FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
The first Shakha in New Zealand started in 1996 in Hamilton. Hindu SwayamsevaK Sangh NZ (incorporated) was registered with Charities Services New Zealand in 2018. It is also popularly known as HSS NZ or Sangh.
“Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh” means “Association of self-inspired Hindu volunteers”. Hindu represents Hindu Kiwis; Swayamsevak means self-inspired volunteer; and Sangh means association.
HSSNZ is a volunteer based organisation. All the activities are managed by a team of volunteers.
Everyone who agrees with our vision and mission is welcome to join our activities. Our volunteers reflect the diversity of Hindu Kiwi community.
Sure, you can. Anyone from any part of the world living in New Zealand who agrees with our vision and mission is welcome to join our activities.
Please contact us via various options as listed here: Contact Us (click here)
There is no membership fee. There is no formal membership form as well. Just contact us (link to contact us) or connect to any of our volunteers you know.
We rely on voluntary contributions of our members to manage our activities and programs. Once in a year, we hold Guru Puja utsav. Members contribute by Tan, Man and Dhan ( physical, intellectual and financial contributions) on the Guru Puja utsav. The contributions are fully optional and voluntary based on members will and capacity.
All the members and guests are reminded to adhere to and promote values highlighted in Sangh Praarthana such as good character worthy of respect by others (Sushilam Lokapujitam), noble virtues of service to humanity (Tyaaga Seva Vratasyaayam), promoting universal dharmic values (Vishwa Dharma Prakaashena), promoting cohesive and harmonious living (Vishwa Shanti Pravartake), and respect for the environment (Namamo Bhumi Maataram).
Hinduism, also known as Hindu Dharma, is the modern name for the spiritual and cultural traditions that emanated from Bharat. Based on universal and eternal principles, Hindu Dharma has inspired its practitioners toward noble conduct, created a harmonious society, and has risen to meet various challenges since the dawn of civilization. Hindutva (Hinduness) is simply the essence of being a Hindu, i.e., promoting Dharma and fostering peace.
HSS NZ does not engage in political activism or support any specific political ideology. Its members are free to support any political party they like. As per our mission and vision, we work on educating the broader community on issues concerning Hindu Kiwis.
Discrimination rationalized by religious laws, marginalization, and stigmatization in social life; violence and economic deprivation are all too common for Hindus living as a minority in several countries. Recent years have seen a growing number of Hindus seeking refuge due to persecution by state and non-state actors alike in those countries. Hindu women, in particular have borne the brunt of violence including kidnappings, rape, and forced conversions.
Any hostility to or prejudice against Hinduism, Hindu people, ethnic Indians, and Hindu Institutions is Hinduphobia. HSS NZ is concerned about hate attacks on Hindu Kiwis, their institutions including businesses, and places of worship and even charitable work that the community is doing. HSS NZ condemns any such attacks on individuals and organizations. The Hindu-Kiwi community, a religious minority, deserves safety and respect just like all other communities in New Zealand. We want to work with local, state, and federal governments to protect the constitutional rights of all New Zealanders.
HSSNZ is an autonomous and independent organization having no legal or financial relationship with any other organization. We share platforms with many grassroots Hindu organizations across the world that work for the social and spiritual advancement of Hindus and the larger community and have been working for the upliftment of poor and underprivileged. HSS NZ is also inspired by a long lineage of Hindu movements in Bharat (India), including the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), which have helped rejuvenate the society and take Hindu civilization forward. HSS NZ may not necessarily agree with all that these organizations and leaders espouse, but we take inspiration from their larger vision and the spirit for preserving, restoring, and advancing Hindu culture, ideals, and values.
As an integral part of the New Zealand civil society, HSS NZ proactively works towards building relationships with all sections of the society. We work with the community and humanitarian organizations to serve the needs of the larger New Zealand society. HSS also actively participates in interfaith activities and collaborates with other faith-based organizations on projects of common interest.