Directory of aid organisations launched

O Specifically to help those in B40 group get easy access to free services

GEORGE TOWN: Several Hindu groups and non-governmental organisations (NGO) have come up with a novel way to help needy families seek assistance.

They have published a directory containing the addresses of all organisations that offer free meals, tuition and medical services, specifically for those residing in the northern states.

This is specifically to help those in the B40 group get easy access to such services, according to programme coordinator Dr Prashant Subramanian.

The free services will be offered by various Hindu temples and nonprofit organisations.

The listing of organisations that offer these services, called the Hindu Directory, was launched in Penang yesterday.

Swami Brahmananda Saraswati, who founded the Temple of Self Knowledge in Kedah, has sponsored the printing of 10,000 copies of the directory.

They will be distributed from a stall situated at the foothill of the

Hilltop Murugan Temple this Friday and Saturday.

The effort is supported by the Penang Hindu Association, Penang Hindu Endowments Board, Global Hindu Federation and NGOs.

Prashant said the initiative aims to help and inform all communities, especially the needy and B40 families, about the free services offered by Hindu temples and NGOs.

He added there was also no centralised directory, where people in need can find out about the venue, operation time and contact details for the Hindu temples and NGOs.

“These services, that include free meals, free tuition classes and even free medical aid, are not just for the Hindu communities, but also (for) refugees, Indian-Muslims, Chinese … everyone can get these services,” he told reporters, noting however, that the free religious and spiritual classes provided are primarily for Hindu devotees. – Bernama