HOTA Forum Launched during 3rd Hindu Conference

HINDU COUNCIL OF NEW ZEALAND Incorporated

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HOTA Forum Launched during the 3rd New Zealand Hindu Conference

The Hindu Organisations, Temples and Associations (HOTA) Forum was launched during the 3rd New Zealand National Hindu conference. This was one of the milestone outcomes of the conference.

The conference was organised by the Hindu Council of New Zealand at the Hindu Heritage Centre, Auckland, on 15th and 16th May, 2010. The theme of the conference was “Sustaining New Zealand Through Strengthening Bonds Amongst Communities”.

Swami Vigyananand, Coordinator, Civilizational Association of South, South-East & East Asia presented the concept of the HOTA Forum during the second plenary session “Collaboration Amongst Hindu Organisations, Temples, and Associations”, and outlined the important role such a forum would play. Following his presentation and a group discussion, over 20 New Zealand Hindu Organisations, Temples and Associations joined the HOTA forum. More are expected to join over the coming weeks and months.

Swami Vigyananand emphasised the Hindu integrative concept of Vasudhaiv Kutumbakam (the Whole World is One Family) and the ways in which it has helped in the integration of the Hindus within the wider New Zealand community as a productive, law-abiding community. He outlined how the HOTA forum can further enhance this integration.

HOTA forum will meet at least once a year to discuss and deliberate the issues concerning Hindu society and collectively position Hindu society for a better future. This will also reinforce Hindu identity which accepts all like-minded communities and cultures on equal footing as one big global family.

“When Hindu organisations, temples and associations start working together on a common project annually and regularly, that will develop bonding and understanding among the Forum members and will result in increased capability for large scale Hindu collaboration” said Swami Vigyananand.

HOTA Forum will organise a landmark cultural event for New Zealand society and celebrate the Hindu Festival of Raksha Bandhan as its first project – an occasion that promotes Universal Fellowship and Venerates Womanhood.

Hindu Council of New Zealand will take initiative as the first year host for the HOTA forum to organize this celebration in August this year, jointly with all HOTA Forum members.

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