Auckland to get $15m Hindu centre

Vinod Kumar performs part of the opening ritual. Picture / Bradley Ambrose

Vinod Kumar's commitment to community has prompted him to mortgage his properties to make a Hindu heritage centre in Auckland a reality.

The chairman of the Hindu Heritage Charitable Trust says they only decided to put in a bid for the former Te Wananga o Aotearoa's Mangere site four hours before tenders closed.

"When we looked at the site at first, we were sure we couldn't afford it," he said.

"But as I worked away something 'clicked' inside me and I realised we had to make it happen."

The new centre, covering 3.35ha in Bukem Place, will cost $15 million to set up. The trust, which will run the centre, plans to open a school in February.

The school, still to be named, will reflect Hindu beliefs, and will be open to everyone interested in immersion in the Hindu way of life.

Among the centre's rules will be no alcohol or drugs, no smoking and a vegetarian diet while on the premises.

Mr Kumar said the trust hopes to instil values in young people in order to guarantee a better future.

The school is the first phase of the centre which will eventually incorporate a cultural academy, elders' community centre, sports complex, women's empowerment centre and youth development centre.

"We are also planning a spiritual awakening centre offering meditation and yoga classes," Mr Kumar said.

At this stage the school will cater for children under 13 - kindergarten, primary and intermediate - while plans to provide high school learning are under discussion.

Mr Kumar's inspiration to unite the communities stemmed from his role as chairman of Vishwa Dharma Prasaar Yatra, part of the United Nations' drive to foster world peace, three years ago.

"Being able to get more than 50 like-minded organisations under one roof at the International Day of Peace gave me such a buzz."

Mr Kumar said nurturing youth and ensuring cultural education are top priorities for the new centre.

"And, above all, we hope to get the support and blessing of Aucklanders at large to make this work."

To volunteer and for details, phone Jeet on 09 443 0579.

- AUCKLANDER