COMMUNITY service, the promotion of elevated spiritual and social values and the propagation of the sacred teachings of Hinduism are all part and parcel the hallmark of the Ogle Mandir which this month celebrates 50 years since its founding. Located on the railway embankment on the East Coast of Demerara, two corners away East before the Ogle airdrome road, the Ogle Sanatan Dharma octagonal edifice is probably one of the most prominent structures that dot the Ogle/Industry landscape.
And unarguable, the steel and concrete building of spiritual retreat which stands out as a tower of grace and benevolence is the biggest temple on the East Coast of Demerara. 
Understandably, it is the humble qualities, common purpose to serve humanity and the dedication and commitment of the temple’s executive servants that have kept the temple as a united unit, enabling the holy place of worship to stay in service during the past five decades.
The cornerstone of the temple was laid in 1960 and the entire building was constructed mainly through voluntary efforts from residents with the Ogle/Industry locale.
Before the founding of the mandir, members of these two communities used to worship at a temple in the Ogle Estate.
That temple was later closed and the estate’s management made a decision to allocate the plot of land which the Ogle Mandir now sits for those worshippers to erect a build to practice their religion.
According to Ogle Mandir Vice President, Dud Suknandan, pandit Arjune Dobay with the support of members of the former temple at the estate played an instrumental role in organizing and overseeing the construction process and the smooth operation of the temple during its early years.
Many of the founding members, he said have passed away to the greater beyond while others have migrated  but the current executive headed by prominent city businessman, Mr. Ramchand Ragbeer has held the ship together, undertaking several repairs and extension works on the building over the years.
Suknandan explained that the major role of the temple is to instill positive attitudes, values and behaviours in society, particularly among young people- the leaders of tomorrow and to promote the teachings of Hinduism.
The goal, he said is to embed in devotees, positive attitudes and spiritual values with the hope that they will spread the message among member of their communities. 
This approach, he reasoned provides a vital platform to reduce alcohol, drug and other forms of abuses in society and the development of people with the right mindset to enhance their well being, their family’s well being, their communities and the country as a whole.  
In an effort to aid in the realization of a better society, the mandir’s current executive has donated a part of the plot of land its founding members received from GuySuCo to the government for the construction of a nursery school.
The temple has also donated another parcel of land it owns in Industry to the government for the construction of the Health Centre in that community.
On the issue of youth development, Suknandan said the mandir has a vibrant youth group which has been getting better with time and continues to play a central role in religious events both within and outside of the temple.
Mrs. Rokmin Tewari, mother of Acting Chief Education Officer (CEO), Mr. Roopnarine Tewari and an active member who has been with the temple since its inception said the survival from its humble beginning to the current stage is a living testimony of the support and commitment of its members and sound guidance of its leaders.
She said 50 years is an important milestone and called on members to re-commit themselves to serve humanity and to keep the flag of Sanatan Dharma (the eternal law) aloft. 
The mandir will be hosting a four day yagna (religious ceremony) to commemorate the special occasion on August 26 and it will be presided over by the former and current priests of the mandir.