Hinduism: Australia's Fastest Growing Religion

October 30, 2013

Australia is a majority Christian but pluralistic society with no established religion. Though most of the Australians call themselves religious, in the same breath they are quick to add that faith does not play an important part in their lives. The 2006 national census depicted Hinduism as a religion growing at a pace faster than other religions and the 2011 national census confirmed that Hinduism indeed is the fastest growing religion in Australia putting behind Buddhism and Islam. In this piece of writing, the terms ‘Hindu’ and ‘Indian’ have sometimes been used interchangeably.
 


‘In Unison’ - The traditional ‘namaste’ by Aussie citizens who originally hailed from different nationalities


The fastest growing religion in Australia is now Hinduism. It jumped more than 97 per cent in the past six years and now around 280,000 Hindus reside in Australia. The most common non-Christian religions in 2011 national census were Buddhism (accounting for 2.5 per cent of the population), Islam (2.2 per cent) and Hinduism (1.3 per cent). Of these, Hinduism has experienced the fastest growth since 2006, increasing from 148,130 to 275,534 (0.7% to 1.3%), followed by Islam from 340,394 to 476,291 (1.7 to 2.2) and Buddhism from 418,749 to 528,977 (2.1 to 2.5) as per the 2011 national census. The other big growth was in Sikh numbers. The stream of Hindu migrants coming to Australia is unlikely to abate if an opinion poll of Indian attitude to Australia conducted by the Lowly Institute for International Policy, released in May 2013 is of any guide with only the US, Japan and Singapore ranking higher amongst the 22 nations surveyed.

The numbers of those affiliated with religious traditions other than Christian have risen disproportionately so that now one in fourteen Australians belong to such traditions. In the period 2006-2011, the Hindu population almost doubled. The explosion in the Hindu presence in Australia over the past six years was not only in the actual followers but also in temples – there are now at least 34 temples dotting the Australian landscape.
 


‘Where faith meets real life’ - Shri Shiva Vishnu Temple located in a spacious premises on Boundary Road in the suburb of Carrum Downs, Victoria


Christianity remained the most commonly reported religion in Australia with 61.1 per cent of the population reporting affiliation with a Christian religion - a decline from 63.9 per cent in 2006. Of these, Catholics form the majority, accounting for more than the Anglicans, Uniting Churches and Presbyterian/ Reformed Churches combined - being the other three main Christian denominations.

The 2011 Census of Population and Housing data released on June 21, 2012 by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) shows more Australians than ever are identifying as having no religious affiliation. The number of people reporting 'No religion' increased significantly, from 18.7 per cent of the population in 2006 to 22.3 per cent in 2011 that sums upto 4,796,787 to become the largest grouping after Catholics. It is widely believed that majority of the people of Chinese origin do not believe in any religion, an echo of the governance they come from. The question of religious affiliation is the only optional question in the Census, with 8.6 per cent of Census respondents choosing not to answer it.


History and Ancestry:

A study of DNA has found that Indians may have come to Australia around 4000 years ago. Officially, the Indian immigration began early in colonial history. Indian crews from the Bay of Bengal came to Australia on trading ships soon after 1788 and others came as labourers in convict ships. A few Hindus came to live and work in Australia under the system of indentured labour in the 1830s. Some came as camel drivers and others as itinerant merchants or hawkers. There were very few women and children among the immigrants and many men travelled to their homelands, some returning permanently. The 1881 census records 998 people who were born in India but this had grown to over 1700 by 1891. The 1991 Census recorded 43,580 Hindus living in Australia with estimates that by 1995 there were close to 46,500 and by the end of the last century close to 60,000. Since the beginning of this century, the Hindu population of Australia has multiplied manifold.


‘A temple visit’ - Pooja Sharma and Gaurav Sharma hailing from Delhi regularly visit the temple with their offerings to the Deity


While most Hindus have Indian ancestry, they have come to Australia from a variety of places. In 1991, one in four was born in India and a similar number were born in Fiji though since the beginning of this century, the people born in India have outnumbered the rest. The next largest group were those born in Australia, which accounted for 17 per cent. Some of these (about 2000) had both parents born here: this would include Australian converts to Hinduism or followers of Hindu sect, as well as others from families of Indian origin who have been in Australia for a long time. A further 13 per cent were born in Sri Lanka out of which many have settled here as refugees fleeing the country during war. Interestingly, Aboriginal people were also among those who identified themselves as Hindus. About 85% of Hindus now living in Australia were born overseas in countries including Fiji, India, Sri Lanka, South Africa, Indonesia and Malaysia.


