The Hindu Organisations, Temples and Associations (HOTA) Forum NZ proudly inaugurated a landmark initiative, the “Shri Hanuman Youth Centre,” at the esteemed Bharatiya Mandir in Auckland. This visionary project marks a pivotal moment in aligning cultural heritage with community empowerment.

The inauguration ceremony garnered a massive support from the New Zealand Hindu community. Attended by over 100 dedicated volunteers and community leaders, the launch commenced with a reverent pooja ceremony conducted by temple priests Acharya Shree Upendra Joshi and Acharya Jai Narain Shastri, alongside by Shri Anil Sharma, invoking divine blessings for the endeavour. The atmosphere resonated with spiritual fervour as the Bhajan Satsang Prayer Group Trust Auckland melodiously recited the Hanuman Chalisa, followed by soul-stirring devotional songs. Participants were also blessed with sacred Prasad from the revered Shri Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, fostering a sense of unity and sanctity. Prof Guna Magesan, President of Hindu Council of New Zealand and the only representative from Aotearoa New Zealand to attend the Prana Pratishtha ceremony of Shri Ram Lalla, organised the sacred Prasad from Shri Ram Mandir.

Shri Vinod Kumar, the National Coordinator of HOTA Forum NZ, warmly welcomed attendees and provided an insightful overview of the project’s objectives. Highlighting the collaborative effort of young talents, Shri Kumar introduced two budding architects Shri Vansh Patel and Shri Devarsh Patel who conceptualised the design for the Shri Hanuman Youth Centre. This visionary establishment will feature a striking 40ft statue of Shri Hanuman ji, serving as a beacon of inspiration, coupled with a dynamic Youth Centre situated on the outskirts of Auckland.

Subsequently, Dr Vinay Karanam, the Regional Coordinator (Hamilton) of HOTA Forum NZ, delivered a comprehensive presentation elucidating the project’s scope and significance. The Shri Hanuman Youth Centre aims to emerge as a vibrant hub catering to educational, recreational, and social needs of young individuals aged 18-35. With a focus on personal development, leadership cultivation, and community cohesion, the Centre embodies a transformative space for holistic growth.

The project roadmap delineates the formation of specialised teams encompassing Project Management, Real Estate, Town Planning, Architecture, Marketing, Fundraising, PR, IT & Digital Management, Accounting, Shri Hanuman Statue, and Government Liaisons. Priority tasks include acquiring suitable land and securing funding through strategic partnerships with governmental bodies, private donors, and local stakeholders.

The Youth Community Centre aims to significantly contribute to the social fabric of the Hindu community, creating responsible and empowered citizens. This project is inviting individuals with expertise in various listed disciplines above to form a diverse team dedicated to the success of this 4 to 5-year initiative with an estimated budget of about 8-10 million NZD. The link to express your interest: Join the Volunteering Team – https://hotaforumnz.org/shri-hanuman-ayenge/

Envisioned as a multifaceted edifice, the Shri Hanuman Youth Centre will feature a multistorey structure housing diverse amenity. The ground floor will accommodate seminar rooms, meeting spaces, and a multipurpose hall, fostering collaboration and synergy among youth organizations. The first level will showcase the rich tapestry of Indian heritage, while the second level will boast a vegetarian restaurant/café, a literature-rich bookshop, a comprehensive library, and a spacious function hall for cultural events.

Moreover, the Centre will offer outdoor recreational facilities including a dormitory for 80 youths, sports arenas for traditional games, nature trails, camping areas, and community gardens, fostering holistic well-being and environmental stewardship.

In essence, the “Shri Hanuman Youth Centre” embodies a collective endeavour to empower youth while enriching the cultural fabric of the community. As an initiative of the HOTA Forum NZ, this project stands as a testament to the unity and dynamism of the Hindu community in New Zealand.

For further inquiries or to support the project, please contact:

Vinod Kumar

National Coordinator

Hindu Organisations, Temples and Associations (HOTA) Forum NZ

info@hotaforumnz.org

+64 21 795 721

About Hindu Organisations, Temples and Associations (HOTA) Forum NZ:

The Hindu Organisations, Temples, and Associations (HOTA) Forum NZ is a unified platform committed to safeguarding and advancing Hindu culture, traditions, and values in New Zealand. Established in 2010 during the third NZ National Hindu Conference organised by the Hindu Council of New Zealand (HCNZ), the oldest Hindu organisation in the country, the HOTA Forum endeavours to cultivate harmony and collaboration among Hindu organisations, temples, and associations, with a shared goal of enhancing community welfare.