attractions management - project

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Renovation of Akshardham Page 1 of 28

UNITED ASIA SCHOOL

OF MANAGEMENT

PROGRAM:- ADVANCE DIPLOMA IN INTERNATIONAL

HOSPITALITY AND TOURISM

MANAGEMENT

MODUAL CODE:- AHM1001

SUB.:- ATTRACTIONS MANAGEMENT

LECTURER:- MR. PAUL ANTHONY DHANARAJ

SUBMISSION DATE:- 24th

NOVEMBER 2008

STUDENT NAMES:PATEL PINALBEN

AISHA D.


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NO. TOPIC PAGE NO

1 GUJARAT CELEBRATING LIFE 3

2 GANDHINAGAR CAPITAL CITY 4

3 WHAT IS AKSHARDHAM? 6

4 KEY FACTS 8

5 CURRENT ATTRACTIONS IN AKSHARDHAM 9

6 WHY RENOVATE AKSKARDHAM? 15

7 RENOVATION OF AKSHARDHAM 15

8 CHANGE IN ATTRACTION 16

9 FEASIBILITY STUDIES

The market StudyConditions in the Giant Screen IndustrySite SelectionFinancial Viability

18

10 PHASING 21

11 SAFETY AND SECURITY 22

12 GREEN ISSUES 22

13 ADMISSION 23

14 CONCLUSION 27

15 REFERENCES 28


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GUJARAT CELEBRATING LIFE

Gujrt, is a state in western India. It borders Pakistan to the north west and the

state of Rajasthan to the northeast, Madhya Pradesh to the east, Maharashtra and

the Union territories of Diu, Daman, Dadra and Nagar Haveli to the south.

Historically, the North was known as Anarta, the Kathiawad peninsula, "Saurastra",

and the South as "Lata". Gujarat was also known as Pratichya and Varuna. Its

capital, Gandhinagar is a planned city and is located near Ahmedabad, the

commercial center of Gujarat. An area of 75,686 (196,077),

Gujarat is the westernmost state of India.

Around 3500 festivals are celebrated in Gujarat. - the state is known as the land of

fairs and festivals It is a part of the Harappan Civilization.

Gujarat has 4 National parks and 21 sanctuaries which include: Nal Sarovar, Anjal,

Balaram-Ambaji, Barda, Jambughoda, Jessore, Kachchh Desert, Khavda, Narayan

Sarovar, Paniya, Purna, Rampura, Ratanmahal, and Surpaneshwar.

Coordinates: 231300N 724100E23.2167, 72.6833

Time zone IST (UTC+5:30)

Area 196,077 km (75,706 sq mi)

Capital Gandhinagar

Largest city Ahmedabad

District(s) 26
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Language(s) Gujarati,Hindi

Governor Naval Kishor Sharma

Chief Ministor Marendra Modi

Established 1960-05-01

Legislature(seats) Unicameral (182)

ISO abbreviation IN-GJ

Website: www.gujaratindia.com

Seal Of Gujarat

GANDHINAGARGandhinar is the capital of Gujarat. It is one of the three planned cities of India.

Located on the banks of the River Sabarmati, the city is the administrative centre of

Gandhinagar District.

In 1960, the Indian state of Bombay was split into two states Maharashtra and

Gujarat. Ahmedabad was selected to be the first capital of Gujarat. It was proposed

that a new capital city be constructed for the state on the lines of the other two

planned cities of India Chandigarh and Bhubaneshwar. Initial plans were to

commission the renowned American architect Louis Kahn to build the city to rival Le

Corbusier's Chandigarh. But the plans were canceled due to pressure to make the
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new city an Indian enterprise. The city has the most beautiful environmental

conditions and is cleaner than all the other major cities in Gujarat.

Thus, the charge of making the new city was given to Indian architects H. K.

Mewada and Prakash M. Apte. Both had worked as apprentices during the

construction of Chandigarh. The new city was constructed as per their plan and was

named Gandhinagar after Mahatma Gandhi, a Gujarati himself. The foundation was

laid in 1965, and the capital was shifted from Ahmedabad to Gandhinagar in 1971.

