Youth conference to focus on values

Living in Modern New Zealand with Traditional Values is the theme of the inaugural conference of the Hindu Youth Foundation in Auckland in May.

The foundation, which is the youth division of the Hindu Council of New Zealand Inc, is organising the Youth Conference on Saturday, May 2, at the Hindu Heritage Centre in Bukem Place, Mangere.

Conference co-ordinator Pritika Sharma said positive development of young people was vital towards building a stronger and more dynamic society. 

“Some health issues stated to face New Zealand youth generally are high injury rates, high rates of suicide attempts, alcohol and drug usage, and mental health problems.  On the brighter side, youths who are focused and have specific aims in life, are seen to do brilliant jobs as qualified professionals, among peers and in the wider community.

“With this perspective, the Hindu youth foundation has organised the first Hindu Youth Conference. Migration, stress of settling in a new country, loss of extended family support system, acculturation and living in a modern country like New Zealand while upholding traditional values is a dilemma that extends to migrant communities beyond the issues that face New Zealand Youth generally.”

The aim of the conference was “to ensure that Hindu youth develop into productive citizens and to create awareness about opportunities to channel their energy in a constructive way so that they can contribute to the social cohesion and economic prosperity of our country,” said Ms Sharma.

The conference will provide an opportunity for youth and their families to:

* network, and discuss any concerns directly with government agencies and other service providers;

* participate in leadership development skills workshops;

* participate in workshops to discuss mental health and wellbeing of Hindu youth

The Hindu Youth Foundation works towards building a stronger and more dynamic youth network that will extend to help others based on principles of the Hindu Dharma, like service, unity, religious and cultural harmony, non violence  etc.

Hindu youths are strongly bonded to their families, strongly hold onto their roots despite modernization, which is reflected through acts like respect for women and elders, joining one’s palms and bowing down to greet and touching the feet of elders and teachers in respect, to name a few.

Ms Sharma said response from Members of Parliament who the invitations were extended to, Government and other non-Government agencies that work with youth, the youth of various communities and members of the community had been great so far. 

“The Hindu Youth Foundation is looking forward to a successful conference.”

For more information, please contact: Pritika Sharma, conference co-ordinator

021 072-4051 or e-mail hinduconference@gmail.com