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CHAPTER 6: DISCUSSION OF THE SURVEY RESULTS
6.6. Discussion of degrees of aggressiveness in disseminating information;
different countries on the websites. Some websites had religious literature, in English or in an Indian vernacular, available. Details of seminars, and training programmes were posted on the websites. A few websites had information relating to holy places, in India.
The e-mail facility was the main reason many reformed Hindu organisations used the Internet. E-mail was not only used to communicate with individuals within a particular reformed Hindu organisation but also to communicate with individuals from other Hindu organisations.
organisations could be seen as developmental for individual devotees. Such programmes and activities included amongst others: HIV/AIDS awareness campaigns; grief counselling in times of death in the family; religious support for families in need; and youth programmes.
Devotees were encouraged to participate in these programmes and were often asked to assist with the arrangements and facilitation of such programs.
Programs and activities are supported by printed literature. However, two reformed Hindu organisations that did not disseminate printed information concerning their activities also responded to the question. Their explanations for not offering printed information follow.
The Radha Soami Sathsang did not believe that there was a need for information dissemination among non-devotees. This stemmed from the fact that when individuals found the guru through research, meditation, and interaction with other devotees, those individuals would seek out the relevant information at their own will. The Indian Academy of South Africa did not see the need for information dissemination as that organisation was in the business of promoting the Indian arts, such as classical dance, music, and Indian theatre productions.
The four organisations that held special information dissemination campaigns were older organisations that were more firmly established. These campaigns were hosted over a period of time, for example two or three days, and interested individuals were given information about the organisation and the teachings followed by the organisation. The organisations were: The Divine Life Society, 1SK.CON, Saiva Sithantha Sungum and the South African Hindu Maha Sabha.
The South African Hindu Maha Sabha did see their activities as aggressive, but wished to preserve all forms of religion and culture of Hindus. The organisation worked with other groups from different religions and appreciated the rainbow culture of this country.
The Vedanta Institute of South Africa did not see their activities or information dissemination as aggressive. Instead, the organisation appreciated the contact it had with other Hindu and non-Hindu organisations, business houses, and educational institutions.
6.6.2. Review of Question 5.2.
The shortcomings and challenges experienced by the reformed Hindu organisations when disseminating and preserving information are explored below.
Shortcomings and challenges experienced when disseminating and preserving information
The lack of finances was the most common of the challenges faced by the organisations when disseminating information. There were a small number of devotees who contributed regularly to the coffers of the organisations, but much more funding was required for better information dissemination, social upliftment programmes, youth affairs and support services, such as counselling, feeding schemes and other such services.
Religious and cultural upliftment programmes were hindered by devotees who could read, but who chose not to read. Many of the interviewees complained that although the devotees were educated, many with degrees and post-matriculation qualifications and others had at least matriculation certificates, devotees did not read information relating to the religion or other cultural aspects that could influence their lives positively. This lack of interest affected information dissemination activities, and the use of disseminated information. The lack of interest also affected research that had to be undertaken for publications and talks.
Seven of the representatives said that there were small numbers of devotees who were interested in information dissemination activities, research and propagation of the teachings relevant to their reformed Hindu organisations. Two organisations saw the need to stimulate interest relating to the teachings of their organisations and the programmes and services that their organisations offered in the white community because services like yoga, reiki, and crystal healing and massage therapy were appreciated by individuals who belonged to that race group. Such services generated income and presented opportunities for information dissemination among non-devotees and interested individuals.
However, interest in the organisation, its teachings or the activities and programmes that were offered from young Hindu members was generally disappointing. Young people
reluctantly participated in programmes or offered their help to sustain the services that the organisations offered.
Another hurdle that had to be overcome for effective information dissemination to take place, was obtaining stocks of books and other media from publishers based in India. Timeous delivery was not always guaranteed and this had an impact on sales and distribution.
Printed information is not the only method of disseminating information. The use of modern technology by the organisation and its devotees was essential for the future survival of the organisation and for the benefit of the devotees of the organisation. There was a need to protect against the reformed Hindu organisations from becoming obsolete in the eyes of devotees and the greater community at large. Therefore, the organisations had to keep abreast of technological advances.
The acceptance of new technologies and change were not welcome by senior members within the organisation. This prevented reformed Hindu organisations from changing the way services and activities were carried out. Young members became disinterested and failed to assist with services and activities.
6.6.3. Review of Question 5.3.
Interviewees were asked what changes they thought could be made to improve the dissemination and preservation of information. The responses of interviewees are discussed below.
Possible changes that could improve the dissemination and preservation of information The most popular response was the accessing of more funds so that services and programmes would not have to be abandoned and to allow for more services and programmes to be included as a part of the work undertaken by the reformed Hindu organisation concerned.
Funding was not the only retardant of progress. Senior members who failed to accept and use new technology prevented progress and development within the organisation. Reformed Hindu organisations need to attract more volunteers who understand the teachings and the
workings of the various organisations. There was also a need to educate the man in the street in using the electronic media available.
Three representatives recognised the need for publishing more relevant material and information for devotees and interested individuals. More local publications and vigorous marketing of the organisations had to be initiated and sustained in the future.
Greater involvement from Indian politicians, religious leaders, and other prominent individuals in matters of religion and culture in the future was essential. Interviewees felt that more could be done to meet the cultural and religious needs of the local Hindu community.
Two representatives felt that there was a need for a local archive for people of Indian descent in the Ethekwini area. The archive could also serve as a cultural centre for the region and be accessible and relevant to the communities it would serve.
Reformed Hindu organisations in the Ethekwini area had to increase the physical space being used by the organisations. The facilities that were available at some of the reformed Hindu organisations were under-utilised and yet other organisations needed to develop space that could serve the needs specific to that organisation. Other changes that were suggested included increasing the number of fairs and exhibitions organised and hosted by Hindu organisations for the Hindu community. The religious education of Hindus needs to be improved. It was pointed out that Hindus must embark on self-development programmes and initiatives for Hinduism to be appreciated by all concerned.