work is proceedingly full scale here on the new residential building and in Bombay work is beginning under the guidance of Larson and Tubrow. So Rs. 7 Lakhs will be required immediately this month for Bombay. In your BBT Trustees report you say that $200,000. has been put in fixed deposit for one month. That one month is now over so you can immediately transfer $100,000. to the Bombay Bank of America account. The balance can be put on fixed deposit for another month and transferred to B. of America Bombay in the beginning of March when it matures.
I beg to acknowledge receipt of two checks, one for U.S. $8,000.00 and the other for U.S. $4,000.00 from you and your brother. I thank you very much.
The monies will be deposited into our Bhaktivedanta Book Trust account for printing books. I am instructing our Los Angeles BBT headquarters to send half of all of the books printed to you and half to your brother. One full set of all of our books between you. They will send air freight prepaid.
I am in due receipt of your both letters dated 7th and 14th February, 1976. I am very glad to know you have gotten sanction for the branch office at our Krishna-Balarama Temple. I thank you very much for your appreciation. So far as going to Vrindaban, I am engaged here until 17th March. Therefore the earliest that I can reach there by the 18th to 20th March, 1976, if you think you can wait up to that date. But if your order is to open immediately, I have no objection. I have all my blessings upon you all and you can do that. In case you open the branch earlier then let me know the exact date. On or before that time I shall dispatch five (5) laks of rupees as desired by you. But if you think you can wait until my arrival by the 18th to 20th March, then I shall personally deposit the money on that date while opening the ceremony.
I have recently thought of a scheme to increase funds in our BBT account. I would like to send Indian goods to you for sales to the devotees and others. In the beginning I can have cloth sent, especially saris. So many others are doing it successfully, we can also be successful. I will have the papers sent through Lloyd's bank as I have an account with them in London. So you can find out the Lloyd's branch there. You can deposit all monies received from sales of the saris in the Lloyd's Bank. You may also keep a percentage of the sales for yourself. Please advise me if you are able to execute.
I have recently thought of a scheme to increase funds in our BBT account. I would like to send Indian goods to you for sales to the devotees and others. In the beginning I can have cloth sent, especially saris. So many others are doing it successfully, we also can be successful. I will have the papers sent through my personal account in Lloyd's Bank and you can deposit all monies received from sales of the saris in my account. You may also keep a percentage of the sales for the London temple. Please advise my secretary if you are able to execute.
The check for rs. 89,433.44, Check no. 6206 83679, of Bank of America, Bombay, is marked A/C Payee only. So how it can be deposited in my personal account? If necessary you must start an account at my bank, the Central Bank of India, 10, Camac Street, Calcutta-17, which is just near the temple. You can deposit the check in this account in your personal name, Gregory M. Gottfried, and give a formal notice to the bank in writing that when the funds are realized (when the check is cleared), the entire amount should be transferred into my account number 831, in favor of A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami. This account is with the same branch of the Central Bank on Camac St. Thank you very much.
Concerning the fixed deposit with the bank, we must know what is the minimum amount that they would consider, then we can decide on the matter.
Concerning the festivals, it is a very good idea to have festivals on the major celebrations, at least 4-5 each year.
Concerning the request for another vehicle for preaching, you mentioned the cost of $9,500, Ramesvara Maharaja has informed me that Gargamuni Swami still owes $13,000 or so from when he was in America to the BBT. Ramesvara Maharaja has proposed that Gargamuni Swami purchase the vehicle and then Ramesvara could deduct this amount from Gargamuni's debt with BBT.
I have noted how the Block Development Officer was favorable inclined. So the officials are in favor.
Concerning Prabhu Svarupa das of Haridasa-pur, he is a good man so utilize him.
Concerning the deposit slips which you are holding for me, where were these deposits made? And how many deposits were made? What is the amounts? You can hold these deposit slips for me until I ask for them.
So you are using that newsclipping from Melbourne. Actually it is a fact. The United Nations is barking like dogs, what have they done? Any sane man can understand that after 30 years they are simply barking.
Enclosed please find one check for $2,000.00 (two thousand dollars), check # 1959, from Iskcon, New Vrindaban, account with The Bank of McMechen, McMechen, W. Virginia. this check is to be immediately deposited in the ISKCON MAYAPUR VRINDABAN a/c # 4-07143, at the Bank of America in Los Angeles (office no. 600). Please do the needful and send me the receipt to the New York address. Thank you very much.
I am enclosing one bank draft for amount of U.S. $2190.00 (two-thousand one-hundred and ninety) for deposit in the Mayapur-Vrindaban account ("ISKCON Mayapur-Vrindaban Fund a/c #6004-07143) at the Bank of America, 600. Please deposit this and send me receipt to the New York address.
Please find enclosed one bank draft 1-8/210, 4 (number 262) for the amount of U.S. dollars 1,737.00 (one thousand seven hundred and thirty seven). This is for deposit in the Bank of America on favor of ISKCON Mayapur-Vrindaban Fund a/c no. 6004-07143. Kindly send me the deposit slip when the transaction is completed.
