Last week, the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) Fiji successfully hosted the 5th National Hindu Conference at the Harbour Point Convention Hall in Lami.
Centred around the theme “United Communities, Stronger Fiji,” the conference highlighted the importance of unity, collaboration, and shared cultural values in strengthening the Fijian Hindu community.
Chief Guest Suneet Mehta, the Indian High Commissioner to Fiji, commended the contribution of Hindus to Fiji’s progress. “Hindus have played a vital role in the social, cultural, and economic landscape of the country. They have preserved their heritage through celebrating diversity across our diaspora,” he said.
“Each action of our community counts towards nation-building, and as we reflect on our journey, we must also consider our future.”
National President of VHP Fiji, Jay Dayaal, said the conference provided a crucial platform for Hindu organisations to come together and chart a unified path forward. “As a facilitator, VHP Fiji brought all major Hindu organisations together to deliberate on a collective vision for the community,” he said.
“Collaboration through a well-defined pathway towards the common good was the centrepiece of this conference.”
A key highlight of the event was the launch of the Hindu Organisations, Temples and Associations (HOTA) Forum by Swami Vigyananand, Joint General Secretary of VHP Bharat and Founder & Global Chairman of the World Hindu Foundation.
The forum, endorsed by all major Hindu organisations, aims to strengthen cooperation within Fiji’s Hindu community. Dayaal urged continued commitment to the initiative, “The success of the HOTA Forum is a shared responsibility.”
“I encourage the community to work collaboratively to strengthen the Forum and ensure its effective functioning through annual meetings.”
The conference also addressed broader social themes, including collaboration with government agencies to combat poverty, tackle social vulnerabilities, and promote responsible use of social media.
Bringing together religious leaders, scholars, government officials, community representatives, and youth, the 5th National Hindu Conference reaffirmed the collective goal of preserving heritage while contributing to Fiji’s inclusive national development.
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