Hindu Dharma Samudaya Of Bhutan opens office in Mothithang

27 December, 2009 – All religious activities related to Hinduism will be organised and conducted by the Hindu dharma samudaya of Bhutan (HDSB), whose members inaugurated their head office in Motithang yesterday.

HDSB, a non-profit, non-political and non-governmental foundation was established in 2007 and is registered with the commission for religious organisation. According to members, the organiaation aims to promote peaceful co-existence, compassion and reverence for all sentient beings in all segments of Bhutanese society. “HDSB shall also promote the spiritual practices and traditions of Sanatan dharma in harmony with the national ethos so as to foster and strengthen human values,’ stated a press release.

HDSB will also function as a nodal agency for Sanatan dharma and its religious institutions, religious sites and mandirs. It will also coordinate and conduct prayers, religious discourses, and meditation and yoga classes, as well as organise and celebrate annual Durga puja and other religious functions, festivals and events for peace and well being of the king, country and people of Bhutan.

HDSB executive director, Dipendra Giri, said that HDSB will conduct research and studies in Santan dharma on themes common to Hindu dharma and Buddhism, organise workshops and seminars on matters of religious interest and importance. “It’ll also develop general guidelines on Hindu religious practices as required in harmony with national ethos,” he said.

The organisation will also look into the needs of the community for pundits and purohits (lams and cheops) in performing religious rites and pujas, while it will also help facilitate higher studies on philosophical aspects of Sanatan dharma and Buddhism. As a non-profit organisation, HDSB will also extend assistance to disadvantaged groups, according to members. “HDSB will build linkages with and participate in activities of similar religious institutions at regional and international levels.”

By Dechen Tshering