A SYNOPSIS Of NATARAJ CENTRE CONSTITUTION

1. Origin. The Nataraj Centre owes its inspiration to the magnificent India International Centre, New Delhi. From its beginning in 1980, the Centre has endeavoured to work for international understanding through the medium of culture.

2. Corporate Status  The Nataraj Cultural Centre is incorporated under the Associations Incorporation Act (1981) of Victoria.  As a condition of its incorporation, the Centre is forbidden to secure pecuniary benefit for its members. Members and Officers of the Centre are not liable to contribute to its debts and liabilities.

3. Purposes of the Centre  The Centre’s objectives are to promote better understanding between Australia and South Asia (India and her neighbours) through the Performing Arts; to look after the educational and cultural needs of persons of South Asian origin; to hold concerts of Indian classical music and dance; to organise lectures and seminars; to publish a journal;  to offer professional advice to State or private bodies in South Asia for the best use of artists and scholars sent abroad; and to acquire premises and property for the Centre’s cultural activities.

4. Membership  Membership of the Centre is open, on application to the Secretary, to anyone, 18 years and older, with interest in South Asia. Recommendation from 2 current members is essential, except for Associate membership. Foundation membership is by invitation only.

Membership fees effective from September 1991 are:

5. Privileges All categories of members, and their spouses, are entitled, where applicable, to concessional rates charged by the Centre for its concerts and other activities and amenities.

6. Executive Committee  Management of the Centre vests in an Executive Committee of up to 11 (9 elected) - President, Vice-President, Treasurer, Secretary, two Ordinary Members, two representatives of Foundation Members, and two Special Invitees.  The Committee meets at least 3 times in a year.  Term of office of the Committee is 3 years.

7. General Body  Foundation, Life, Ordinary and Corporate Members constitute the General Body of the Centre.  Meetings of the General Body may be held as often as necessary but at least one meeting, called the Annual General Meeting, must be held in a year.  The AGM receives and considers the reports on the activities of the Centre and its financial transactions, and it elects the Executive Committee.

8. Advisory Committees  The Centre has two Advisory Committees, one based in New Delhi, to advise on the nature and content of its programs.

9. Funds of the Centre  The funds of the Centre are derived from entrance fees, subscriptions, corporate  funding , donations. The Australia-India Council and the Indian Council for Cultural Relations have recently been its major  supporters. The Centre  is listed on the Commonwealth Register of Cultural Organisations entitled to accept tax deductible donations.

10.  Financial  Year  The financial year runs from 1 July to 30 June.

11. Arts Program  The Centre’s major arts activity is the  SPIRIT of INDIA program, presented professionally on a national basis, in association with major arts festivals, arts centres and Indian societies.

12. Other Cultural Activities  The Centre also organises seminars and offers cultural tours to India, also called SPIRIT of INDIA.
  
(The full Constitution can be had for $5)