To,

City Mayor Office, Helsinki ( Finland)

and

Real Estate Council, Helsinki ( Finland)

Dear Sir,

Seasons Greetings !!!!

We are a group of South Asian people ( Indian, Nepalese, Sri Lankans and Bangladeshis) who have been working and staying in Helsinki for past many years including those who have been living and working in Finland for more than 25 years.

The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) has initiated a project for purchasing Puotila Manor from city of Helsinki. Negotiations are still in progress. Kindly refer to links section for the detailed write up on ISKCON. We all have been very actively involved in this project as we feel this Manor will act as a community center for ancient Indian & south Asian culture and tradition. All south Asian people staying in Finland and Finnish society at large will greatly benefit by this new cultural place. This center will act as common place for all of us south Asian people &  Finnish citizens for having cultural programs, celebrating festivals, doing religious ceremonies and weekly get togethers. For those who are locals, the Puotila Project will serve as Restaurant and community center.

When we came to know about new / proposed project of ISKCON, we have been very happy as it would exactly suit our requirements. This project has been very close to our hearts and we have been actively working for last six months to make this grand success. The professional teams and experts in respective areas have been working on the areas like plans, renovation and risk analysis. Due to detailed and meticulous planning, this project has become technically and financially viable. 

Puotila Manor bidding process was closed around mid September, and after that it is not possible for any new party to enter the process. According to recent news, we came to know that a new party has entered the process which, we think, is  not authorized by the law.

We have also heard that couple of local associations from Puotila have complained against ISKCONs offer to purchase Puotila Manor on some misunderstanding and lack of information that access to locals would be restricted post this deal. As highlighted during the meetings and in the presentation, this offer and fundamental approach of ISKCON and all the associations involved in the project is being ‘ Inclusive , Sharing and in Harmony with society ‘ which is going to benefit society at large.

But just to put on record total approximately 75 % of all the space would be accessible to locals which includes public restaurant, Educational institute and cultural center. We are very confident that locals are going to love the cultural center and cultural programs.

There are various cultural organizations supporting the cause of ISKCON such as 

• Shanti
  
• Bharat Union Finland 
  
• Pujari Finland 
  
• Astanga-Yoga School Finland
  
• Moola Oy
  
• Kundalini-Jooga ry
  
• Elävän ravinnon yhdistys
  
• Art of Living
  

ISKCON depicts the cultural dimension of south Asian people in general, and Indians in particular. The various immense cultural activities like yoga classes, traditional Indian dances and music, south Asian style pure vegetarian restaurants with diversified yummy varieties defines the ISKCON culture. If Puotila Manor turns into a multi-cultural center, it will definitely facilitate a great deal of cultural exchange specially between Finnish and south Asian cultures.

 We request you to kindly extend all the possible help and support for this grand project which would be beneficial to all of us & Finnish Society at large. Let this be a new, wonderful chapter promoting Multi-cultural, Multi-racial, vibrant & diversified Helsinki City. 

Thanking you in advance for cooperation and support.

Best Regards, 

Group of South Asian people in Finland