Hindus today:

Indians may be Australia’s most skilled, most successful and most middle class migrant group. Three quarters of Indians to arrive in Australia in the past two decades have entered under the skilled migration program. The largest job category is ‘professional’ followed by clerical, administration, technicians and tradespeople. One in three has a bachelor degree or a higher qualification. They are highly skilled professionals particularly excelling in information technology, teaching, engineering, medicine and commerce. Many are successful businessmen and women.
 


‘The Ramans from Tamil Nadu’ – Nithya and Nataraj enjoy a relaxing moment in the ‘Tulip Festival’ in Dandenong Ranges in South-Eastern Victoria last Spring

The shortcoming however has been Australia does not recognise most of the overseas qualifications. Though Australia’s Hindu population is highly educated, due to this impediment there is high unemployment among Hindus as well. Hence, many do not get employment in their own area of specialisation. For example, Indian Chartered Accountancy (CA) is not recognised, the person need to top up with an Australian CPA or Australian CA qualification. If this is taken as the benchmark, one can draw a conclusion where the Indian qualifications stand. Many who persevered, having gained the relevant Australian qualification have been largely successful in gaining prominent positions in Organisations and as a result the per-capita income has also been high. As one commentator put it ‘We are now starting to see more Indians in significant positions with companies and are seeing more people of Indian origin in the media including with the broadcasters.’ Good education makes great leaders. One fact that should be noted among the successful is that they have had the best of educational base back in India in convents, missionary schools and colleges.

The majority of Australian Hindus live along the Eastern Coast of Australia in cities of Sydney (New South Wales) and Melbourne (Victoria). Perth (Western Australia) has a sizeable number of Hindus as well. A suburb in Victoria called ‘Point Cook’ was dubbed as ‘Mumbai Cook’ as majority of the residents there were Indian. As a community, Hindus live relatively peacefully and in harmony with the local populations.


Indians now top migrants to Australia:

INDIA is now the biggest source of migrants, eclipsing China and the once-dominant Britain. We can assume large numbers were former international students who had qualified onshore. Seven of the top 10 source countries in Australia’s 2011-12 migration programme are from Asia: India, China, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, the Republic of Korea and Vietnam. The Third World colonisation of Australia has continued apace and up to 25 per cent of the population is now of non-European origin. 
 


‘One for the pose’ - The Maharashtrian ‘Katre sisters’ with the Punjabi ‘Chawla siblings’ at the latter’s home in Cragieburn in Northern Victoria


Indian Australian refers to an Australian of Indian descent. They include both those who are Australian by birth, and those born in India or elsewhere in the Indian Diaspora. They are one of the fastest growing ethnic groups in Australia today with Australia's Indian-born population having recorded the fastest growth in the country in 2008-2009, increasing by 44,012. During the past 15 years, the number of Indian-born Australian residents has increased fourfold while Chinese-born residents have tripled.
Quick Facts:

• One can find people from every part of India having made Australia their home and hence naturally the Indian traditions have come alive. Throughout the year, one can hear the Indian festivities celebrated - the various harvest festivals, Holi and Diwali topping the list.

 


‘Of dandiyas and traditional costumes’ - Dandiya Raas: A night in October 2013 at Oakleigh Recreation Centre in South East Victoria


• An increase in the Hindu population has given rise to numerous Associations. Apart from the Indian Association, there exist many regional, cultural and linguistic associations catering to the needs of the community. The Australian Government encourages such Associations and supports them with financial assistance.

• The Indian grocery shops have multiplied along with Indian Restaurants in the city, its fringes and the suburbs. Indian Restaurants are next only to Chinese in numbers, experts opine. With Aussies having no more than half a dozen cuisine to call their own, they love food of other cultures, especially Indian with the spicy stuff.

