The Hindu Council of New Zealand Inc. is delighted to announce the 2nd New Zealand Hindu Elders Conference, set to take place on Saturday, 28th September 2024, at the Hindu Heritage Centre, 225 Malfroy Road, Rotorua. Themed “Old is Gold 2,” this conference builds upon the legacy of the first conference held 15 years ago, focusing on the invaluable contributions of elders within the community.

Event Details:
• Date: Saturday, 28th September 2024
• Location: Hindu Heritage Centre, 225 Malfroy Road, Rotorua
• Theme: Old is Gold 2
• Coordinator: Dr Guna Magesan
The Hindu Elders Foundation, a division of the Hindu Council of New Zealand, is organising this event with the support of a dedicated team of volunteers from various senior citizen organisations. The inaugural conference, held on 3rd October 2009, also celebrated the theme “Old is Gold,” highlighting the enduring significance of elders in the community.

Conference Objectives:
The Hindu Elders Foundation is committed to fostering a robust and dynamic network for elders, grounded in the principles of Sanatan Dharma (the universal or eternal law). Key areas of focus include:
• Positive ageing
• Health and well-being
• Addressing social issues such as acculturation and the stress of settling in a new country
• Bridging the generation gap• Promoting community cohesion, spiritual growth, and cultural preservation• Working with Government agencies and NGOs

Dr. Guna Magesan, President of the Hindu Council of New Zealand, and coordinator of the conference, stated, “Our aim is to facilitate and empower the community so that Hindu elders can live with confidence and be active, contributing citizens of New Zealand. We seek to create awareness about opportunities for elders to channel their energy towards social cohesion, family unity, community strength, and economic prosperity.”
Program Highlights:
• Networking opportunities for elders and their families
• Discussions with government agencies and service providers
• Sessions on positive ageing, health, and well-being
• Deliberations on the impact of the past 15 years since the first conference
Shri Vijay Chand, President of the Hindu Elders Foundation Rotorua, emphasised the importance of diverse participation. “We are inviting senior citizen organisations, community groups, NGOs, and government agencies to participate. We request each senior citizen organisation to bring no more than 15 representatives to ensure broad representation.”

The conference is expected to draw around 120 participants, with strong interest already shown by the community members. We are now working with NGOs, government agencies, local government and Members of Parliament.

To initiate this, we had a Ramayan recital by Shri Hem Chand and team recently at the Hindu Heritage Centre. Most of the participants were happy with the facility available for the Rotorua community in general and Hindu community in particular.

Join Us:
We look forward to welcoming Hindu elders and their families to the Hindu Heritage Centre, a venue dedicated to preserving, promoting, and celebrating the rich heritage of Hindu Dharma. This conference is a unique opportunity to engage with the community, share wisdom, and contribute to the betterment of New Zealand society.
For more information and to confirm participation, please contact
Prof Guna Magesan, conference coordinator
President, Hindu Council of New Zealand
021 0345621
hindu.nz@gmail.com
About the Hindu Council of New Zealand:
The Hindu Council of New Zealand Inc. strives for the ideal of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (the world is one large family), and it has a team of dedicated and committed volunteers. It aims to foster a harmonious, inclusive, and thriving community, dedicated to promoting cultural, spiritual, and social well-being, and contributing to the progress and unity of New Zealand.-TIN Bureau