The new city is spread on the banks of the Sabarmati river. The main city is

designed on the west bank of the river on 42.9 km of land. The site is gently

sloping, from north-east to south-west. Gandhinagar comprises of thirty sectors and

a few neighbouring villages. It is a highly structured city and has a highly ordered

street grid - comprising of blocks that are divided by two types of streets, similar to

U.S. avenues and streets. Gandhinagar has "letter roads" (K, KH, G, GH, CH, CHH

& JA) and "number roads" (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 & 7). The letter roads run parallel across

the city perpendicular to the number roads. The number and letter roads intersect

each other forming a grid; each block or square in the grid is given a sector number.

Each intersection is marked by signal names such as CH1, CH2, CH3 or JA1,JA2.
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WHAT IS AKSHARDHAM?

Akshardham means the eternal, divine abode of the supreme God, the abode of

eternal values and virtues of Akshar as defined in the Vedas and Upanishads where

divine bhakti, purity and peace forever pervades.

The monument is set in a 23-acre plot at Gandhinagar and is built in pink

sandstone. It is 108 feet tall and 6000 tonnes of stone has gone into its making.

This modern monument to Hinduism was built as per the injunctions of Vastu

Shastra. Not a bit of steel has been used.

The monument stands on 7 sculpted pillars, 210

single-piece stone beams, 57 window grills, M

domes, eight ornate zarokhas, and so forth. The

sanctum sanctorum contains a 1.2 tonne gold-plated

idol of Lord Swaminarayan, the founder of the sect

that bears his name. The 7-foot idol is shown in a sitting posture with his right hand

raised in abhay mudra. He is flanked by two of his disciple - Swami Gunatitanand on

his right and Swami Gopalanand Swami on his left. Swami Gunatitanand is called

Swaminarayan's Akshardham the eternal abode. According to the Swaminarayan

philosophy whenever Lord Swaminarayan incarnates on this planet he brings with

him his Akshardham.


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Swaminarayan Akshardham in Gandhinagar epitomises 10,000 years of Indian

culture in all its breathtaking grandeur, beauty, wisdom and bliss. It brilliantly

showcases the essence of Indias ancient architecture,

traditions and timeless spiritual messages. The

Akshardham experience is an enlightening journey

through Indias glorious art, values and contributions for

the progress, happiness and harmony of mankind.

At the center of the spacious Akshardham complex, a delicate and beautiful

architectural masterpiece - the Akshardham Monument - enshrines the golden murti

(idol) of Lord Swaminarayan, the founder of the Swaminarayan Faith.

The imposing 10 story high monument is made entirely of intricately carved, 6000

tons of pink sand-stone from Rajasthan, with no steel or cement used at all, ensuring

that the monument will last for a thousand years.Suspended from the skies like a shimmering

chandelier, Akshardham is an architectural marvel of

this Century. Awe-inspiring auspiciousness and

amazing craftsmanship! More than 12 million man

hours of 900 skilled craftsmen have created this magnificent monument of 93

sculpted pillars, 40 windows carved from both sides, and a feast of forms and

filigrees. Support beams are 22 ft. single piece stone blocks. The pillars are poetry in

stone, with beautiful expression from foot to crown. Every carving carries a meaning.

The patterns are peaceful while the dome resonates with vibrations divine. It is

because Akshardham is more than an architectural masterpiece, it is the living

devotion of devotees to create Heaven on Earth.


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`

Akshardham is a place of education, entertainment and enlightenment.

As one of the wonders of world, it combines traditional stone architecture,

ancient wisdom, and the best of modern technology to create the most

powerful experience of Indian Culture ever to exist.

Dedicated to Lord Swaminarayan, and inspired by HDH Pramukh Swami

Maharaj, Akshardham is a miracle worked by the sacrifice of thousands of

volunteers.

Hundreds of figures, displays and audio-visual shows, unfold a stream of

timeless experiences. They are visually mesmeric, scientifically stunning, and

spiritually moving.

More than 2 million visitors visit annually.

KEY FACTS

Akshardham:

Indian Cultural Complex

Sector 20, 'J' Road,

Gandhinagar - 382 020, Gujarat, India.

