The Hindu Council of New Zealand is proud to announce the launch of Hindu Scripture classes in Rotorua, bringing the spiritual and cultural wealth of Hindu Dharma to life through the teachings of Sanskrit shlokas and mantras. These classes are held every Sunday at 11:00 am at the Hindu Heritage Centre in Rotorua, offering an hour of immersive learning for all participants.

The first Hindu Scripture class was inaugurated on 21 July during the Guru Purnima celebrations, marking the beginning of a new chapter in spiritual education for the Rotorua community. The enthusiasm from parents and children alike has led to the successful commencement of regular weekly classes. With word-of-mouth spreading, the number of attendees continues to grow each week.

These classes are designed to guide participants through the recitation and understanding of Sanskrit shlokas and mantras. Open to everyone, regardless of background or prior knowledge, this initiative seeks to cultivate a deeper appreciation for the ancient wisdom and spiritual practices that lie at the heart of Hindu Dharma.
Leading the classes is Ishwari Vaidya, an experienced instructor with extensive knowledge of Hindu scriptures and Sanskrit. An electrical engineer by training, Ishwari transitioned into early childhood education 15 years ago and now teaches Maths and Science at John Paul College. With a strong foundation in Sanskrit, she has been deeply connected to the recitation of shlokas and mantras since childhood and is passionate about sharing this knowledge with others.

“My mother, a Sanskrit scholar, taught Sanskrit to students from Year 5 to Year 12. Reciting Sanskrit shlokas and mantras was a significant part of my upbringing, and I am thrilled to continue this tradition at the Hindu Heritage Centre. It’s a privilege to pass on this knowledge to younger generations, just as my mother did,” said Ishwari Vaidya, Coordinator of the Hindu Scripture classes.

In these classes, Ishwari carefully guides participants through the correct pronunciation, meaning, and context of each shloka and mantra, offering insights into their relevance and application in daily life. The interactive format encourages questions and discussions, creating a dynamic and engaging learning environment.

“We have been planning to start Hindu Scripture classes for a long time. Now, with the establishment of the centre and a dedicated, trained volunteer, we can finally bring this vision to life,” said Dr. Guna Magesan, President of the Hindu Council of New Zealand.

“We are also looking forward to expanding these classes to other cities across New Zealand,” he added.
The Hindu Scripture classes highlight the significance of ancient chants in promoting mental peace, spiritual growth, and overall well-being. Emphasising inclusivity and cultural exchange, the classes are open to everyone. Whether you are a practitioner of Hindu Dharma, a spiritual seeker, or simply curious about this ancient tradition, you are warmly invited to join. The sessions are designed to be accessible and engaging, ensuring that participants of all ages and backgrounds can benefit from this enriching experience.

Here’s what some parents have said about the classes:
• “The class was excellent. Thank you for hosting us.” – Hemangi Patel
• “The children enjoyed learning about values and prayers.” – Shalini Devi
• “The session on Sanskrit shlokas was wonderful. The programme initiated by the Hindu Heritage Centre will help young children connect with their Indian cultural roots and beliefs in New Zealand.” – Varsha Kaki
• “We had a great experience with Ishwari ji in today’s class.” – Krishna Patel
• “The session was very good. My daughter was a bit shy but she’s excited to come again next weekend. It’s a great start for the community to connect our little ones to our cultural heritage.” – Deep Tanwar
We invite you to join us on this spiritual journey as we explore the timeless wisdom of Hindu Dharma through these scripture classes.
About the Hindu Heritage Centre
The Hindu Heritage Centre, a division of the Hindu Council of New Zealand, is dedicated to promoting cultural and spiritual education within the community. The Centre provides a platform for learning, growth, and spiritual enrichment through a variety of initiatives and programmes.

For more information on the initiative or to learn how you can get involved, please contact:
Prof Guna Magesan
President, Hindu Council of New Zealand
021 0345621
hindu.nz@gmail.com