Boronia, June 20: Melbourne’s First Hindu Organisation and Temple & Associations (HOTA) Forum held on the first Sunday of June, at Sri Vakratunda Vinayagar Hindu Temple in Basin, Melbourne was a big success.

HOTA, using the Ekta Shankh as its symbol, brought together representatives from different cultural, spiritual and educational groups of Hinduism in Melbourne. Delegates from 5 temples, 18 associations / organisations and other supporters were present to contribute to the Forum.

The Forum was organized and brought together by the efforts of Vishwa Hindu Parishad of Australia – Victoria chapter.

HOTA_DSC_0353 - Copy (550x330)Speaking on the occasion, Sharma Betanabhatla, HOTA VIC coordinator said that the HOTA forums would serve as an annual platform for networking and collaborating for promotion and preservation of Hinduism.

The aim is to provide a platform for participating Temples and organisations to work together and deliberate on issues of enhancing community service and preservation of Hindu culture.

HOTA forum aims to achieve its objectives through two annual events – a forum meeting and a cultural event – Raksha Bandhan.

One of the Forum partners will host both events for a year with support of other partners; upon which the baton will be passed on to another partner for the following year.

HOTA VIC forum venue and lunch for the delegates was provided by Sri Vakratunda Vinayagar Hindu Temple. Geeta Devi, President, VHPVIC thanked the Temple and committee members for their unconditional support.

Sri Swami Vigyananand Ji launched HOTA VIC forum at the 4th Australian National Hindu conference in Sept 2015 and at present has over 35 partnering organisations.

HOTA forums are also continuing to serve communities of USA and New Zealand in preserving of Hindu culture.

Hinduism is the oldest religion and culture of the world.

Shalini Singh

post uploaded 20/06/16; updated 28/07/16

By Singh