Tel: 91-79-23260001, 23260002

Fax: 91-79-2326 0336

Dedicated to:

Lord Swaminarayan on His Birth Bicentenary (1781-1981)


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Inaugurated by:

HDH Pramukh Swami Maharaj

Inaugurated on:

Monday, 2 November 1992

Created by:

The volunteers of Bochasanwasi Shree Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan

Sanstha (BAPS)

Total Akshardham Complex area: 1,004,349 sq.ft ( 93,341 sq.m, 23 acres )

Cultural Complex area: 358,749 sq.ft ( 33,341 sq.m, 8.2 acres )

Cultural Garden area: 645,600 sq.ft ( 60,000 sq.m, 14.8 acres )

CURRENT ATTRACTIONS IN AKSHARDHAM:

The Monument:

Specifications:

Height : 108 ft. (32.9 m)

Length : 240 ft. (73.1 m)

Width : 131 ft. (39.8 m)

Floor area : 32,427 sq.ft (3,013.7 sq.m )

Colonnade length: 1,751 ft. (534 m) long

Hari Mandapam:

7 ft. Gold-leafed Murti of Lord Swaminarayan.

Floor area : 12,997 sq.ft ( 1,207.9 sq.m ).


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Vibhuti Mandapam:

Revelations of the Lord, displayed in exquisitely-lit brass lotuses.

Each revelation is a deep yet practical treatise on philosophy.

Floor area: 8,033 sq.ft ( 7 46.6 sq.m ).

Prasadi Mandapam:

Display of holy relics of Lord Swaminarayan.

Floor area: 11,397 sq.ft ( 1,059.2 sq.m).

Exhibitions:

A large area of walk-through displays that create an unforgettable experience of

Indian Culture.

Total Floor area: 62,023 sq.ft (5,764.4 sq.m )

Hall 1 - Sahajanand: (60 Minutes)

The life of Lord Swaminarayan is experienced through amazing settings and shows.

Floor area: 21,817 sq.ft (2,027.7 sq.m).

Attractions:

Video show

Fiber-optics cosmos

Mini Chhapiya village (The birthplace of Lord Swaminarayan)

3 light & sound shows


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Hall 2 - Sat-Chit-Anand: (25 minutes, one show every hour)

First ever 14-screen Multimedia Presentation reveals the Vedic truths of man's

search for eternal joy, through spectacular imagery.

Floor area: 9,421 sq.ft ( 875.6 sq.m ).

Attractions:

14-screen Multimedia Presentation

Tunnel of mirrors and glass mosaic,

Hall 3 - Nityanand: (60 Minutes)

Walkthrough dioramas and fiberglass figures display the messages of Upanishads,

Ramayan and Mahabharat.

Floor area: 30,785 sq.ft (2,861.1 sq.m )

Attractions:

Audio-animatronics show

Palace of Hastinapur from the Mahabharat

Gurukul in nature's lap

Songs of saint-poets

Harmony of world religions.

Garden:

The Sahajanand Van is a unique blend of contemplative garden and children's park.

Floor area: 645,600 sq.ft (60,000 sq.m, 14.8 acres).

Attractions:

Single-piece marble sculpture of Lord Swaminarayan,

Lake and waterfalls,

Herbal garden.


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Research Center:

AARSH - Akshardham-center for Applied Research in

Social Harmony A futuristic research center with a rich

library, study stations and archives.

Facilities:

Wheelchairs:Free wheelchairs are available on a need-based priority at the

main reception counter.

Baggage:For security measures baggage is not allowed inside the complex.

Lost and Found Department: Claim or report lost property at the main

reception counter.

Parking: Parking facilities for cars, vans, minibuses, coaches, and other

vehicles.

Opinions: Forvisitor suggestions or feedback

Dos:

Assist volunteers and security personnel.

Read, study and contemplate the exhibits.

Enjoy and preserve the pious atmosphere.

Donts:

No Film, photographs or videos allowed inside the Monument and Exhibitions.

No baggage allowed.


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Appropriate dressing is a necessity.

No eatables allowed inside.

No trespassing on the lawns.

No smoking, or consumption of alcohol.

No littering.

No Pets

No tape recorders or radios allowed on the campus.

Touch exhibits, commit vandalism, or create graffiti.

Timings

Closed on Monday.

Monument : Daily 9:30a.m. to 7:30p.m. (Except Mondays).

Night Lighting : On Saturdays, Sundays.

