MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA, February 10, 2012 (Knox Leader): A group of 12 young Indian students are the first Hindu chaplains to graduate in Australia. The Melbourne Hindi Foundation announced the first round of graduates after five months of intensive training, in-patient management at hospitals, spiritual services, family counseling and Hindu prayer. They will get refresher courses every six weeks to expand their skills and ensure they are up to date with all hospital policy. The chaplains will work mostly in hospitals and nursing homes with the sick and dying.
Hindu Foundation executive director Pandit Abhay Awasthi said Melbourne had 35,000 Hindus, with a massive increase expected over the next four years. “These new chaplains will cover the southeastern region of Melbourne and relieve older chaplains looking to retire,” Mr Awasthi said. “It is a lifelong position. “We will begin training another 20 for the northwestern region in February.” Mr Awasthi said the chaplaincy role was very orthodox and provided a cultural connection for Australian Hindus.