I herewith enclose three cheques for deposit in the Bank of America, ISKCON Mayapur-Vrindaban Fund, a/c # 6004-07143, in Los Angeles. The details are as follows:
Bank Check # Amount
Citibank, New York (1-8/214)4, (#293) $3,987.50
Manufacturers Hanover Trust Co. 1-30/210, (#130) 50.00
Empire National Bank, Hopewell
Junction, New York 50-165/213 (#193) 101.00
—————
TOTAL $4,138.50
Please deposit the sum of $4,138.50 (Four thousand one hundred and thirty eight dollars and fifty cents) in the above mentioned account and send the deposit slip to me by post.
Please find enclosed one bank draft #672 from Provident National Bank on account 588 587 6 for the amount of #382.43 (US$ three hundred eighty-two and forty-three cents). This is for deposit in the Bank of America, Los Angeles, in favor of ISKCON Mayapur-Vrindaban Fund a/c no. 6004-07143. Kindly send me the deposit slip when the transaction is completed.
I am in due receipt of your letter, with enclosed daksina, dated August 7, 1976. Whatever contribution you have, you may deposit in the Bank of America, Los Angeles Branch, a/c no. 6004-7143 (ISKCON Mayapur-Vrindaban Fund). Please also send me the deposit slip. That would be very nice.
I am in due receipt of your letter dated August 2, 1976 and have noted the contents with pleasure. Your idea of opening up an account, depositing in it, and sending me the monthly statements is very nice. I approve of your idea cent per cent. You have voluntarily put yourself under my control. Thank you very much.
Regarding the $30,000.00 which you will receive, you may deposit it in the Bank of America, Main Office, Los Angeles California, in the ISKCON Mayapur Vrndavana Fund. If you forward the amount to Ramesvara Maharaja there he will be able to deposit it for you.
Enclosed please find one check for $1,000.00 from ISKCON BBT Library and College Sales Dept. Kindly deposit this in the ISKCON Mayapur-Vrndavana Trust Fund in Bank of America, LA, and advise me. I hope this meets you in good health.
I am very much perturbed to hear you are suffering from maleria in Delhi. So don't be worried, you'll very soon recover, but I think it is a hindrance for you going to Europe. I therefore request you not to proceed to Europe immediately, but stay and recoup your health, and then we shall think over your going abroad. In the meantime deposit the money in my account at State Bank of India, Connaught Place. Tejiyas knows the bank and he will do the needful.
I am enclosing two letters to the Bank of America for renewing the fixed deposits, see that it is done and inform me what has been done about the receipt I left for renewal when I was there last. Also one letter to Ramakrishna Bajaj, do the needful.
Yes, it is a good plan to leave the money in my account until you need it. What is the use of keeping money unless thereis a need. It is also a good idea for you to fill in the position of GBC for South Africa until the Mayapur meeting. You are a fit man. I think you are the best experienced GBC. Yes, go to South Africa as soon as you get the opportunity to see that everything is going on there nicely.
Regarding my car, the present exchange rate is not proper. So, deposit the money from selling the car either in my account in Lloyd's Bank or Punjab National Bank. I shall pay here for purchasing a new car.
Yes, if there is no difficulty to finalize the fixed deposit later we can wait until I come to Bombay.
Regarding the Gita Pratisthan conference, will they pay for my going or not? Talk to Bajaj personally about it, his secretary is useless. When he returns speak to him. If they do not pay we will not take a sankirtana party. But, if we can transport in our own bus, then we can do.
Alex, who was just here, told me he has given you the money for my house as well as some for purchasing a bus. The house construction money can be sent to American Express International Banking Corporation in Calcutta. The account number is S/B a/c no. 5416. It is in the name Sri A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami (ISKCON). Please send one copy of the deposit notice to me.
I am advising Jayapataka to advance Rs. 10,000 to be added to your balance of Rs. 5,000. The Rs. 15,000 may be deposited in the bank in ISKCON's name. Jayapataka, Bhavananda and yourself can be the signers. Any two may sign on the cheques.
Your suggestion for paying back the loan is approved. You deposit in my account and whenever you require money I shall request the bank to transfer again. In this way keep regular accounts. Please find enclosed the original and duplicate copies of a letter of advice to the Punjab National Bank to transfer Rs. 46,500 into the Trust account. You may do the needful.
1977 Correspondence
It is alright that the road is called "Bhaktivedanta Swami Marg", there is no harm. But in your letter you have mentioned that in the letterhead it will be called "Bhaktivedanta Marg". Why you are leaving out the name "Swami"? Please do not commit this nonsense mistake.
Regarding the fixed deposit, the main point is that Punjab National Bank, must renew it from the date of maturity, March 15th, 1977.
| Page Title: | Deposit (Letters 1973 - 1977) |
| Compiler: | Visnu Murti, Mayapur |
| Created: | 15 of Feb, 2012 |
| Totals by Section: | BG=0, SB=0, CC=0, OB=0, Lec=0, Con=0, Let=101 |
| No. of Quotes: | 101 |