BILLERICA, MA– Tej and Prem Tanden have donated 10 acres of land to build Om Hindu Community Center in Billerica, MA. When fully completed, the 25,000-square-foot OHCC is envisioned as the locus of social, educational and cultural epicenter for all in the community. It will be located at 240 Boston Road (Rte. 3A) in Billerica. The projected construction cost of the project is $3.6 million.World Hindu Council of America Inc., or Vishwa Hindu Parishad, is organizinga a Maha Yajna dedication service this Saturday, October 25, 2014, at 1:00 PM at the site.
“Construction plan for Om Hindu Community Center is broken into four phases,” said Sanjay Kaul, one of the organizers. “Phase I of the four story structure will begin in May of 2015 with the expected completion date of fall, 2015. The ground floor is expected to become functional in 2015 for community use. The next three phases of the construction would be completed on a yearly basis with the full project due for completion by year 2018.”
He said the support services for families including a children’s spiritual school, elderly support services, and free medical services are planned. The center would be available for all community activities including poojas, weddings, satsang, parties, conferences, yoga, festival celebrations, conventions, and retreats. The building would cover 25,000 square feet, allowing activities and events to be conducted on every floor. Kitchen facilities along with a large dining hall would be on the ground floor. There would be elevators and handicapped access. There is a roof deck can also be used for open air celebrations and havans.
The 10-acre land donated by Tandens, abets Concord River in Billerica. This serene property is on the bank of Concord River on one side and is surrounded by wetlands on two other sides with a natural vegetation specific to a river bank in the first 200 feet along the bank, after which the vegetation changes to regular plants, Kaul said. Large parts of the property are conservation land, requiring careful construction planning. The vegetation provides a ready opportunity to create not only scenic paths but to craft a natural plant museum without disturbing the existing eco-system.