July 1983
Youth Leaders Address Central Issues in MalaysiaDelegates at Malaysian Hindu Youth Convention Resolve to Strengthen Hindu Influence There
Rajaratnam, S.
On the 20th of April, about 520
delegates from Malaysia and observer delegates from Singapore, India and
Hong Kong gathered at the University Sains Malaysia in the beautiful port
city of Penang for the 19th National Hindu Youth Convention, Under the
auspices of the Malaysian Hindu Youth Council (MHYC). The theme: "The
Universalism of Hinduism."
The functions was coordinated by the
Penang Hindu Youth Organization, one of 120 branches of the HYO in
Malaysia. Established about 30 years ago, the HYO, now closely identified
with the MHYC, was the fist national youth body in Malaysia. Through such
broad-based organizations, Hindu youth in Malaysia have been able to
gradually create interest in Hinduism and to develop a pride and
understanding of the principles and practices of the religion. Today it is
found that there is greater youth enthusiasm among Hindu youth in Malaysia
than probably any other nation. The HYO addresses itself to socio-economic
problems of the country as well as religious. The HYO has affiliated
itself with the Malaysian Hindu Sangam, regarded as the parent
coordinating Hindu body in the country.
The convention was declared
open by the Minister of Works and patron of the MHYC, Hon. Dato S. Samy
Vellu. In his opening address, the minister made a critical analysis of
the present situation in the country and put forward the idea of setting
up a "Malaysian Council of Hinduism" that is acceptable to all Hindus in
the country. Among other things, the minister suggested the Council of
Hinduism should have the following as its objectives: 1) uniting under its
fold all Hindu temples and Hindu organizations, 2) establishing state
councils on Hinduism, 3) acting as the liason body with the government on
matters pertaining to the Hindu religion, 4) helping in the fixing of
dates for religious occasions, particularly public holidays, 5) setting up
of Hindu information centers for Hindu devotees, 6) publishing a joint
newsletter, 7) establishing links with Hindu organizations in Asia, India
and the rest of the world, 8) acting as a coordinating body for all Hindu
temples and organizations.
A talk on the theme "Universalism of
Hinduism" was delivered by Mr. K. Loganathan, a lecturer at the University
of Sains. Later, a forum on "Aspects on Hinduism" was held under the
chairmanship of Dr. S. M. Ponniah, President of the Malaysia Hindu
Sangam.
Culture and contests: Thirumurai singing contests were held
under several categories: individual men, individual women, group singing
and choir group. After a number of elimination rounds, the finalists took
part in the "Religious Night." All winners were awarded prizes. The Short
Drama Competition was another popular event. After the preliminary rounds,
the best four groups took part in the "Cultural Night." All dramas were
based on religious themes, depicting the philosophy of Hindu dharma, the
lives of sages and the application of Hindu philosophy in daily
life.
There were also literary con tests held in three languages.
Oratory, debate and essay writing contests were held in Tamil, English and
Bahasa Malaysia, on religious topics. Other activities for the delgates
included a social get-together and game competitions, and prayer sessions
were held daily.
The Deputy Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports,
Hon. Datin Rosemary Chong, officiated at the Closing Ceremony. She also
gave away prizes to winners in the various competitions. In her speech she
called upon the youths to fight the drug menace and work toward the unity
of youths.
Resolutions: During the four days of the convention,
delegates deliberated on various current, important issues and came up
with the following conclusions:
* To realize the need to propagate
the Hindu religion and its philosophy especially in the rural areas and to
take appropriate measures,
* To be aware of the non-Hindu influence
and vehement propagation by other religious missionaries and to take
necessary measures to ensure that the Hindus are not
disillusioned,
* To carry out more religious activities by the
Hindu youth organizations throughout the country, especially during this
period of increased religious awareness among Hindus in the
country,
* To include Hindu ethics and elements in all activities
that are being organized for the benefit of Hindus,
* To send
religious personalities to the rural areas who would live there for a few
days and by mingling with the local residents, help them understand and
inspire them to follow the Hindu way of life and to be steadfast against
all other influences.
World Youth Assembly: This organization
convened on the final day and studied the activities of the different
organizations and the situation of Hindus in various countries. The
growing problem of Hindus being converted to other religions in many
countries was of first concern, and thoughts of international antidotes
were considered. In view of the fact that Hindus the world over look to
India for religious leadership, the services and network of the India
Vishva Hindu Parishad were discussed, as a possible means to provide
religious assistance to Hindus on an international basis.
Article
copyright Himalayan Academy.
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