Proof of Position
BY: MAHAVIDYA DAS (ACBSP)
Feb 10, 2011 — UK (SUN) —
On the 8th January 2009, I received the following e-mail from Gauri das:
"Now that I have no position and don't represent anything, perhaps we could meet somewhere and talk about our past, where it went wrong and if there is anyway to salvage it."
However...
In 2011 Gauri das wrote the following:
"My name is Gauri das. I have been a full time and active member of ISKCON since 1983, and was president of the temple for a period between 2006 and 2008, I continue to be responsible for planning matters at Bhaktivedanta Manor" (emphasis is mine)
Document to planning inspectorate ref: APP?N1920/C/10/2136252
*(documentation attached)
The above statement raises great concern.
On July 1, 2008 the ISKCON Child Protection Office wrote the following:
"Based upon the evidence presented to the CPO panel, Gauri das is found to be responsible for inappropriate and excessive corporeal punishment, a behaviour contrary to ISKCON policy and Vaisnava behaviour. The following restrictions will be immediately implemented:
Gauri das may not serve in a position of leadership in ISKCON temples or projects for three years from the date of this decision. This includes positions such as temple officer, department head, Director, etc."
In 2009…
Gauri das's 2009 e-mail was forwarded to the local Bhaktivedanta Manor Child Protection Office.
I received the following reply:
15th January 2009
"Dear Mahavidya prabhu,
This is a little confusing. I don't think Gauri is saying in this e-mail that he is not employed at the temple, I think he is saying that he doesn't have a position of leadership at the temple which was the CPO ruling.
He is allowed to be employed but not in a leadership role. The role he has now is involved with planning issues, George Harrisons garden and the Gangotri campaign (which I think has just now ended?).
He does not have a leadership role in any of these services, nor is he a spokesperson for any of these things." (emphasis is mine)
We have known Gauri das to be involved in a position at Bhaktivedanta Manor since 2008.
Gauri das's involvement was noticed by a local newspaper reporter, who asked pointed questions to the Bhaktivedanta Manor President, Sruti dharma das (SRS):
"Sruti dharma das admitted that Gauri das was working on various projects in a part-time role at the temple but did not say what these projects were, how much was being paid or if they were temporary or permanent."
(Watford Observer)
We knew Gauri das was publicly representing ISKCON:
I had personally witnessed him on 3 separate occasions with planning officers at public meetings.
Gauri das also signed for, on ISKCON's behalf, a planning application dated 27/04/2009.
Planning ref: *Hertsmere borough council (TP/09/0641)
It should be noted that in Gauri das's position "of being responsible for planning matters at Bhaktivedanta Manor", Gauri das interfaces on behalf of ISKCON with politicians, both national and local.
Gauri das attends meetings wherein budgets of millions of £££s are discussed.
Contrary to the conditions imposed on Gauri das by the Child Protection Office,
all of this is carried out with the blessings of Bhaktivedanta Manor management and the knowledge of the GBC, Praghosa das.
This matter has been referred to both international and local Child Protection offices.
Both have assured me they will make the relevant enquires.
Appellant's Proof of Evidence – Planning Appeal
