The historic South African National Hindu Conference, hosted by the Vishva Hindu Parishad of South Africa under the theme “United Communities; Stronger South Africa”

 

The historic South African National Hindu Conference, hosted by the Vishva Hindu Parishad of South Africa under the theme “United Communities; Stronger South Africa,” convened on November 9-10, 2024, at the Samskruti Kendra in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal. Approximately 300 delegates and representatives from 42 organizations attended, along with respected sannyasis from the Sannyasa Council.

Held 29 years after the 1995 World Hindu Conference in Durban, this gathering underscored the collective responsibility of the Hindu community to implement resolutions benefiting both Hindus in South Africa and the broader society.

The conference passed two primary resolutions aimed at empowering the Hindu community. The first resolution advocates for stronger Hindu representation in government, administration, judiciary, diplomacy, police, armed forces, and leadership. It calls for advocacy efforts, combating stereotypes, establishing Hindu chaplaincy for government employees, enhancing educational support in the humanities and social sciences, and protecting the indigenous South African religious heritage.

The second resolution acknowledges the contributions of Hindu ancestors by establishing the Hindu Organizations, Temples & Associations Forum (HOTA), which aims to unify Hindu entities. It proposes creating a Hindu Fund for political engagement, a media team to counter stereotypes, efforts to combat religious conversions, and scholarships for Hindu students.

Additionally, it emphasizes forming alliances with African Indigenous groups to preserve cultural heritage. Highlights of the opening ceremony included the Ekatmata Mantra, recited by African Hindu brother Sri Bongani Vrindavan, and an African prayer by healer Larato Scherpenhuizen, setting a harmonious tone for the conference.

President Cyril Ramaphosa sent a message of support, recognizing the event’s significance. Sessions addressed diverse topics: politics, legal and administrative issues, economy, education, media, women, youth, and conversion. Prominent attendees included Deputy Minister of Environment Narend Singh, who emphasized the importance of Hindu unity, and Deputy Minister of Finance Ashor Nick Sarupen, who celebrated Hindu contributions to South African society.

Smt. Shameen Thakur Rajbansi, a former Member of Parliament, highlighted the supremacy of the Constitution and its values of human dignity, the achievement of equality, the advancement of human rights, and freedom of association, emphasizing that everyone has the right to practice their religion freely and that South Africa upholds the principles of non-racialism and non-sexism.

Discussions underscored the need for Hindu involvement in politics, government, administration, judiciary, diplomacy, police and armed forces, and leadership, as well as advocacy in law enforcement and public administration. Media reform to correct misrepresentations of Hindu Dharma was also a priority. The Lotus Economic Forum, led by Satish Komal, highlighted pathways for Hindu business engagement in South Africa. Additionally, the conference encouraged Hindu students to pursue higher education in fields like political science, media, and public administration.

The recurring theme was the importance of mainstreaming Hindu values across South African society and preserving, promoting, and advancing Hindu Dharma politically, economically, culturally, and spiritually in all facets of life.