• Indian vegetables and of late Indian fish are available in plenty. They are a bit expensive compared to the local chicken though.

• The traditional Hindu spiritual exercise of Yoga and Bollywood Dance classes are offered in various council programmes throughout Australia and are widely popular.

• In Politics, Lisa Singh was Australia’s first federal parliamentarian of Indian origin. Apart from her and the Kenyan born Malayali Peter Varghese – the former Australia’s High Commissioner to India there are no names worth mentioning. In the just concluded Federal Election of 2013, many Australian Indians were in the fray from different parties. The Liberal candidate for the seat of Wills (Victoria), Mangalorean Pooja Hegde lost badly to the Labour candidate though in the national level, the Liberals swept the polls and captured power.

• In Sports, Lisa Sthalekar, a female Cricketer is the only name that can be mentioned. A former Australian international player, she represents the State of New South Wales. In the male stream, it has been a distant dream with the Pakistani and the Sri Lankan origin players in the forefront and Indian origin cricketers hardly making any dent even at the regional level.

• Indian origin students are one of the top student groups who are continuing to excel, securing scholarships into the elite schools and making it big in the University as well. Likewise, Indian teachers have made a name in many leading Australian Universities, most notable among them being Purshottama Bilimoria, a professor at the Deakin University, Melbourne and also a visiting professor at the University of California, Berkeley. In addition, Akshay Venkatesh and Varghese Mathai are noted mathematicians.

• Of late, the many Prime Ministers of Australia have emphasised the importance of engagement with Asia, especially with India as they do not want to miss the boat with one of the fastest growing economy. There is also a proposal to introduce Hindi as an optional language in the Secondary Colleges.

• With their command in English, many Indian writers have shot into prominence – from writing Columns in leading newspapers to being Editors. Kersi Meher-Homji is an Author and Biographer. Our own Anand Adiga and Indira Naidoo have made it big.

• Many Indians have been successful in business because they innovate and toil hard burning the midnight lamp. In the western Victorian suburb of Footscray - a loss making Pizza joint that was taken over by an Indian family, introduced a new Tandoori Pizza that is selling like hot cakes. Pankaj Oswal, a leading businessman was at one time, one of Australia’s richest persons.



The entire stretch of Carinish Road, Opposite the Railway Station in Clayton, South East Victoria is filled with Indian shops and business establishments

• Tharini Madaliar is an actress, singer and violinist. Aussies love Bollywood movies, music and dance. The hit number ‘Jai ho’ repeatedly played in FMs, draws more taps from the Aussies than the Indians. Bollywood ring tones are favourite in their cells and smart phones.

• Hindus have adopted Aussie names – Jigar becomes Jason, Nitin becomes Natan, Devinder becomes Dev, Jaswinder becomes Jazz and Roopinder becomes Ruby to mention a few. Many Hindu parents who have settled here have given Christian names to their children to blend with the local population.

• One can see the guards manning big buildings and important locations are overwhelmingly Indians. The most recent – among the Victorian Protective Services Officers (PSO) manning the Railway Stations in Victoria at night, many are of Indian origin.

• Though in a faraway land, Indians have kept their culture intact. Children go to traditional dance classes; have their mother-tongue fine tuned with the language tutors among other things.


Reflections:

- India, an ancient land full of rich culture and traditions with various kingdoms and dynasties – instead of fighting between themselves - if a couple of them had extra-territorial ambitions and would have ventured beyond the seas and occupied this gigantic island (which was not known as Australia then), Indian influence would have spread far and wide. The reality, however we know is different, so much so, it could not hold on to itself.

- Indian origin people are more and more visible in Australia since the past five to ten years. Thus, the traditional Indian dresses of sarees/churidhars are becoming a common sight.

- Down the years, the growth in the Indian community is likely to lead into creation of an ‘Indian lobby’ in Australian politics with a few politicians of Indian descent making it to the Australian Parliament – State and Federal level.

- If the English, travelling half the world would not have come here and stay put, probably we would have read in history books as ‘Australia being a dark continent’ and I would not have been here Down Under writing this piece.

