3. Transparency & Accountability
Financial Integrity
- All donations, event collections, membership fees, and funds must be accurately recorded in the Trust’s official books of accounts.
- No unaccounted cash, hidden transactions, or parallel records shall be maintained.
- Every rupee received is considered “Shyam Ji ka Prasad”, and therefore must be handled with utmost sanctity.
Receipts & Acknowledgment
- Every contribution, whether monetary or in-kind, must be acknowledged through official receipts bearing ISKASHYAM’s seal and authorized signature.
- Large donations or project-specific contributions must be followed by a utilization report to the donor, highlighting how their seva supported the cause.
- Transparency must extend beyond legal compliance to include regular communication with devotees and supporters.
Annual Audits & Reporting
- Annual financial statements must be independently audited by a Chartered Accountant and presented to the Board of Trustees.
- A summarized version of audited accounts must be shared with members, devotees, and stakeholders in line with statutory requirements.
- Where possible, financial highlights should also be published in newsletters, websites, or annual reports to build public confidence.
Responsible Use of Trust Assets
- Trustees, office-bearers, and members are custodians, not owners, of ISKASHYAM’s resources.
- Misuse of funds, vehicles, land, properties, or donated goods for personal, family, or political benefit is strictly prohibited.
- All assets must be used exclusively for ISKASHYAM’s objectives, ensuring longevity and sustainability of seva projects.
Checks & Balances
- All financial transactions above a defined limit must be carried out through banking channels (cheque, NEFT, RTGS, UPI).
- Dual signatory requirements should be in place for key bank accounts to prevent unilateral misuse.
- Project budgets and expenses should be pre-approved by the Trustees/Executive Committee.
Disciplinary Measures
- Any financial irregularity, non-disclosure, or misrepresentation shall lead to strict disciplinary action, including:
- Suspension from seva duties
- Removal from official position
- Possible legal action as per statutory law
- Whistleblowers raising concerns in good faith shall be protected from retaliation.
Culture of Accountability
- Transparency is not only about money but also about decision-making, project execution, and leadership behavior.
- Trustees and leaders must be role models of honesty, reporting truthfully to the community.
- “Every devotee is a stakeholder” — members must feel confident that ISKASHYAM uses their seva contributions with integrity.
4. Respect & Inclusion
Universal Brotherhood
- ISKASHYAM embraces the principle of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam – The World is One Family.”
- All devotees, members, and well-wishers are welcome, irrespective of caste, creed, gender, age, profession, social status, or nationality.
- The movement shall remain apolitical, inclusive, and purely spiritual, ensuring no one feels left out or secondary.
- “ISKASHYAM shall uphold all constitutional values of equality, liberty, and fraternity as enshrined in the Constitution of India.”
Mutual Respect in Conduct
- All members must practice dignity in speech, behaviour, and action while interacting with each other and the public.
- Gossip, backbiting, slander, or speech that creates division is strictly prohibited.
- Communication must be rooted in truth, humility, and compassion, reflecting the teachings of Shri Khatu Shyam Ji.
Equality in Opportunity
- ISKASHYAM shall provide equal opportunity for seva, leadership, and representation to women, youth, and marginalized communities.
- Leadership roles shall be allocated based on commitment, ability, and devotion, not on social, financial, or personal background.
- Women and Youth Wings will be empowered with independent projects while remaining integral to the larger ISKASHYAM family.
Zero Tolerance for Discrimination & Harassment
- Any form of discrimination — whether based on caste, gender, social status, or personal bias — shall not be tolerated.
- Harassment, abuse, or exploitation in any form (verbal, physical, or emotional) is strictly prohibited.
- Trustees and office-bearers are duty-bound to act immediately on complaints of misconduct or discrimination.
Conflict Resolution
- Differences of opinion or disputes must be resolved with a spirit of brotherhood and dialogue, never hostility.
- Members must first attempt resolution through Satsang, mediation, and mutual understanding.
- Public disputes, defamation, or escalation to external platforms should be avoided, as they damage ISKASHYAM’s dignity.
Promotion of Harmony
- ISKASHYAM members shall respect all spiritual paths that align with devotion and service, without imposing superiority.
- Collaborative events and joint seva initiatives with other organizations shall be encouraged to foster unity.
- Diversity in language, culture, and tradition shall be celebrated as an expression of Shri Khatu Shyam Ji’s universal presence.
Safe & Welcoming Environment
- Every ISKASHYAM space (temple, event, seva camp, Satsang hall, or digital platform) must be a safe, welcoming, and sacred environment.
- Members must ensure new participants, first-time visitors, and devotees feel warmly welcomed and guided.
- A culture of inclusion should extend to digital seva platforms (WhatsApp groups, websites, social media), where respectful engagement is mandatory.
5. Conduct in Public & Events
Representation with Dignity
- Every member, volunteer, and trustee is a living representative of ISKASHYAM and must embody dignity, humility, discipline, and devotion in all public interactions.
