Malaysia Hindudharma Mamandram

Malaysia Hindu Dharma Mamandram, also known as MHDM, is Hindu-based non-governmental organization in Malaysia. Malaysia Hindu Dharma Mamandram was founded in 1982 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. It is dedicated to serving Hindus in Malaysia through religious education and spiritual development. By disseminating spiritual knowledge and moral values, Malaysia Hindu Dharma Mamandram hopes to facilitate the spiritual development of Hindus in Malaysia.

History

In 1982, Malaysia Hindu Dharma Mamandram was formed by seven founding members with the blessings of His Holiness Jagatguru Sri Jayendra Saraswathi Swamigal of the Kanchi Kamakoti Peetham. Col.(ret.) Sathaya was the first president of the religious organization. The current president of Malaysia Hindu Dharma Mamandram is Associate Professor Dr. N.S. Rajendran who took over the position in May 2001. Malaysia Hindu Dharma Mamandram currently has 35 active branches all over Malaysia, organized into six departments based on geographic location^[1].

Hinduism in Malaysia

It is estimated that 7.1% of the 25 million (July 2008 est.) total population^[2] of Malaysia, or about 1.79 million people, are ethnic Indians, most of whom are the descendents of indentured labourers brought to Malaya by the British from the south Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Of these ethnic Indians, almost 89% are Hindus^[2]. As one of the biggest Hindu organizations in Malaysia, the Malaysia Hindudharma Mamandram has been at the forefront of various issues facing the Indian community in Malaysia.

The Malaysia Hindudharma Mamandram was a founding member of the Malaysia Hindu Council (MHC), an umbrella organization of Hindu groups in the country formed with the aim of cooperation in dealing with the issues facing the Indian community as well as concerted efforts in social and religious work.

Also, Malaysia Hindudharma Mamandram has been an integral part of negotiations with the government of Malaysia in addressing the misgivings of Indians in Malaysia^[3], a problem that came to the fore with the HINDRAF-led rallies in the capital Kuala Lumpur on November 25, 2007^[4].

Related links

• Official Website of Malaysia Hindu Dharma Mamandram
• President of Malaysia Hindu Dharma Mamandram

See also Survey of Hindu organisations

References

1. ^ State Councils in the Malaysia Hindu Dharma Mamandram
2. ^ ^{a b} CIA – The World Factbook – Malaysia
3. ^ NGOs discuss Indian issues with PM in heart-to-heart chat The Star – December 15, 2007
4. ^ Facing Malaysia's Racial Issues TIME – November 26, 2007