The 8th Australian National Hindu Conference concluded successfully at the Duxton Hotel in Perth, drawing over 230 delegates from across the nation under the theme “Dynamic Communities: Vibrant Australia.” Organised by the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) of Australia Inc. and hosted by its Western Australia Chapter, the landmark event brought together representatives from more than 40 Hindu temples, cultural associations, and youth organisations.
Reflecting Australia’s multicultural character, participants hailed from over 20 countries including Bharat (India), Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Mauritius, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Singapore, Kenya, Fiji, South Africa, and the United Kingdom.
The conference was marked by the presence of senior dignitaries, including:
- H.E. Gopal Baglay, High Commissioner of India to Australia
- Hon. Dr Tony Buti, WA Attorney General and Minister for Commerce, Treasury, International Education and Multicultural Interests
- Hon. Dr Parwinder Kaur MLC and Hon. Dr Jagdish Krishnan MLA
- Deputy Lord Mayor Bruce Reynolds, City of Perth
- Mayors Patrick Hall (City of Canning), Logan K Howlett (City of Cockburn), Terresa Lynes (City of Gosnells)
- Senior officials from WA Police and the Department of Education
These leaders actively contributed to panel discussions on crucial topics such as enhancing collaboration with government agencies, fostering unity among diverse Hindu communities, and nurturing future Hindu leadership in Australia.
In a keynote address, Smt. Praveena Mittal, President of VHP WA, highlighted significant census data pointing to the Hindu community’s growing impact:
“According to the 2021 census, over 64 per cent of Hindus in Australia hold university degrees—more than double the national average. About 32 per cent are qualified professionals, compared to 24 per cent nationally. The average Hindu household earns $2,461 per week, well above the national average of $1,746. However, Hindu representation in Parliament, the judiciary, public service, police, academia, and media remains disproportionately low.”
The conference served as a springboard for major initiatives aimed at long-term community empowerment:
- Launch of HOTA WA (Hindu Organisations, Temples and Associations) – a strategic platform to unify the WA Hindu community and improve civic engagement
- Inauguration of Hindu Youth Australia – Western Australia Chapter – focused on empowering the next generation of Hindu leaders
- Promotion of the World Hindu Economic Forum 2025, scheduled for 2–3 August in Adelaide
- A joint resolution to actively showcase Hindu contributions to Australia via national media and public discourse
Leaders from South Australia, New South Wales, Victoria, and Queensland shared success stories of implementing the HOTA model, highlighting its role in galvanising Hindu communities across the country. The formal launch of HOTA WA marks a significant step toward replicating this success in Western Australia.
“This was more than a conference—it was a catalyst for community transformation,” said Subramanian Ramamoorthi, National President of VHP Australia. “We are building not just temples of brick and stone but communities rooted in trust, collaboration, and vision.”