- Thanks to Lord Macaulay for introducing English in India so that Indians are thriving wherever they go as there is no language barrier. A Brazilian friend of mine to whom I was tutoring English commented thus ‘You guys are extremely lucky. We cannot compete with you people in any form. I wish instead of the Portuguese, if the English would have come to our land, we would have been a different people flourishing today,’ sums up the importance of English in the modern world especially after the victory of English speaking nations over the other Forces in World War II. The Mighty always rule.

- Whenever I have travelled to India, I have been bombarded with questions about Racism from the educated class to the illiterate. This was not the case when I went down from the Arabian Gulf when people should have asked me more and more of those questions. Commenting on ‘Racism’ in Australia is futile as it is blown out of proportion, especially by the Indian media that publish only half facts. The reality is that the countries that I have had previously lived have been far more racist in different forms than Australia. I am not saying there has not been any here - in the cases there were, predominantly the Caucasians (white race) were never a party to it. Most cases are relating to ‘culture shock’ that has been dubbed as racism. As regards the culture shock, the unfortunate incidents that have occurred, Indians are squarely to blame for they were solely the cause. Without fire, there will not be any smoke. If the ‘racism’ story was true, Indians would not have made a beeline to come and settle here calling it one of the most preferred countries to make a home.

- As an only non-white member of the ‘Advisory Board’ of my daughters’ school in the last seven years, I have influenced the Board to have a sizeable number of Hindu and Sikh children get admission into the School, changing the outlook, perception and composition. Continuing with this, we had the first Bollywood Bingo Night in April 2013 that was a runaway success with a sea of sarees, salwar kameezes and kurta pyzamas donned by about 12 nationalities being a spectacle in itself.


****************

‘Diwali 2012’ - Yogita Katre, a Mumbaikar placing a diya in her newly built home in the western suburb of Hoppers Crossing, Victoria

Turning the clock back, I have vivid memories of my younger days spent during the ‘festival of lights’ in Bangalore and Mangalore. There were no Hindus, no Muslims, no Christians but a sea of humanity spontaneously celebrating the triumph of truth over evil. As the whole nation, along with an estimated 25 million strong Indian Diaspora celebrates Diwali on November 3, from Down Under - let me take this opportunity to wish A Happy Diwali to all.

 
Jagmag jagmag jalte ye sunder deep
Charon taraf roshni hi roshni ho ..
Meri hai duha yahee -
Honto par aapki hardam hansi hee hansi ho …

‘Happy Diwali’

 

By Stephen P D'Souza, Melbourne, Australia
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Comment on this article

  • Subrata Mitra, Midnapore/west Bengal

    Wed, Apr 29 2015

    Very intersting to read the spread of Hinduism the Sanatana Religion in Australia. if one is free in judgement then it is true that Sanatan religion is the Secular religion and The Holy Geeta is the Secular Holy Scripture presented by the God For entire mankind of the world.One should very careful while reading Geeta free from any dogmas. The Geeta,Gayatri,Ganga,Gow and Guru are the five pillars of Sanatani Hindus. Hinduism teaches peace and non-violence. As a religion it gives us many sriptures such as Ramayana,Mahabharata, Vedas,Upanishads,Purans,Tantras and many many more.One should read few to know what is Hinduism. It is not merely to worship Idols and trees. But it is why it worships Idols,trees,animals,mountains,rivers etc.Hinduism it self a religion of science,geography,mathematics,history & civics, economics, engineering and many many more. A open and secular mind only reviels the truth and secrets of the Great Religion.

  • sanjeev tyagi, india

    Sun, Aug 31 2014

    I feel hinduism is most tolerant and peace loving religion.believes in peaceful co existence. 

