Hindu culture growing in Springfield

A community-based group is growing in numbers, with local families keen to celebrate the Hindu culture.

Madhav shakha (branch) is a Hindu social welfare group that functions under Hindu Swayam Sevak Sangh (HSS) Australia.

Manoj Chandran, from the Madhav Shakha (sub chapter) Springfield Central, moved to the Springfield area in 2019 and works nearby.

Mr Chandran looks after the Springfield chapter alongside Yashpal Dhanda, a public relation officer (Brisbane Chapter), and Jogindra Modi, joint secretary (Brisbane Chapter).

Madhav Shakha Springfield Lakes was started in 2019 by the local members of HSS Australia, Queensland chapter.

The organisation is a familyoriented group that has a high focus on physical and mental well-being. Every Sunday, those who follow and respect Sanatana Dharma (Hinduism) meet at Robelle Domain Parklands and the numbers are growing at a steady rate, said Mr Chandran.

“We create good friendships and bonds between people who were total strangers before attending our group events.

“Rather than spending the morning sleeping in, coming out to enjoy the fresh air of the park gives members a new perspective to Sunday mornings.

“It creates a fun environment for kids and adults where they get to exercise their mental and physical skills out in the open area of Robelle Domain Parklands. A fair bit of yoga and group games are held around the tall trees of Robelle Domain.”

“This makes it a wonderful experience for people who are in and around the Springfield area,” he said.

There are a variety of games, including Dodge ball, Kabadi and mind games that are played among the group.

The games enhance the group’s ability to work as a team, increase stamina, physical strength or strategic skills. They bring about a spirit of cooperation and create a light, free atmosphere. The group celebrates all major Hindu festivals including Navaratri, Gurupuja, Rakshabandhan, and Vijaya Dashami.

“It is important for young children in the Greater Springfield Hindu community to learn about and acknowledge the Hindu culture. We help the children learn more about their cultural heritage and traditions of Sanatana dharma, we also involve them in Sewa (charity) events whenever there is a need in the broader community,” he said.

“All Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh Shakhas in Brisbane are regularly involved with Clean up Australia Day and blood donation drives by the Red Cross.

“Our members were one of the first to come forward with groceries, mask preparation and other means of support during the early days of the Covid crisis.

“We are open to supporting all events wherever humanity is held prime.”

Springfield City Group Managing Director Raynuha Sinnathamby said Greater Springfield welcomes all religious groups to Greater Springfield, as cultural diversity is an important spiritual dimension to our emerging new city.

“Brisbane’s western corridor is growing quickly, and the diverse community is reflected in the breadth of faiths represented here,” Ms Sinnathamby said.