AFTER a hiatus of six years, the Vishva Hindu Parishad (Fiji) successfully hosted the 5th Fiji National Hindu Conference on September 27, 2025 at the Harbour Point Convention Hall in Lami.
The theme of the one-day conference was United Communities, Stronger Fiji, which outlined the vital role of unity, collaboration, and shared cultural values in strengthening Fiji’s Hindu community.
The conference became a vital platform for reflection on the contributions of Hindus to Fiji’s economy, culture and education, while addressing community challenges and exploring pathways for collective progress.
“Hindus have played a vital role in the social, cultural and economic landscape of the country,” said Suneet Mehta, the Indian High Commissioner to Fiji, during the opening ceremony.
“They have preserved their cultural heritage and identity through celebrating the diversity of our diaspora. Each action of our community counts in terms of contributing towards the nation. And as we reflect on our journey, we must also consider our future as well,”
Mr Mehta also outlined that unity was the strength of any community. He said it must be inter-generational, hence, Fijians must evolve with time and collaborate with all.
Mr Mehta noted that unity was not merely a “feel good idea”, but a “strategic necessity”, adding that it was a powerful force for development and progress as it ‘breeds long-term vision’.
“Institutions must continuously evolve and innovate, while meaningful youth engagement holds the key to addressing contemporary challenges,” Mr Mehta said.
The High Commissioner also outlined the deep bonding and enduring relationship between our two countries. He assured that the Government of India stood ready to partner with the Indian diaspora in meaningful ways and they remained invested in our future.
As a facilitator, the VHP (Fiji) provided a platform for all major Hindu organisations to congregate and navigate the future course of the Hindu community as a cohesive body.
The centerpiece of the 5th Fiji National Hindu Conference was the deliberation among major Hindu organizations on forging a well-defined, collaborative path towards the common good.
One of the key highlights of the conference was the inauguration of the Hindu Organisations, Temples and Associations (HOTA) Forum which was endorsed by all major Hindu organisations.
The HOTA Forum was launched by Swami Vigyananand Ji, Joint General Secretary of VHP Bharat and Founder & Global Chairman of World Hindu Foundation.
Hindu organisations attending the conference were encouraged to work collaboratively to strengthen the forum and ensure its effective functioning through annual HOTA meetings. After all, the success of the HOTA Forum is a shared responsibility.
Furthermore, the Hindu conference focused on collaboration with Government agencies to address poverty, social vulnerabilities, community development, online safety and the misuse of social media platforms. Senior government officials from respective ministries and departments delivered presentations on their ongoing initiatives, programmes and opportunities for strengthened engagement.
In addition, the representatives of various Hindu organisations emphasised the critical importance of partnerships and collective action to safeguard and preserve the community’s future in the country.
For instance, deliberations centered on the demographic decline of the Hindu community in the past few decades. According to Dr Ajal Kumar, Chair of Education Board at Shree Sanatan Dharm Pratinidhi Sabha Fiji and one of the panellists, Hindus now account for merely 23 percent of Fiji’s population. The sharp decline is attributed largely to outward migration, low fertility and conversions.
Thought leaders and community leaders also focused on the shared role of Hindu organisations, temples, and associations in serving society. They underscored the essence of selfless service, strengthening youth engagement, and the promotion of languages and heritage education. Hence, these perspectives align closely with the Hindu spirit of Seva (selfless service).
The conference sessions provided a platform for participants to directly engage with Government policymakers, community leaders, thought leaders and the representatives of Hindu organisations. The robust deliberations, meaningful exchange of ideas, opportunities for knowledge sharing, networking and collaboration during the conference paved the way towards sustained dialogue, joint action and a renewed momentum towards collective progress.
Moreover, conferences of this nature with the overarching theme of united communities, perfectly aligns with the Government’s social cohesion and peace-building initiatives.
Some of the key resolutions of the 5th Fiji National Hindu Conference entail the following:
m Collective organising of Raksha Bandhan celebrations in 2026;
m Prioritising youth engagement and student activities; and
m A joint Grand Diwali Night celebration to symbolise unity and shared cultural heritage.
The 5th National Hindu Conference concluded with a resounding call for unity, collaboration, and cultural resurgence. By launching the HOTA Forum, securing endorsement from key Hindu organisations, and adopting forward-looking resolutions, the conference not only celebrated the community’s contributions but also charted a way forward for strengthened Hindu engagement. By prioritising youth engagement and cultural solidarity, the gathering laid the foundation for a vibrant, resilient, and united Hindu society, committed to advancing the vision of a stronger and prosperous Fiji.
The gathering brought together Hindu leaders, scholars, community representatives, and youths from across the country, fostering dialogue on cooperation among social, cultural, and religious organisations to preserve Hindu heritage, promote education, and contribute meaningfully to nation-building.
In doing so, the conference not only honoured the Hindu community’s past contributions but also boldly charted a path forward which is rooted in unity and a shared commitment to building a stronger Fiji.