Exhibitions : Daily 10:00a.m. to 6:00p.m.

Rides & Games : 12:00 noon to 8:00p.m.

Restaurant : 10:00a.m. to 8:00p.m.

Souvenir Shop : 9:00a.m. to 8:00p.m.

Arrival:(How to get there:)

By Road:

Special buses and cars are provided by the tourism department, government

authorities and private services.

Distance by road from important locations:

Ahmedabad - 25 km Vadodara - 150 km Jaipur - 604 km


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Mt. Abu - 190 km Mumbai - 540 km Delhi - 900 km

By Air:

23 km from national and international airports of Ahmedabad.

By Railway:

2 km from Gandhinagar railway station.

31 km from Amdavad railway station.

Other Tourist Sites:

Deer Park :On the outskirts of Gandhinagar, at Indroda village.

Sarita Udyan :Ideal for picnickers. A well-developed garden in sector 9.

Adalaj Stepwell: 15 km. from Gandhinagar. The best stepwell of Gujarat.

Food

Visitors are not allowed to carry food inside the premises.

There is a refreshment kiosk in the garden.

Donations:

Visitors wishing to make donations to the charity work undertaken by this

Organization in fields as diverse as education, environment, social relief, medicine,

culture and spiritual upliftment are requested to utilize the donation boxes or contact

Reception.


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WHY RENOVATE AKSHARDHAM?

With the technological changes in todays day and age, it is important for any

attraction to make changes, to increase the volume of tourists Nowadays, tourists

are not happy with the same things, they prefer a more

interactive environment. Edutainment - A mix of

entertainment and education is the mantra, that is why

we have decided to develop an I-max show, which is

based on the life of Lord Swaminarayan.

Akshardham epitomises heaven, and for the same we plan to develop beautiful

gardens which include musical fountains that have vedic music in the background. It

not only makes the environment cooler and more attractive but also serves as a form

of spiritual upliftment which is what people come to Akshardham for.

With the changes in peoples minds and society, the renovation of Akshardham

serves as a platform not only for Indians or Hindus but also for international tourists

to come, observe and integrate the wonderful heritage of our country.

RENOVATION OF AKSHARDHAM

Planned construction work:

234 ornately carved pillars

9 ornate domes

20 quadrangled shikhars

Gajendra Pith (plinth of stone elephants)

20,000 statues (of Indias great saints, devotees and divine personalities)


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Height: 141.3 ft

Width: 316 ft

Length: 356 ft

CHANGE IN ATTRACTION

Mandir (Temple)

The temple structure will be renovated, there is a fair amount of maintenance that

needs to be taken care of as well.

Hall of values(Audio Animatronics Shows)

Audio-animatronics and light and sound diorama presentations

from the life of Bhagwan Swaminarayan.

Unique 3-D dioramas and walk-through dioramas

A fresh experience, a new message and a novel presentation in every diorama

Giant Screen Film

A large format film that will depict Indias holy places, festivals

and spiritual traditions on a giant screen which will be over six

stories high.

Giant screen: 85' x 65' ft

Boat Ride (India's Glorious Heritage)

A boat ride which will showcase the discoveries and inventions of

the rishi-scientists of India, the worlds first university -

Takshashila - and the caves of Ajanta-Ellora.


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Presentation of the oldest Vedic village life and bazaar

Sail through Takshashilathe worlds first university

Journey through the labyrinth of ancient discoveries and inventions by the great

rishi-scientists of India

Musical Foundation

An intriguing combination of a large stone step-well, and a Vedic

yagna kund with a colorful musical fountain that will echo Vedic

sentiments and prayers.

Garden of India

Sixty acres of lush lawns, gardens and statues of India's child

gems, warriors, national figures and great personalities

VIP Accommodation

Construction of 80 VIP rooms, for our national and international VIPs.


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THE FEASIBILITY STUDY

1.The Market Study:

Who will visit Akshardham?

Domestic holiday makers, foreign tourists interested in Indian culture and

heritage, day trippers, schools and educational institutions, spiritually oriented

people, and local residents.

Number of Visitors:

At the moment there are more than 2 million visitors annually, once the

redevelopment is completed, we expect a minimum of 4 million if not more.

Per annum.

When will the visitors come?

