Source: Malaysian Hindu Sangam
MALAYSIA, May 26, 2002: Over 600 Malaysian youth leaders from different states in Malaysia congregated at the Sri Sithi Vinayagar Temple Hall on May 26, 2002 to discuss the future of Hindu youth in Malaysia. Organized by the Malaysia Hindu Sangam’s Youth Services Committee, the conference centered around the effect globalization has on today’s youth. Opening speaker for the conference, A. Vaithilingam, noted that, “About 30 years ago about 75% of Indians were settled in rural areas, but the National Census in 2000 shows that about 79% of Indians are now settled in the urban areas. The fact remains that the community largely lags behind the other communities in Malaysia in most fields.” Vaithilingam also pointed out that some youth have pursued professional careers and started small businesses. Three main speakers at the event presented papers on globalization, its effects on Hinduism; the positive and negative effects of globalization; and the role Hindu youths can play in matching the effects of globalization. The conference also gave the youth an opportunity to inaugurate the formation of a Village Improvement Program to serve the poor in village and rural areas by focussing on tradition, religion, culture, education and other services.