Hindu Organisations, Temples and Associations (HOTA) Forum hosted a meeting of over 20 organisation executives and representatives in Auckland on Sunday (September 25) at the Shree Swaminarayan (ISSO) Temple Complex in Papatoetoe.
An invitation only meeting, which was postponed due to Covid-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021, was hosted by Hindu Council of New Zealand.
HOTA Forum brings together leaders, executives, and volunteers of multiple Dharma-based organisations to have an in-depth discussion about the success, challenges, and big issues facing the community. The HOTA Forum was launched at the third NZ National Hindu conference held in May 2010. It acts as a platform to bring together multiple Hindu organisations, temples, and associations throughout NZ.
Since its start, a Hindu organisation, temple or association voluntarily takes lead in hosting the HOTA forum for a year. The host holds on to the Ekta Shankh (a symbol of unity) as the baton symbolising their lead of the programmes for the year. Over 55 organisations have been active members of HOTA since its inception and the interest to work together have been growing.
The focus this year was youth leadership along with the standard discussions that occur during the Forum. “Strong focus on youth enables our next generation to actively participate in shaping the inclusive future of Aotearoa. We need the next generation to start visualising and working towards to building a pluralistic society in New Zealand,” said Nitika Sharma, General Secretary, Hindu Council of NZ.
The day resulted in several discussions that have been grouped into high level themes by the host with action plans in place to implement and bring to fruition the discussions. At a high level, social cohesion, belonging, inclusion, Hindu phobia, misinformation, support from government agencies, engagement with politicians and government agencies stood out as key themes. The successes of the Hindu community as contributing citizens of NZ also formed a large part of the discussions
The day concluded with politicians, government agencies and public representatives attending the day to hear about the discussions, deliberations, and outcomes of the day.
The chairperson of the Religious Diversity Centre, Jocelyn Armstrong, attended the open session commenting, “Everyone I have spoken to told me that it was a good day of discussions and diving into important issues for the community.”
A full report will be compiled and circulated. Membership to HOTA Forum is open to all Hindu organisations, temples, and associations in New Zealand. Contact Nitika Sharma on forum@hota.org.nz for details.
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