Summer holidays and religious festivals are usually the time when the

maximum number of people are expected, but there is no fixed season,

Akshardham being a more of a religious centre - various people from different

walks of life come to visit.


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MARKET SURVEY CONDITIONS IN THE GIANT SCREEN INDUSRTY

These questions were put to a wide variety of consumers and business

organizations.

HOW WOULD YOU RATE OVERALL BUSINESS CONDITIONS IN THE GIANT SCREEN

INDUSTRY RIGHT NOW

Six months from now, do you think general business conditions in the giant screen

industry will be better, the same, or worse?

Sales

Good

Fair

Not Sure

Poor

Excellent

Sales

Good

Fair

Not Sure

Poor

Excellent


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2. Site Selection:

We plan to ask the government for 50 acres of land, adjacent to the

Akshardham Temple itself, which has not been developed and is mostly

barren.

Since it is a religious organization, the local community would be more than

happy with the plans as it not only brings Gujarat on the forefront but provides

them with jobs and revenue too.

Daily wage labourers are available easily, though the skilled labour will have to

be called in from different parts of the country through various institutions.

Not much of harm will be caused to the ecosystem, on the contrary, we plan to

develop a large area as our gardens and make it as green and clean as

possible.

The request for the plan needs to be put forward to the Gujarat Development

Authority.

3.Financial Viability

Costs:

The Total cost of the Project 40 million USD

Giant Screen Film USD 90,000 137,568,000 SGD

Audio Animatronics show 50,000 USD, 76,408 SGD

Boat Ride 20,000 USD

Musical Fountains 25,000 USD

Gardens40,000 USD


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Other expenses include

Staffing: 3000 volunteers, 11000 artisans

Construction of the main monument

Heat and light

Insurance

Administration

Maintenance

Rates and taxes

Marketing

License for construction

PHASING:

The estimated time for completion of the entire project is 6 years.

Through our networks, we plan to make a movie for the giant screen film, the

whole project for the film and construction of the giant screen will be handled

through another organization. We plan to put a tender out for that.

Alongside this project, the work for the Audio animatronic show will also

start. Again, the work will be outsourced to a different organization.

The main issue is the reconstruction of the temple, for which the work will

begin on the main temple first. This will continue throughout, though the other

parts of Akshradham will remain open during this time. The total timespan for

the completion of the monument is 5 years.


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Landscaping of the garden, boat ride and fountains shall continue after the

completion and opening of the Giant Screen Film and the Audio animatronics

show that is after the first 18 months.

SAFETY AND SECURITY

According to the rules, we plan to make a few adjustments in the fire escape

routes, and put in fire extinguishers at key points.

Since terrorism is a major issue, we plan to have security all over the grounds

and CCTV cameras are going to be installed.

Security measures are going to be made more stringent.

Metal detectors will be placed at the entrance and no all baggage and

persons entering will be checked.

VISITORS WITH DISABILITIES

Wheelchairs will be provided for people in need, a refundable deposit will be

charged for the same.

There will be a special provision for parking for visitors with disabilities.

There will be graphic displays of information to help visitors with hearing

disabilities.

GREEN ISSUES

We promote eco friendliness.

We plan to put in a larger amount of garbage cans, and make sure people use

them.


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In the restaurant, there will be no plastic bags and minimum wastage of

resources.

ADMISSION:-

Entry into the Swaminarayan Akshardham Complex is Free

Entry to the Mandir and Gardens is Free.

Tickets: To view the Exhibitions

Hall of Values "Sahajanand Darshan" Audio-Animatronics Shows (1 hour)

Boat Ride "Sanskruti Vihar Indias Glorious Heritage (15 minutes)

Theatre "Neelkanth Darshan" Giant Screen Film (40 minutes)

Adults Rs. 125

Concessions:

Children (4 years old to 12 years old) Rs. 75 Children below 4

years old are free

Senior Citizens (65 years and above) Rs. 75

School Groups:

Group of 50 Schoolchildren or more Rs. 50 per child

Teachers accompanying Schoolchildren Rs. 125 (1 teacher with every 25

students goes free)

Musical Fountain:

Adult Rs. 20 above 12 years

Children Rs. 10 below 12 years


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FACILITIES:

Parking:

Two Wheelers Rs. 10

Three and Four Wheelers Rs. 20

Minibus Rs. 50

Coach/Luxury Bus Rs. 100

Cloakroom: Visitors can deposit their possessions in the cloakroom at their own risk

and responsibility. The authorities will not be responsible for any damage or loss of

possessions.