  • God, Australia

    Tue, May 06 2014

    wow

  • Manish, India

    Sun, Feb 23 2014

    Sanskrit is the oldest language so the people who used to talk in this language are the oldest or first people on Earth thus Hindus have come first and Hinduism is the Almighty's way to life and hereafter HINDUISM is complete reserched,well organised,systematic,scientific,full of humanity and compassion,etc...more and more....today what science is getting,that Hindu Seers told thousands years ago.....PLZ Read The GITA and AADI SHANKARACHARYA' S BRAHMSUTRA ......then u will find peace, serenity,self confidence,courage,balance etc ,more and more in each phase of your life u can never imagine ....I give one example of GREAT SHRI AUROBINDO GHOSH ....Plz READ HIS BIOGRAPHY........ALL PROBLEMS WILL BE CURED UNDER THE UMBRELLA OF HINDUISM.....THIS RELIGION WAS NOT MADE OR DEVELOPED BY MEN....BCZ THIS IS FROM ALMIGHTY......one more thing Hindus respect all religions......and very peaceful community......

  • Sadananda, Hebri

    Mon, Nov 11 2013

    ಆಸ್ಟ್ರೇಲಿಯಾ : ಹಿಂದೂ ಧರ್ಮದ ದೇವತೆಗಳನ್ನು ಹೀಯಾಳಿಸುವ ಕೆಲಸ ನಿರಂತರವಾಗಿ ನಡೆಯುತ್ತಿದ್ದು, ಇದೀಗ ಎಸ್ಟೊಂದು ಹೀನಾಯ ಮಟ್ಟಕ್ಕೆ ಬೆಳೆದು ನಿಂತಿದೆ ಎಂದರೆ ಮದ್ಯದ ಬಾಟಲಿ ಗಳ ಮೇಲೆ ಹಿಂದೂ ದೇವತೆಗಳ ಚಿತ್ರಗಳನ್ನು ಮುದ್ರಿಸಿ ಮದ್ಯ ಮಾರಾಟ ನಡೆಸುವವರೆಗೆ ಸಮಾಜ ಕಾಲಿಟ್ಟಿದೆ ಆಸ್ಟ್ರೇಲಿಯಾ ಮೂಲದ ಮದ್ಯ ತಯಾರಿಕಾ ಕಂಪನಿಯೊಂದು ಬಿಯರ್ ಬಾಟಲಿಗಳ ಮೇಲೆ ಹಿಂದೂ ದೇವತೆಗಳಾದ ಗಣೇಶ ಮತ್ತು ಲಕ್ಷ್ಮಿ ಚಿತ್ರಗಳನ್ನು ಮುದ್ರಿಸಿದ್ದು ಹಿಂದೂ ಪರ ಸಂಘಟನೆಗಳು ರೊಚ್ಚಿಗೆದ್ದಿವೆ. ಹಿಂದೂ ದೇವತೆಗಳನ್ನು ವಾಣಿಜ್ಯ ಉದ್ದೇಶಕ್ಕಾಗಿ ಅತ್ಯಂತ ಕೀಳುಮಟ್ಟದಲ್ಲಿ ಬಳಸಿಕೊಳ್ಳುತ್ತಿರುವುದು

  • Ronald Almeida, Brahmavar

    Tue, Nov 05 2013

    It is only the exotic cultural aspects and ancient philosophy of India and not the religion that interests foreigners. Since the world is slowly but surely turning Atheist.

  • Indian, USA

    Tue, Nov 05 2013

    Reason for the increase in numbers is not because the conversion of non Hindus is taking place in Australia, its largest number of migrations of Hindus to Australia

  • Jude, Mangalore Dubai

    Tue, Nov 05 2013

    R. Bhandarkar, Oops I forgot to mention Tracy teacher in class one. You probably were a class mate of one of my younger brothers who are two and 4 years younger. Tracy and Helen teachers were tough, Ivy Teacher used to tell us some nice stories. Sr Rose Beatrice was an all rounder and used to encourage students also in other activities like acting, singing, games etc. They say that a solid foundation is critical in a person's life and these gems at Ladyhill provided each one of us lucky ones that foundation and we owe all that we have achieved in life to them. And yes, I did meet Mr. Pais the brother of Sr. Rose Beatrice a couple of years ago and he informed me of her passing away.

  • R.Bhandarkar, M'lore

    Tue, Nov 05 2013

    Hi Jude....
    Exactly...
    Tressy Class I, Helen Class II, Rose Beatrice class IV, Ivy ..Class III....remember all of them! You are senior to me but! Sandhya teacher left mid-way while I was studying in the Vth standard...but....
    Helen teacher went on to be a NUN.
    Sr.Rose Beatrice, sadly I gather , expired a few years back.
    What an elite Class they were!True teachers! Hard to find any 'teacher's' like them now! What do you say?

