Hinduism in Zambia

Hinduism in Zambia

Zambia is home to 25,000 Hindus as reported by Hinduism Today, 2003.Hinduism is the third largest religion in Zambia.Among the Asian-origin citizens Hindus constituted a sizable percentage as reported in [http://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/irf/2006/71331.htm IRF 2006] . But the 2001 Zambian census recorded only 5,442 Hindus in Zambia.

Hindu Associations in Zambia

The Zambian Hindus have formed the Hindu Association of Zambia, a national body having branches in all towns.

Vishwa Hindu Parishad has an office in Zambia.

Brahma Kumaris in Zambia

Brahma Kumaris has one Centre in Zambia.

Raja Yoga Meditation Centre, Plot no. 3515c, Great East Road, Rhodes Park, Opp. Northmead Shopping Centre, PO Box 50670, Ridgeway 15101, Lusaka

Hindu Temples in Zambia

• Radha Krishna Mandhir, Lusaka

• Kafue Amman Temple

• Radha Krishnan Mandir, Ndola

Ramakrishna Vedanta Society in Zambia

Ramakrishna Vedanta Society has one Centre- Ramakrishna Vedanta Centre, Nsunzu Road, P.O.Box 31588, Lusaka, Zambia

athya Sai Baba in Zambia

Sai Organization runs Sathya Sai Secondary School and Sathya Sai college in Zambia.

Having been inspired by the successful implementation of Bhagavan's Values Education programme at the African Institute of Sathya Sai Education (TAISSE), Ndola, Zambia, many countries in Africa today are involved in Value-based Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Education (VBWSHE) programme.

Zambia-Indian Relations

In April2003, President Mwanawasa signed trade cooperation agreements with India. And, first Lady Maureen Mwanawasa hosted Indian dancers in Lusaka's Hindu Hall, saying, "If you love culture, then you need to support programs like this which bring two different peoples together." She thanked the Hindu Association of Zambia for its second, 50-ton food donation for famine stricken districts.

Indian Community/ PIOs

There are about 12000 Indians in Zambia. Most of them have taken local or British nationalities and are working in trade sector.

Few have set up plants to manufacture medicines, textiles or for wood, edible oils and leather processing.

During the Chiluba regime, two persons of Indian origin were appointed as the Cabinet Ministers: Mr. Suresh Desai, Minister for Agriculture and Mr. Dipak Patel, Minister of Commerce & Industry. Mr. Dipak Patel continues in the same position in the Mwanawasa government but Mr. Desai is now out of parliament.

The Mwanawasa government has been friendly towards the Indian community. The functions hosted by the Indian community e.g. Diwali, are attended by a number of Cabinet Ministers of the Mwanawasa government. [http://meaindia.nic.in/foreignrelation/20fr01.pdf Indian Community/ PIOs in Zambia]

External links

* [http://www.hinduismtoday.com/archives/1988/04/1988-04-08.shtml Hindu Association of Zambia]
* [http://www.hinduismtoday.com/archives/2003/10-12/06-08_diaspora.shtml Zambia is home to 25,000 Hindus]
* [http://www.vedantaflorida.com/centers.htm Vedanta Centre in Austria]
* [http://www.adherents.com/Na/Na_314.html Hindu population in Austria as reported by Adherents.com]
* [http://www.shaivam.org/siddhanta/toi_zambia.htm Hindu Temple in Zambia]
* [http://www.saibaba.ws/service/watereducationafricancities.htm Satya Sai Education in Zambia]