April 1988
Landmark Kenya Meeting Seeks African Hindu UnityNine Countries Explore The Future In Greater Africa Where 1,270,000 Hindus Have Established Deep Roots
Kumar, Ramesh; Kenya,
Nairobi
The three-day (January 1-3) All
Africa Hindu Conference, organized by the Hindu Council of Kenya at
Nairobi, resolved for greater unity and coordination among Hindu
organizations in Africa and Hindus all over the world. Various religious
and social problems faced in different countries were discussed in the
landmark meeting. It was attended by over 250 delegates from nine
countries. The altruistic slogan adopted by the delegates, on behalf of
all Hindus, was Kinvanto vishvamaryam, "Let us make the world
noble."
The chief guest, Badri Prasad Toshniwal, the vice president
of the international and influential Vishva Hindu Parishad, officially
opened the meeting. The other important dignitaries were: Yadavrao Joshi
(Joint General Secretary of RSS, India), Raj Narain Guttee (Mauritian
Member of Parliament), Ashok Naik (National Chairman of the Zambia Hindu
Association) and Madan Lal Aggarwal (Treasurer of the Vanvashi Kalyan
Ashram of India.) The Indian High Commissioner, Mrs. M. Bhalla, attended
the closing ceremony.
Yadavrao Joshi spoke on the world situation,
observing that the western world considered man as a social animal, an
intellectual animal or gregarious animal. If man is merely reasoning homo
sapien then his behavior will be predisposed towards contempt, enmity and
jealousy resulting in territorial (including religious territory)
expansion and violence. Conversely, he said, the Hindu concept of man is
as a divine being whose innate nature is light and goodness. Hindus should
spiritually see the All-Pervasive Supreme Being in all creatures,
resulting in a planet-wide love, respect and sympathy. "Thus the Hindus
built their cultural empire in the past. By propagating those ideals we
can rebuild it now," he proclaimed.
Sri Toshniwal commended the
work of the Hindu Council of Kenya and hoped similar councils would be
established in all countries. Recounting the upsurge in Hindu activities
all over the world, he called it a vital period of Hindu renaissance. Soon
it will start giving results in all fields. He noted how 3 out of the top
10 scientists in miniature electronics are Hindu.
L.S. Bhide was
the chief speaker of the third session. Extremely well-traveled (including
all of Africa) and informed, Bhide observed that Hindus first organize
business institutions, then religious ones-halls, temples - then education
and service establishments. "We find such institutions in about 22-24
African countries. But the Hindus never think of totality. There always
remains compartmental thinking."
S.M. Patel, Chairman of the Hindu
Council of Kenya, spoke well of Kenya concerns: "We should do work in
improving the environment, planting trees and so forth. And we should
prepare programs for closer contact with the local people. Invite them to
our social and religious functions. Give them knowledge of Hindu dharma
though video tapes, films, etc." Patel's call for community interaction is
vitally important. One of the conference's nine resolutions expressed
appreciation for the Kenya government which facilitated the introduction
of Hindu Religious Education syllabi into primary and secondary
schools.
The conference was held in seven sessions of ninety
minutes each. About ten delegates eagerly spoke in each session. The verve
and enthusiasm of the delegates spark-plugged the conference into long,
fruitful dialogue that went well into the night.
The idea of
staging an All-Africa congress came from Swami Satyamitranan Giri of
Samanvaya Kuti, Hardwar, India, and started snowballing during his last
visit to Kenya in April '87. Unfortunately, heart surgery prevented the
swami from attending. In his message he stated: "Hindu unity means a
practical endeavor for world peace."
A large delegation from
Mauritius attended, representing many diverse organizations. The Hindu
Council of Mauritius was formed some time ago to coordinate all these
organizations, but only a few have so far become members.
The
Zambian Hindus have formed the Hindu Association of Zambia, a national
body having branches in all towns. The Chairman and the immediate past
Chairman of the Association both gave insightful addresses. One noticeable
lack was a delegate contingent from South Africa where most of Africa's
Hindus live.
In general, other subjects included the social and
cultural status of Hindus, the role of women and youth, and linkage with
India. In the evenings, besides cultural events, group discussions were
held on Hindu religious education and yoga. Nine resolutions were passed,
one of which supported the ISKCON Hindu Temple now facing a closure threat
in England.
Daily press coverage was given to the historic meeting.
The conference is expected to boost the prospects of establishing a
permanent resource center for African Hindus.
Article copyright
Himalayan Academy.
Return to the Table of Contents
Return to Hinduism Today Home Page
Express your gratitude for Hinduism Today by donating to the Hinduism Today Production Fund. Help provide complimentary copies to orphanages, libraries, temples and deserving individuals by donating to the Hinduism Today Complimentary Subscription Fund.
Contact Us
Copyright © 1979-2008 Himalayan Academy. All rights reserved.