Vinay Karanam In a landmark event, the Hindu Organisations, Temples and Associations (HOTA) Forum NZ inaugurated the “Shri Hanuman Youth Centre” at the prestigious Bharatiya Mandir in Auckland. This initiative, aimed at merging cultural heritage with community empowerment, witnessed overwhelming support from the New Zealand Hindu community.
The inauguration ceremony, attended by over 100 dedicated volunteers and community leaders, commenced with a traditional pooja ceremony conducted by temple priests Acharya Shree Upendra Joshi and Acharya Jai Narain Shastri, alongside Shri Anil Sharma. Jyoti Parashar, Yugal Parashar and Ambarish Gupta from Bharatiya Mandir committee were also present. Spiritual fervor filled the air as the Bhajan Satsang Prayer Group Trust Auckland melodiously recited the Hanuman Chalisa and performed devotional songs. The event also saw the distribution of sacred Prasad from the revered Shri Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, further fostering a sense of unity. Several leaders from Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (HSS), Hindu Elder Foundation (HEF), Hindu Foundation, ISSO, BAPS etc. were present at the event.
Shri Vinod Kumar, the National Coordinator of HOTA Forum NZ, welcomed attendees and provided an overview of the project’s objectives. He introduced the young architects, Shri Vansh Patel and Shri Devarsh Patel, who conceptualized the design for the Shri Hanuman Youth Centre. This visionary establishment, featuring a striking 40ft statue of Shri Hanuman ji, aims to be a beacon of inspiration coupled with a dynamic Youth Centre on the outskirts of Auckland.
Dr Vinay Karanam, the Regional Coordinator (Hamilton) of HOTA Forum NZ, delivered a presentation elucidating the project’s scope and significance. The Shri Hanuman Youth Centre aims to serve as a vibrant hub catering to the educational, recreational, and social needs of young individuals aged 18-35, focusing on personal development, leadership cultivation, and community cohesion.
The project roadmap includes the formation of specialized teams in various disciplines such as Project Management, Real Estate, Town Planning, Architecture, Marketing, Fundraising, PR, IT & Digital Management, Accounting, Shri Hanuman Statue, and Government Liaisons. Priority tasks involve acquiring suitable land and securing funding through strategic partnerships.
The Youth Community Centre aspires to contribute significantly to the social fabric of the Hindu community, fostering responsible and empowered citizens. Individuals with expertise in the listed disciplines are invited to join the diverse team dedicated to the success of this initiative. The link to express your interest: Join the Volunteering Team
There is a WhatsApp Group that has been created for all Volunteers to meet and discuss: Join WhatsApp Group
Envisioned as a multifaceted edifice, the Shri Hanuman Youth Centre will feature a multistorey structure housing diverse amenities. The ground floor will accommodate seminar rooms, meeting spaces, and a multipurpose hall, while the upper levels will showcase Indian heritage, host a vegetarian restaurant/café, a literature-rich bookshop, a comprehensive library, and a spacious function hall for cultural events. Outdoor recreational facilities will also be provided.
In essence, the “Shri Hanuman Youth Centre” embodies a collective endeavor to empower youth while enriching the cultural fabric of the community. As an initiative of the HOTA Forum NZ, this project stands as a testament to the unity and dynamism of the Hindu community in New Zealand.
For further inquiries or to support the project, please contact: Vinod Kumar National Coordinator Hindu Organisations, Temples and Associations (HOTA) Forum NZ info@hotaforumnz.org +64 21 795 721
About Hindu Organisations, Temples and Associations (HOTA) Forum NZ: The Hindu Organisations, Temples, and Associations (HOTA) Forum NZ is a unified platform committed to safeguarding and advancing Hindu culture, traditions, and values in New Zealand. Established in 2010 during the third NZ National Hindu Conference organized by the Hindu Council of New Zealand (HCNZ), the oldest Hindu organization in the country, the HOTA Forum endeavors to cultivate harmony and collaboration among Hindu organizations, temples, and associations, with a shared goal of enhancing community welfare.
The Photo Gallery of the event:
The full media release can be seen here:
[dflip id=”10989″ ][/dflip]
