At a time when insensitive, divisive comments were being made by some people with vested interests and defamatory comments being made on whole communities within New Zealand, Auckland witnessed a significant event where young people came together on a common platform to discuss the manner by which they could contribute to New Zealand’s nation building efforts.
The one day conference was hosted by Hindu Youth New Zealand (HYNZ) and New Zealand Hindu Students forum (NZHSF) on Saturday, 29th February at KPMG, Auckland. The conference had more than 120 delegates from around the World, including Fiji, Australia, Malaysia and Bharat (India). The conference welcomed young people of all ethnicities, backgrounds, and affiliations providing the opportunity for important discussions and networking opportunities with various young leaders.
The Minister for Ethnic Communities, Hon. Jenny Salesa inaugurated the event, which was also attended by the Race Relations Commissioner Meng Foon and National MP Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi who all addressed the young delegation.
“There are now about 123,500 Hindus in Aotearoa New Zealand, and you are the second largest, but fastest growing community. Your faith and your community will be a big part of Aotearoa New Zealand’s future,” said Hon. Salesa speaking at the occasion.
Minister Salesa further went on to acknowledge the participation of Hindu youth in medicine and technology as well as in a range of different workplaces throughout the country. She also encouraged young Hindus to participate in politics and state sector boards whilst opening her doors for offering mentorships and pathways for young people interested in this sector. She said she was very much impressed by the welcome speech and keynote address given by the Hindu youth before her presentation.
Expressing his interest in the deliberations of the day and to ensure that youth voices are heard Hon. Bakshi said in his address, “I would like to receive a summary of today and understanding from Hindu Youth New Zealand of how I can help to make sure what you want is heard by us.” Acknowledging under-representation in certain areas, he also welcomed young people to politics stating that mentoring opportunities will be available to Hindu Youth that approach the party. Hindu Youth New Zealand has a registration portal through which young people can express this interest. http://tiny.cc/HYNZopportunities
The conference had lined up five separate panels with international guest speakers throughout the day, who shared their insights on a range of key topics including economy, education, politics, media, human rights, engagement with the government as well as critical analysis of youth engagement in New Zealand to help towards New Zealand’s nation building efforts.
Conference Coordinator and Hindu Youth New Zealand President, Murali Krishna Magesan delivered the keynote address in the inaugural session, highlighting the participation of Hindu Youth in nation building.
“One of the key outcomes of nation-building is improving overall welfare leading to a prosperous and opportunity-providing ecosystem. It helps in strengthening the unique identity of New Zealand which shares many similarities with Sanatan Hindu Dharma (Hinduism), that is; mutual respect, inclusiveness and celebrating the ‘Anekta Mein Ekta’, Unity in Diversity.” said Mr. Magesan.
Both the Minister for Ethnic Communities and Race Relations Commissioner acknowledged the participation and contribution of Hindu Youth to New Zealand.
Many young delegates were thrilled to have access to the various mentorship and exclusive internship opportunities with international organisations to help nurture their talent.
A number of youth attending the 4th New Zealand Hindu Youth Conference have decided to represent New Zealand at a global platform at the end of the year where they will participate in the World Hindu Youth Conference taking place in Mumbai, Bharat in December.
If you would like to volunteer with Hindu Youth New Zealand please register your expression of interest on the link below. http://tiny.cc/hynzvolunteer -from Hindu Youth New Zealand
