London University promoting Hinduism in India !

[Guest guest]

Youth and learning Hinduism.

 

Today I was invited to address the youth from the Arya Samaj in

Southall, London.

 

Arya Samaj tried hard to draw their youngsters to the meeting.

There were a good number of adults at the meeting but

the number of youngsters was less than 10!

 

This is not unusual. Whenever I request to speak to the youth,

almost all Hindu bodies have serious problems in getting them

to attend.

 

I told the meeting, " Unless you make the effort in teaching Hinduism

in a systematic and rational manner to your youngsters, your meetings,

- your movement will lose support and come to a halt in days to come " .

 

When I spoke to Swami Gautamanandji of the Chennai (Madras)

Centre earlier on this week. We had discussed the same topic.

I told him the youngsters in this country can learn Hinduism in a

systematic manner by following a London University syllabus;

sit for an examination and gain certificate from the University.

He told me almost no Indian school teaches Hinduism in India!

They can learn Hinduism indirectly by doing a course

in philosophy. He has shown great deal of interest in what we are

doing in London and said that he will try and see if this idea can be taken

up at Chennai. He said if London University is promoting Hinduism as a

subject and issuing certificates in Hinduism --then Indian youngsters

may take it on. They may like 'London University qualification!!

 

The Vivekananda Centre promotes classes on Hinduism

at eight locations in the UK. We hold these classes on the weekends

at temples, schools, and other private venues. We already have

requests to start three more classes next year. These activities

continue to expand. There is an article about our activities in

Hinduism Today (March April issue).

 

We have had requests from various other groups in

South Africa, British Guyana, Malaysia and Brazil to put them in

touch with London Board to try and set up this course in those countries.

 

It is an interesting development.

Hinduism promoted via London University Certificates.

 

jay

Vivekananda Centre London