- Whether in temples, gatherings, yatra, digital platforms, or official visits, members must uphold behaviour that reflects the grace of Shri Khatu Shyam Ji.
- Online presence (social media posts, WhatsApp groups, videos, etc.) must also maintain spiritual decorum, avoiding controversial or disrespectful content.
Paid Cultural & Spiritual Events
- Paid events, if organized, must strictly align with ISKASHYAM’s spiritual, cultural, and social objectives.
- Such events must be transparent in ticketing, collections, and fund usage, ensuring no exploitation of faith or devotees.
- Programs must avoid controversial themes, divisive messages, or commercialization that may dilute ISKASHYAM’s credibility.
Approval of Events
- Any event conducted under the ISKASHYAM name must receive pre-approval from the Board of Trustees or duly authorized committees.
- Unauthorized events, self-declared programs, or misuse of ISKASHYAM’s identity are strictly prohibited.
- Event proposals must include objective, budget, responsible coordinators, and expected outcomes to ensure alignment with ISKASHYAM’s mission.
Prohibited Practices
- At all ISKASHYAM events and programs, the following are strictly forbidden:
- Consumption or distribution of alcohol, drugs, smoking, or any intoxicants.
- Gambling, obscenity, or immoral activities of any form.
- Use of vulgar, abusive, divisive, or derogatory speech or music.
- Members must not use ISKASHYAM platforms for personal, commercial, or political promotion.
- Any attempt to collect donations or funds without official authorization.
Dress & Decorum
- Members and volunteers must dress in a manner that reflects cultural modesty, cleanliness, and spiritual respect.
- “Members are encouraged to wear modest, clean, and culturally respectful attire, including traditional dress where suitable.”
- Behaviour during events must demonstrate discipline, punctuality, and humility, setting an example for devotees and guests.
Media & Public Communication
- Press releases, social media updates, or public statements regarding ISKASHYAM events must be accurate, respectful, and pre-approved by the authorized committee.
- Members must avoid exaggeration, controversy, or personal opinions that could misrepresent ISKASHYAM.
Conflict & Discipline at Events
- Any disputes, misunderstandings, or disciplinary issues during events must be handled internally with calmness and mediation, avoiding public embarrassment.
- In case of severe misconduct, the organizing committee has the authority to remove individuals from the event premises and report them to the Trust Board.
6. Governance & Decision-Making
Devotion-Cantered Leadership
- Trustees and committee members shall make decisions with Shri Khatu Shyam Ji as the guiding force, keeping aside ego, favouritism, and personal gain.
- Decisions must prioritize spiritual integrity, organizational sustainability, and benefit to devotees and society.
Collective Decision-Making
- All significant matters — financial, administrative, spiritual, or event-related — must be decided collectively by the Board of Trustees or duly formed committees.
- Meetings shall encourage dialogue, consultation, and consensus-building, avoiding dominance by any single individual.
- In cases where consensus is not possible, decisions may be passed by majority vote as per the Trust Deed/Bylaws.
Conflict of Interest
- Where a trustee, member, or committee representative has a personal, financial, or professional interest in a matter, it must be formally declared.
- The concerned individual must recuse themselves from voting or influencing the related decision.
- Transparency regarding such declarations shall be documented in the minutes of the meeting.
Shared & Balanced Authority
- No single individual shall hold absolute or overriding authority in ISKASHYAM’s governance.
- Leadership must be exercised as collective stewardship, ensuring smooth distribution of roles and responsibilities.
- Office-bearers shall function as servant-leaders (sevak), embodying humility and selflessness rather than power or control.
Confidentiality & Discipline
- Trustees and office-bearers must maintain strict confidentiality of internal discussions, financial matters, donor details, and member records.
- Sensitive matters should never be leaked, misused, or shared outside ISKASHYAM without authorization.
- Breach of confidentiality or indiscipline in governance shall invite corrective measures, including removal from position if required.
Transparency in Governance
- All decisions, minutes, and resolutions must be formally recorded and maintained in Trust registers or digital archives.
- Annual governance reports may be presented to members/devotees, highlighting progress, challenges, and upcoming plans.
- Trustees must ensure compliance with legal, statutory, and audit requirements in governance matters.
Committee Functioning
- Specialized committees (Youth Wing, Women Wing, Finance, Events, Seva, etc.) shall be empowered to plan and execute within their scope, under Board oversight.
- Committee leaders must report regularly to the Board, ensuring accountability and alignment with ISKASHYAM’s mission.
- Rotation of committee roles shall be encouraged to build new leaders and prevent over-dependence on a few individuals.
Spirit of Unity in Decision-Making
- Even in disagreement, members must maintain mutual respect, devotion, and harmony.
- Decisions must be seen as collective wisdom, not victory or defeat of individuals.
- Governance should reflect the principle: “We are all servants of Shyam Ji, entrusted to act for the greater good.”
7. Commitment to Growth & Learning
Active Participation in Spiritual Life
- Members should wholeheartedly participate in Satsang, bhajan, kirtan, yatra, seva projects, and cultural events organized by ISKASHYAM.
