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CASCADE, WEST MICHIGAN USA, May 10, 2004: Two Indian religious groups have announced plans to build in Cascade Township. West Michigan Hindu Temple closed a deal on a 5.7 acre site on Whitneyville Road. Approximately US$700,000 is needed for its 8,000 square foot temple and cultural centre. The Sikh Society of Western Michigan has applied for a permit to build its 14,000 square foot gurdwara, or temple, on 7.8 acres on Quiggle Avenue. Temple board member Tejinder Mander elaborated on the facilities of the 200 seat Sikh temple, which is designed as two progressively larger cubes. Planning officials have requested more details. Each group currently alternates the use of the same hall in Grandville. Hindu Fred Stella said it is important for any religion to have a place of its own to worship or meditate. Sikhs and Hindus are separate faiths, although sharing a historical kinship. Sikhism evolved out of Hinduism about 500 years ago to protect against Muslim invaders into northern India. Each temple will include facilities where the general public may come and learn about the respective faiths. Srini Iyer, Hindu temple member, said that the Indian community in West Michigan has grown from an estimated 15 families twenty years ago to more than 350 today. “Having a temple here adds to the diversity of which the city can be proud.” The Hindu building may have to await fundraising, but its mission is to provide a place of prayer and preach the values of Hindu dharma, truth and community work.

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