Project launch on April 25 at Bharatiya Mandir at 2 pm
Venkat Raman
Auckland, April 22, 2024
The Hindu Council of New Zealand has called for public support in constructing a special facility in the name of Lord Hanuman but focusing on the development of the younger members of the society.
Called, ‘Shri Hanuman Youth Centre,’ the multimillion-dollar facility is expected to be completed over the next five years depending on the completion of governmental and other formalities and mobilising the requisite finance.
An imposing Statue
A highlight of the Centre will be a 40-foot (12.19 meters) statue of the Lord standing prominently atop the building, symbolic of protection and perseverance.
The Centre is expected to be constructed at a site at the tip of South Auckland, a fast-developing area which symbolises the growth of the Auckland metropolis.
Hindu Council President Professor Guna Magesan said that while the idea of establishing a Centre in the name of Lord Hanuman has been with its members for a while, the Project’s fructification rests on a number of factors.
He said that the ‘initiative’ will be officially launched with a Special Pooja on Thursday, April 25 at Bharatiya Mandir, located at 254 Balmoral Road, Sandringham at 2 pm. The event will also commemorate Hanuman Jayanti or the Birthday of the Lord.
Professor Magesan said that the Prasad received at Ram Mandir in Ayodhya will be distributed after the Prayers.
Describing the Project as ‘visionary,’ he said that it aims to create a unique cultural and educational space paying homage to Lord Hanuman.
A hub for the Young
“It will also be a hub for our young people. This will be a project of the Hindu Organisations, Temples and Associations (HOTA) Forum of the Hindu Council of New Zealand, aiming to merge cultural heritage with community development. The 40-foot statue of Lord Hanuman will bless the proposed Youth Centre,” he said.
According to Professor Magesan, the combined project envisions a dynamic space incorporating a cultural and educational centre with the spiritual essence of Lord Hanuman, providing a nurturing environment for the holistic development of youth, especially in the 18-35 age group.
Hota Forum New Zealand National Coordinator Vinod Kumar said that the key objectives include fostering personal development, building leadership skills, and cultivating a strong sense of community among Hindu youth.
“Services offered within the Youth Centre encompass a diverse range, including career counselling, leadership development programs, arts and cultural activities, sports and recreation facilities, and community outreach initiatives,” he said.
Professor Magesan said that the proposed Youth Centre will feature recreational areas, a multipurpose hall, and a dormitory to accommodate 80 youths for camping activities.
“The 40-foot statue of Lord Hanuman will serve as a focal point atop the building, showcasing India’s contributions to the world. In 1997, during the Golden Jubilee celebration of India’s Independence, we curated an exhibition titled ‘Ancient Indian Contributions to the World of Science.’ Tainui Maori Community Kaumata Hare Puke presided over the inauguration ceremony, marking a milestone as it fostered the beginning of Hindu-Maori relations. As we now embark on this journey, we envision not just a tribute but a permanent testament to India’s remarkable contributions to the world.
Culture and Tourism
We believe that this Centre will serve as a beacon of cultural pride and emerge as a tourist destination,” he said.
He said that the Project will be implemented over a three to five-year period.
The cost of construction and other associated components will be through a strategic blend of government grants, private donations and partnerships with local businesses, educational institutions, non-profit organisations, and corporations committed to youth development and cultural preservation,” Professor Magesan said.
He invited people with expertise in project management, architecture, cultural studies, event planning, and community engagement to a diverse team being constituted.
“More than 60 volunteers from Auckland have expressed interest, and we seek the participation of people from all over New Zealand. Together, we aim to expand this impactful project to other major cities throughout the country,” Professor Magesan said.
About HOTA Forum NZ
The Hindu Organisations, Temples, and Associations Forum New Zealand is a unified platform committed to safeguarding and advancing Hindu culture, traditions, and values in New Zealand. Established in 2010 during the third New Zealand National Hindu Conference organised by the Hindu Council of New Zealand, 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.
About Lord Hanuman
Lord Hanuman, also known as Maruti, Bajrangbali, and Anjaneya, is a Hindu Deity, revered as a Divine Vanara, and a devoted Companion of Lord Rama.
Central to the Ramayana, Lord Hanuman is celebrated for his unwavering devotion to Lord Rama and is considered a Chiranjeevi (Immortal). Vaishnavites believe that He is the spiritual offspring of the Wind God Vayu, while Shaivites say that He is an Incarnation of Shiva.
His tales are recounted in Ramayana, Mahabharata and various Puranas.
Lord Hanuman epitomises the fusion of strength, heroic initiative, and assertive excellence with loving, emotional devotion to his Lord Rama, embodying both Shakti and Bhakti.
He is believed to have liberated the Navagrahas held captive by Sri Lankan King Ravana and Lord Shani (Saturn) promising Him to bless His devotees with ‘less intense effects’ during his planetary influence.
Further information on HOTA NZ and the Lord Hanuman Youth Centre from Vinod Kumar on 021-795721. Email: info@hotaforumnz.org
