Welcome to the HTSNM Board of Trustees Election Page. Here, you’ll find information on the candidates who have been nominated to help shape the future of our organization. Each nominee has been chosen for their commitment, experience, and vision. We encourage you to learn more about each candidate’s background, qualifications, and dedication to our mission by exploring their bios and photographs below. Your participation and support in this election help drive our collective progress forward.

My name is Mike Jennings and I am an initiated ISKCON disciple of Vaiseshika Das Adhikari. My spiritual name is Mathura-vasa das. My educational background is in journalism and photography. I worked at the Los Angeles Times and Daily News in the new media departments. This led to my career evolving into web design and digital media. I am currently an account manager with an advertising agency in Rio Rancho. I am skilled in all aspects of marketing, web design and advertising. I have a personal interest in Agile/SCRUM management methodologies and am currently becoming certified by Google in Agile fundamentals.

I have been spiritual my entire life. I was raised by Catholics and Christians but was allowed to study Buddhism from the age of 4 years old. I have formally studied Buddhism under a Tibetan Spiritual Master and continued my studies, turning to Hinduism and aligning with ISKCON for 30 years. My strongest attribute is my service attitude. I am humble and will do anything that is needed. I worked in the ISKCON kitchens for many years chopping and peeling. I have ironed deity curtains, and built stages. I do what is necessary for the community and deities.

The obvious skills I bring to HTSNM would be my professional skill set. However, I am now also teaching the Bhagavad Gita class. This has been difficult for me. I have pressed through some difficult stress and nerves to expose my life experiences and applications of personal spirituality and knowledge. I have really enjoyed the process. What you will find in me is a person that shows up and stands up. I will always help when asked, no matter who asks. I will always be humble and meek in my dealings with the community. I will be forthright in my dealings and in my speech. I will try to exemplify Sanatana Dharma the best I possibly can, every day.

I would like to see HTSNM be the best it can be. It does not matter to me where you place me or the tasks that I am given, I will always do the best I can and give it my all.

Since arriving in Albuquerque in 2021, I have dedicated myself to serving HTSNM and fostering a strong, vibrant temple community. Over the years, I have actively contributed to various roles, from volunteering during events to building connections between the temple and the university student population. I have been privileged to participate in significant ceremonies, including the Navagraha, Venkateshwara, Murugan, and Devi Sthapnas; Durga Puja; Venkateshwara, Girija, and Sita Kalyanams; and the Jagannath Rath Yatra. I also played a role in organizing broader community initiatives such as the Nonviolence Walkathon.

Additionally, I was honored to liaise with PVR Narasimha Rao, one of the foremost authorities on Vedic rituals, to organize the homa workshop. This event not only enriched the spiritual knowledge of attendees but also helped strengthen the community’s connection with traditional Vedic practices. As an instructor at Bal Vihar, I have also worked to inspire and educate the younger generation, ensuring that they stay connected to the timeless values of Sanatan Dharma.

My leadership in organizing events like the Hindu Heritage Camp has further reinforced my commitment to creating meaningful experiences and ensuring the temple remains a hub for cultural and spiritual enrichment. Beyond the temple, I have served the wider Hindu community through initiatives with the Hindu YUVA chapter at UNM, demonstrating my ability to engage across diverse platforms. Balancing these responsibilities with my PhD studies has taught me the value of persistence, planning, and working toward a shared vision.

I draw my inspiration from Sri Adi Guru Shankaracharya, whose teachings remind me of the importance of selfless service and unwavering dedication to Dharma. I firmly believe that institutions like HTSNM must lead with conviction, serving not only as places of worship but also as spaces for support, dialogue, and community building.

If given the opportunity to serve as a board member, my priorities will include:

1. Community Support Systems: Establishing outreach programs to support those facing personal challenges, including grief, isolation, or contemplation of conversion to other faiths.

2. Inclusive Spaces for Dialogue: Creating nonjudgmental forums for meaningful discussions on faith, identity, and values to strengthen individual and collective resilience.

3. Strategic Vision for HTSNM: Setting clear, achievable goals that enhance the temple’s role as a spiritual, cultural, and social pillar in New Mexico.

HTSNM has already accomplished much, and I envision it evolving into a sanctuary that provides not only spiritual fulfillment but also practical support and community cohesion. Together, we can create a thriving institution rooted in tradition while adapting to contemporary needs. With your support, I am ready to dedicate myself to this mission.

Abhishek currently works as a financial consultant. Abhishek received both his BA in Economics and Philosophy and MBA in International Management from UNM in 2017 and 2020 respectfully. Abhishek is an active member in his community, his professional affiliations include: YPA (Past Professional Development Chair), NAIOP (Developing leaders), Asian Business Collaborative, Albuquerque 20/30 (Social Chair), and, United Way Vision Council. Abhishek’s passions include practicing yoga, studying history and philosophy, and the cultural arts.

Vision for the Hindu Temple Society of New Mexico

• Facilitate in securing a new location for the temple

• Create new alternatives for fundraising

• Build stronger community relationships outside Hindu community

• Leverage political and business ties

• Strengthen Gurukul program

• Revamp cultural infrastructure so temple can be a center of influence in the community such as a Legacy church or JCC

I have been a dedicated volunteer at the temple for many years, contributing to various committees and playing an instrumental role in organizing key events, including sthapana for Murugan, Perumal, and the Navagrahas. In these events, I worked closely with volunteers and temple members to ensure smooth coordination and successful execution.

My focus is on advancing educational, cultural, and developmental programs for the temple community. I aim to collaborate with the board to establish long-term funding mechanisms, such as endowments, to benefit our children and preserve our cultural traditions.

I have built strong relationships with temple devotees, volunteers, priests, and staff, and I deeply appreciate the efforts of everyone who contributes to the welfare of our community. I am always eager to engage with participants, ensuring that our systems are operating efficiently.

Looking ahead, I am committed to working with external agencies to support the continued growth and improvement of the temple for future generations.

I have been a resident of ABQ since 2014 and involved with HTSNM for last 6 years. Doing community service is my passion and HTSNM offers that apt opportunity where the Hindu community is very active in developing and continuing our culture and values. In the past, I was leading the Sewa International efforts for Bay Area, CA plus enjoyed other Hindu-based activities like helping with Bal-gokulam and Ekal Vidhalaya.

I work at Sandia National Labs.

I have been the President of the HTSNM for 2022 and 2023. I wish to continue contributing my service to our community to the best of my abilities.

I am a Chemical Engineer (IIT Madras, PhD from Notre Dame), a Senior Technical Advisor to the DOE’s nuclear waste program. My wife Lalita is an attorney (has helped the temple in that capacity), daughter Anagha is a junior in high school. Have been in Albuquerque for the past 35 years. Fairly active with temple functions.

• Dr. Roy (retired) is among the founding members of HTSNM-Temple organization

• He had been a community member since 1986 and had been actively participating with religious, educational and social activities.

• He organized Samagam

• Program(live participation with community members encouraging them to share their life experiences with a message for the community)

• He established a liaison between HTSNM and local Jewish community

Future goals:

• Organized get together with youth and seniors in the Temple premises and teach some basic Yogic Kriyas to enhance psycho-physiological potentials

• Encourage the above attendees to voice their opinion about how can we enhance community integration with local population (whites, Hispanics, African Americans & Native Americans)