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HAGUE, March 6, 2003: This story originally appears in Dutch and just recently came to HPI’s attention. On March 5, 2003, Defence State Secretary Cees van der Knaap formally founded the Hindu Spiritual Welfare Service, by presenting the Chairman of the Hindu Council, Mr. Natoewal, with the new cap badge for the service. The ceremony took place in the Hague. The Hindu Spiritual Welfare Service is the fifth such service in the Defence Organization, alongside the Roman Catholic, Protestant, Jewish and Humanist services. Religious freedom is one of the most substantial human rights said Cees van der Knaap in his speech. He added that the wishes of religious minorities are important and they would try to take into account religious holidays, observances and, as much as possible, meal preparations. Between 100 and 150 Hindus serve in defence. This is the first time in sixty years that a new Spiritual Welfare Service has been set up at defence. The Hindu Council played an important role in the establishment of the service. A beret emblem was created especially for the two priests of the service. This year Dutch soldiers will celebrate Divali for the first time.

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