  • Albert Gonsalves, Mangalore / UAE

    Tue, Nov 05 2013

    Thanks for the thought provoking article, very well researched, beautiful photos, keep it up Stephen. Hope to make a trip some day to Australia. The new look suits U.

  • Jude, Mangalore Dubai

    Tue, Nov 05 2013

    R. Bhandarkar, which year/s were you in Ladyhill. I studied there from 1969-1973 ( KG to class 4). Helen teacher class 2, Ivy teacher class 3 and Sr. Rose beatrice class 4. Missed Renny teacher in class 5 as I left Ladyhill in 1974.

  • clement lobo, chikmagalur/Melbourne

    Sun, Nov 03 2013

    Dear Steven,

    Its wonderful article published to all Indians and others in Australia and overseas. You have enthused with many stats which gives people to think of this beautiful country Australia and made not only Hindus but many ethnic groups and religions as multicultural country. Hindus have always been a peace loving community that we have blended in our days in India and we find the same over here too. We are very well connected as one family and enjoy with their association and friendship with their rich culture and many dynamic values that they bring to the society. Keep going Steven and wish you all the best in your future en devours when you unfold new things from Melbourne Australia. To all our friends, HAPPY DIWALI,, I'm sure that yesterday's Cricket Win has ignited crackers all over INDIA, JAI HO!

  • Stephen P. D'Souza, Kadri / Melbourne

    Sat, Nov 02 2013

    We had the Diwali Celebrations in ‘Federation Square’ right in the heart of the city on Saturday the 26th of October and the following day the pomp followed at Sandown Park Racecourse in the South-East of the State with celebrations continuing in various other locations.

    The most nostalgic memory I have had of Diwali during my younger days at night was of Sparklers (Susurbatti) - I used to light it, bend its back and throw it at a good height to have it land and get it trapped upside down on the branch of a tree and watch it sparkle away with all its splendour that would give me immense joy, despite the protests from elders that the stunt was a bit unsafe.

    Many thanks to my friends here, who gave permission to have their photographs published and thus make this piece of writing colourful. Special thanks to you all, for your comments on this message board. May the glow of joy and prosperity of Diwali lighten up your lives.

  • Peter Paul Thomas, Manjeswhar

    Sat, Nov 02 2013

    Proverb on sower's seed is a good is a good predicament to present scenario..."Some seed fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. 6 But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root. 7 Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants." 'Word' is evident here.. it is happening., Others do not change their religion easily but only our people convert because deep down there is no fertile soil!!! What to say than it is the beauty of Christianity !!.

  • C Pereira, Iraq

    Fri, Nov 01 2013

    One Christian can change his or her religion whenever he wants to do so. There is no restriction or obligation or force to stick that religion. No true Christian opposes this. This is beauty of Christianity.

  • S Shetty, Udupi

    Fri, Nov 01 2013

    Dear Stephen & DW, many thanks for the article.
    Happy Deepavali.

  • Romo Pinto, Mangalore/US

    Fri, Nov 01 2013

    Sumi or...
    I know what you want to tell..... If you don't agree or not satisfied with writer's views, tell us directly instead letting readers in guessing and beating around the bush.
    I partially agree with Stephen and not only in Australia, but here in US too as it's mainly due to immigration.
    Unlike Christianity & Islam, Hinduism is not having plenty of rules & regulations to enter into Haven or to achieve moksha. In Hinduism, Westerners like Hinduism for many reasons. I’m not a firm believer of any religion. but I like ancient Hindu culture especially Geetha’s and epics of Mahabharat

  • Peter, Bolkunje/Mangalore

    Thu, Oct 31 2013

    Good to read this. In future at least there should be no more attacks on Indian community.

  • SUMI, brahmavar

    Thu, Oct 31 2013

    pls pls google ....
    " which religion is the fastest growing in USA, Europe and AUSTRALIA".
    Hope will find the answer....

  • Venus D'Souza, Dubai

    Thu, Oct 31 2013

    Prakash, very well written and educative.