- Regular attendance strengthens both personal devotion and community bonding.
- Every gathering must be seen as an opportunity for spiritual upliftment, not a formality.
Structured Learning Programs
- ISKASHYAM shall organize regular workshops, training sessions, and study circles on:
- Scriptures and teachings of Shri Khatu Shyam Ji
- Indian cultural heritage, values, and traditions
- Social service skills (education, health, community work)
- Youth leadership and volunteer management
- Women empowerment and family well-being
- Such programs will ensure that ISKASHYAM produces spiritually grounded leaders for the future.
Training of Youth & Women Wings
- Youth Wing members shall receive leadership, event management, and spiritual mentoring so they can become torchbearers of seva.
- Women Wing members shall be trained in community building, seva coordination, and cultural preservation, with equal opportunities in governance.
- Both wings will be encouraged to initiate projects, under the guidance of senior trustees, to build confidence and responsibility.
Personal Discipline & Self-Growth
- Members are encouraged to cultivate daily self-discipline practices such as:
- Morning prayer and remembrance of Shri Khatu Shyam Ji
- Meditation and yoga for inner stability
- Scriptural reading and reflection for wisdom
- Participation in seva for humility and compassion
- These practices shall ensure members grow as balanced individuals — spiritually, mentally, and socially.
Culture of Continuous Learning
- ISKASHYAM shall foster a culture where lifelong learning is celebrated.
- Senior members shall mentor juniors, while youth bring innovation and energy, ensuring mutual exchange of knowledge.
- Learning shall not be limited to scriptures, but also include skills for seva projects such as communication, teamwork, digital outreach, and community service.
Recognition & Encouragement
- Members who show exceptional commitment to learning and seva may be recognized and encouraged by the Trust.
- Such recognition shall not be for personal pride, but as a means to inspire others to follow the same path.
Global Knowledge Exchange
ISKASHYAM shall connect with global spiritual and cultural institutions for exchange of learning, training, and collaborative seva.
8. Disciplinary Action
Accountability for Misconduct
- Every member, trustee, volunteer, or office-bearer is expected to follow ISKASHYAM’s Code of Conduct in spirit and action.
- Any violation — whether in behaviour, financial dealings, event management, or representation of ISKASHYAM — shall invite disciplinary review.
Stages of Disciplinary Action
Disciplinary measures shall be progressive and proportionate to the nature of misconduct:
All disciplinary proceedings shall be documented in writing and maintained in Trust records for transparency and accountability.”
- Stage 1 – Verbal Counselling/Warning: For minor first-time lapses (e.g., negligence, late reporting, non-cooperation).
- Stage 2 – Written Warning: For repeated or more serious violations (e.g., misuse of resources, disrespectful behaviour, lack of accountability).
- Stage 3 – Suspension from Seva/Activities: Temporary removal from seva, events, or responsibilities until behaviour is reviewed.
- Stage 4 – Removal from Leadership/Committee Role: If misconduct affects ISKASHYAM’s reputation or trust functioning.
- Stage 5 – Termination of Membership: In extreme cases of proven misconduct, corruption, or moral misconduct.
Principles of Fair Hearing
- No member shall be punished without being given an opportunity to explain and defend themselves.
- The Board of Trustees shall ensure natural justice, transparency, and confidentiality in all proceedings.
- Decisions shall be taken collectively, not individually, to avoid bias.
Grounds for Disciplinary Action
The following acts may attract strict disciplinary action:
- Misuse of ISKASHYAM’s name, funds, or property for personal gain.
- Misconduct in public or private life that brings disrepute to ISKASHYAM.
- Violation of event conduct rules (use of intoxicants, gambling, immoral activity, vulgarity).
- Non-disclosure of conflict of interest in projects or finances.
- Persistent disruption, disobedience, or disrespect toward ISKASHYAM authorities.
- Financial fraud, embezzlement, or falsification of records.
Reinstatement Policy
- Members removed for misconduct shall not be reinstated automatically.
- Reinstatement, if ever considered, shall be done only after:
- A cooling-off period of minimum 1 year,
- A full review of conduct and written appeal, and
- Approval by a two-thirds majority of the Board of Trustees.
Legal & External Action
- Where misconduct involves financial fraud, misappropriation of funds, or criminal activities, ISKASHYAM shall take legal recourse without compromise.
- Cooperation with statutory authorities shall be mandatory to protect ISKASHYAM’s integrity.
Spirit of Discipline
- The objective of disciplinary action is not punishment but correction, protection, and preservation of ISKASHYAM’s values.
- Discipline ensures that ISKASHYAM remains a trustworthy, spiritual, and service-oriented movement for generations to come.
Disclaimer: While utmost care has been taken in preparing this document/form, any inadvertent error, typographical mistake, or omission is unintentional. In case you notice any such error, kindly contact us immediately for correction. We sincerely regret and request your kind understanding for any unknowing error.
