During the 63rd Shree Sanatan Dharam National Convention held at the Girmit Centre in Lautoka, Fiji, community leaders, including Minister for Multi-Ethnic Affairs and Sugar, Charan Jeath Singh, urged members of the Shree Sanatan Dharm Pratinidhi Sabha to take an active role in addressing unhealthy habits within their communities, particularly the excessive consumption of kava. Singh emphasized that such habits could lead to significant social and economic challenges if left unchecked, labeling the situation an epidemic that requires serious intervention.
The Minister’s remarks resonated with a broader discourse around social issues, echoing earlier calls for religious organizations, including the Sanatan Sabha, to leverage their platforms in combatting the rising tide of substance abuse. Singh pointed out that temples and mandalis have the potential to not only serve as places of worship but also as hubs for education and community support that advocate for positive transformation.
“There is a critical need for us to guide our younger generation with wisdom and responsibility,” Singh stated, encouraging attendees to use the convention as a platform to educate and uplift the youth. He highlighted that confronting these issues together could restore hope and empower the next generation with values such as discipline, service, and self-respect, all of which are deeply rooted in Sanatan Dharma.
This year’s convention theme, “Sanatan One Family: Sharing Wisdom, Spreading Love,” underscores the intention of unifying the community in their efforts towards social cohesion. Singh commended the Sabha for its longstanding commitment to fostering a harmonious and inclusive society, celebrating 63 years of the convention as a significant achievement.
Reflections from this event align with previous discussions prompted by Fiji’s ongoing battle against substance abuse. Deputy Prime Minister Biman Prasad also highlighted the vital role religious institutions could play in addressing these pressing social issues in earlier addresses, emphasizing collective responsibility and community engagement to create lasting change.
The positive sentiment surrounding the convention and efforts from various leaders provide hope that, through community solidarity and engagement, Fiji can work towards a future where healthier habits are encouraged, and social unity is achieved for the benefit of all citizens.
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