  • R.Bhandarkar, M'lore

    Thu, Oct 31 2013

    @Madam Sandhyaji
    I had a teacher by your name some time before 1981!She was beautiful...An Angel...and it's because of her some of us even now speak and write flawless English!Had gathered that she
    had married and moved to Australia!
    1981...Hmmm cannot be...but how I wish it was!
    However,great knowing that you too were associated with Lady Hill!Had been there some time back and wasn't the trip nostalgic! Everything has changed but my happy memories however remain the same...
    Thanks for responding...
    Take care,be in touch if possible..
    Happy Diwali and God bless!

  • Sandhya Hegde, Mekbourne/ Mangalore

    Thu, Oct 31 2013

    @ Bhandarkar, yes, very much so. Class of 1981! Have we met? Do enlighten.

  • Alwyn, Mangalore

    Thu, Oct 31 2013

    Hi Stephen.... good article

  • RAJESH S POOJARY ABUDHABI, MANGALORE

    Thu, Oct 31 2013

    stephen sir hats off to you,we are very proud that indian culture spreading across australia. God bless more peace,health wealth to all the region of the people.

  • R.Bhandarkar, M'lore

    Thu, Oct 31 2013

    Madam Sandhya Hegde...
    Just out of curiosity...Were you by any chance associated with Lady Hill
    School??

  • VIVEK, Udupi

    Thu, Oct 31 2013

    Nice article. ONE FACT is for sure is that changing faith for westerners is like changing of cloth now a days - publicity or photo opportunity being in different culture, trying something new. They are more liberal and tolerant than us that we used to be. Live and let live.

  • Sandhya Hegde, Mangalore/ Melbourne

    Thu, Oct 31 2013

    I share your sentiments Stepehen.

  • vishwa, mangalore\USA

    Wed, Oct 30 2013

    Thanks Stephen, Very nice article. I felt Mera Bharath Mahan. I feel in US the same thing. Where ever we go we are Hindu he hum, Hendu he hum vatan ke, Haste sita hamar hamara.

  • Raj shetty, UAE

    Wed, Oct 30 2013

    salute boss

  • John DSouza, Mangalore

    Wed, Oct 30 2013

    Almighty God has created the human being, not religion
    He dwells in human hearts, not in human made buildings
    No religion teaches evil and promises visa to heaven
    It is truth, path and life, which lead humans to eternity
    Peace, respect and love determines the fate of humans
    Being supreme judge, God only to order heaven or hell
    Religions are only ways to live momentary life, as humans

  • sid, mangalore

    Wed, Oct 30 2013

    Nice to see more people are adopting Hindu ways . You can be a christian , muslim etc and be a hindu too. Me being hindu visit the church and darga whnever the chance arrises. Proud to be a Hindu

  • Tomas Richard, Udupi

    Wed, Oct 30 2013

    Nice to read Hinduism is spreading all over... i believe Hinduism is the very secular religion and Hindus respect all religions and live in harmony. I am Catholic i read Gita as well daily along with our holy scriptures.

  • sunil, mangalore

    Wed, Oct 30 2013

    Dear stephen,
    happy diwali to you n your family and daiji group....

  • Avinash, Mangalore

    Wed, Oct 30 2013

    Superb Article!

  • Vinson Vaz, Kadri, Mangalore/Kuwait

    Wed, Oct 30 2013

    A very nice topic from Stephen indeed!. It is very touching and true to the fact that Hinduism is Australia's fast growing religion.
    The most touching was the last paragraph which stated that the Author's lasting memories of Diwali in India were that of people of all castes religions and communities coming together to celebrate the festivals of light. I can recollect this too and very clearly in my younger days. What has happened to the Mangalore and India that we knew such people and times existed. Only time can tell....!

  • R.Bhandarkar, M'lore

    Wed, Oct 30 2013

    Dear Stephen...
    Good one.However, in the first photoof 'Traditional Namasthe'... it leaves a lot to be desired....Looks like
    'steps in exercise' if you ask me...
    All the best and Happy Diwali.


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Title: Hinduism: Australia's Fastest Growing Religion



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