Council to promote Hindu unity
SWAMIS from several organisations launched the National Association of Hindu Monks, called the Sannyasa Spiritual Council of South Africa, last week.
The ceremony was held at the Sarva Dharma Ashram in Welbedacht, Chatsworth.
The council will serve as a platform for the swamis to promote Hindu unity and to address matters relating to the upliftment of Hindus and humanity at large.
Swami Vedanand Saraswati, the spiritual head of the Arya Samaj, was lauded at the event for facilitating the programme as well as forming the council. Saraswati was elected as the convenor.
He said the council was a spiritual, non-partisan and apolitical association of Sannyasis (monks of the highest order of Hinduism) from Hindu organisations and Sampradayas (lineages).
“Irrespective of our individual organisations, we have come together with the objective of working in the name of Dharma to establish spiritual truth, peace, enlightenment and unity in society in accordance with Sanathan Dharma.
“Sanathan or Hindu Dharma is a universal value system for all humanity. It encourages social responsibility and cohesion.
“In doing this, the council will establish a community united in its diversity.”
Anish Rajan, the consul-general of India in Durban, attended the event.
He said: “Many years later, we will look back on this historic day when the Sannyasa Spiritual Council of South Africa held its first event.
“The Hindu community of South Africa is blessed to have such an august leadership. Each swami has an outstanding record of serving our community selflessly.”
Ashwin Trikamjee, the president of the South African Hindu Maha Sabha, said the council was supported by many Hindu organisations.
For more information on the council, call Swami Vedanand Saraswati at 031 267 0519.