Visitors Center: While entering the Swaminarayan Akshardham Complex, the

Visitors Center provides an overview of the entire complex. Time guidelines for

viewing the various attractions can be obtained from here. Enquiries and waiting

areas are located here.

Wheelchairs: On entry into the Swaminarayan Akshardham Complex, aged and

handicapped visitors may request for a wheelchair, which will be provided on a

priority basis. We request relatives/friends of wheelchair users to accompany and

help them around the complex. Wheelchairs must be returned before leaving the

complex. Refundable deposit - Rs. 100.

Telephone Booths: Public telephones are available at the Visitors Center and other

locations around the complex.

Lost and Found Department: Give details of your lost possessions in the Security

Department. The management is not responsible for any loss or damage to personal

possessions.


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Retail and catering outlets: will be outsourced. We have decided to take a rent and

a percentage of the profits from the organization that we give the catering to.

Guided tours: Volunteers will give guided tours (specially for international tourists)

at specific times of the day to help explain the details and history of the temple, there

will be a fee for the service provided. Though, visitors who wish to go about

themselves will not have a problem either.

STRICTLY PROHIBITED:

Smoking and Alcohol

Smoking, tobacco, alcohol and drugs are not allowed in the complex.

Mobile Phones, Cameras

Cameras, video cameras, mobile phones or any electronic items are not allowed

inside the complex.

Food

Visitors are not allowed to carry food inside the premises. Pure, fresh vegetarian

food and snacks are available at Premvati Food Court. The restaurant caters to a

wide variety of traditional dishes and delicacies, both cold and hot.

Behavior

Avoid impolite and rude language.

Pets

No pets are allowed in the complex.


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FINANCING THE REDEVELOPMENT OF AKSHARDHAM

BAPS: Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha

It is a charitable organization

It has over 3300 centres worldwide.

55,000 volunteers across the globe

It performs many environmental and socio-cultural activities

There are over 700 BAPS temples worldwide.

During the earthquake in Gujarat, the BAPS was the first organization to reach

the devastated areas of Kutch, to help rebuild houses and provide the people

with food and medicine, - even before the government.

BAPS will be the main financer for this project.

It has a trust fund, which is utilized for such purposes.

The main aim of this organization is not to earn money, but to give the public an

education in the values which have sadly in todays age been forgotten.

There is a huge following of Lord Swaminarayan, not only in India, but worldwide.

A lot of the work that will be done will be through the disciples or their network.

We will be going out to the public and telling them about the plan and welcome

donations as well as volunteers.

The donations that people put in this organization come up to a lot of money. Most

people (the high rollers) prefer to give to charity rather than spending money on

taxes.

There are other charity organizations also tied up with the swaminarayan trust, they

will all work together to achieve our goal.


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The government provides a lot of concessions to religious organizations, specially

since the temple attracts a large amount of foreign tourists.

CONCLUSION:

Even though this is an expensive project, one of the main reasons it would

make sense to give it the go ahead, is that India needs to make a few

changes, specially since it wants to attract a larger amount of international

tourists.

This project will help to conserve our heritage and showcases that India

knows how to utilize its technical know-how to an advantage.

Edutainment is a relatively new concept, and we would be laying the

foundation for others to follow. There are so many other national heritages

which are not doing so well as the younger generation prefers not to go there.

Such a project, not only combines education and entertainment, but spirituality

and humanitarianism


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REFERENCES:-

http:// www.swaminarayan.org

http:// www.akshardham.com

http://www.gujarattourism.com/destination/religious-temples/ahm_akshardham.html

http://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/adjudications/071220_largest_hindu_temple.aspx

http://www.kenner.la.us/images/contracts/1_gsf.pdf- Giant Screen Film

http://www.cfrueh.ch/resume.html- Audio Animatronics Show

http://www.moneycontrol.com/news_html_files/pdffiles/aug2007/magnum.pdf- Total cost

of Project

http://www.swaminarayan.org/introduction/index.htm - BAPS

attractions management - project

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