The reasons for the development and support for the establishment of reformed Hindu organizations are described. An analysis of the conducted interviews covering all the objectives of the study is also included.
Introduction
Therefore, the researcher has attempted to document the role of Hindu reformed organizations in providing religious and cultural information. The provision of religious and cultural information by the Hindu Reformed Organizations in the greater Ethekwini region aims to highlight the role played by the Reformed Organizations in providing devotees and interested individuals with the information necessary for their understanding and to to practice religion.
Statement of the problem
This study will therefore examine the provision of religious and cultural information by the Hindu reformed organizations in the greater Ethekwini region. While information provision is arguably an important aspect of these organizations, there appears to be no traceable evidence of the role such organizations play in providing religious and cultural information.
Research aim
The kinds of information services offered, the print-based and non-print-based information formats, interpersonal means of information sharing, and the use of repackaged information are some of the concerns covered by this study.
Objectives, research questions and sources of data for the study
Are there visiting lecturers, priests, writers and other influential individuals (from both inside and outside South Africa) who play a role in the dissemination and preservation of information. How often are these visiting lecturers, priests, writers and other influential individuals consulted for information that can be used in any local publication.
Justification of the study
This study, as indicated above, will help to understand the workings of the Hindu community. Both the above researched organizations are considered by the researcher to be reformed Hindu organizations.
Research design and methodology
Data collection
Record and content analysis was undertaken to determine the content of monographs, periodicals and other literature in the organisation's possession. Observation related to housing of the library or archive, shelving, cataloging and other library activities was done.
Sampling
Because only a particular subgroup of the Hindu community in the greater Ethekwini region fit the profile, only 19 individuals representing the reformed Hindu organizations were interviewed. Given the small size of the population, all identified organizations were included in the study.
Geographical Location
The South African Hindu Maha Sabha, although an umbrella body for all Hindus, is included because it is the parent organization of all Hindu organizations and the organization's activities and example are to be emulated by both reformed Hindu organizations and Sanatanist movements.
Limitations and delimitations of the study
It should be noted that many of the key organizations have their offices and executive members from the greater Ethekwini region. This study does not focus on the overall economic or educational development of the Hindu community, but rather on the preservation and provision of religious and cultural information by the reformed Hindu organizations.
Key concepts used in the study
The traditional form of religion had a system of social order that placed priests (Brahmins) at the top. Whatever the objections, the researcher has chosen the term "Hindu reformed organization" to describe the organizations that are an integral part of the study.
Outline of the study
The common aspects for both groups of Hindus are the rejection of non-essential rituals and the caste system, as well as the simplification of the religion. There are representatives of reformed Hindu organizations who may take exception to the use of the term "reformed Hindu organization" as they see themselves as practitioners and communicators of true Vedantism.
Conclusion
Chapter three revolves around the historical information regarding the arrival of Indians in South Africa and the establishment of Hindu temples and ashrams. All relevant aspects of quantitative and qualitative methods are discussed: historical research, research study, observation and analysis of collections and publications of the organization.
Introduction
Literature in Hinduism was examined to determine whether a Hindu scholar may have covered aspects of this study in a previous study. Christian, Jewish, and Muslim library development programs were examined in an attempt to provide a brief description of how other religious groups have handled the development of information dissemination in their communities.
Databases and other electronic sources
Hinduism, the Hindu diaspora, and Hindus as ethnic and minority groups, but none of the references were about reformed Hinduism. The Indian effort of Universal Digital Library is known as Digital Library of India.
Kinds of Information Services: Literature in the field of community libraries/services
These and other related aspects of librarianship were explored by Greenhalgh, Worpole and Landry (1995) in Libraries in a world of cultural change. The role of the library was also included in helping children to learn, provision of 1CT and social inclusion.
Print-based formats: Literature in the field of Hinduism
Pundit Vedalankar's account of the development of the Arya Samaj movement made for interesting reading. In their book Arya Samaj and Indians Abroad (1975), Vedalankar & Somera describe the history and conception of the Arya Samaj.
Interpersonal means of information dissemination and preservation
The oral tradition added strength and vitality to the religious, cultural and social life of the community. Such is the appreciation for oral tradition at a local South African level that special guests are regularly invited to speak to the local Hindu community.
Literature in other subjects
Much has been written about the Muslim world and the libraries and collections held by universities, mosques and other Muslim organizations. A South African ethnic team researched migration in the region and issues related to migration.
Christian, Jewish, and Muslim library development programs
Adams's mini thesis The historical development of Islamic libraries internationally and in South Africa: a case study of the Gatesville Islamic Library (2003) is a study most relevant to this research. Resources such as books and websites that can improve Islamic library services are listed (Ali, 1999).
Hindu religious libraries
Copies were made and left in libraries where they were accessible and where the public could read them. Interest in the oral traditions of India seems to have increased in recent months.
Conclusion
Certainly, topics related to the provision of religious and cultural information among Hindus and other religious groups in South Africa needed to be investigated. CHAPTER THREE: THE ARRIVAL OF THE INDIANS IN SOUTH AFRICA AND THEIR RELIGIOUS AND CULTURAL HERITAGE.
Introduction
Reasons for the arrival of Indians in South Africa
Early Indians were responsible for importing a small part of India into South Africa. Their subgroups and subcultures are defined by language, mode of worship, social customs, food and dress (Singh. 1986, pp. 78-83).
Hinduism in South Africa
The early years of Hinduism (1860 - 1905)
A dilemma felt by the Hindus was the acceptance of English as the medium of conversation by the younger generation, at the expense of the vernacular. Concerned individuals within the community were concerned about the preservation and continuity of the Hindu religion.
Growth of Hinduism in South Africa (1905 - 1970)
The first Hindu preacher and scholar, Professor Bhai Parmanand arrived in South Africa in August 1905. A prominent Hindu scholar and Guru, Swami Shankeranand, visited South Africa in May 1912 and led the formation of the Hindu Maha Sabha in South Africa.
Hindu Renaissance (1980 - present)
This in turn has a positive effect on the initiation of programs and the subsequent upliftment of the community. The need for reformed organizations and the differences between traditional practices and those of reformed organizations.
The need for reformed organisations and the differences between the traditional practices and the practices of the reformed organisations
The priest was also responsible for reading or reciting the ancient religious texts and their interpretations (Sooklal, 1986, p.44). With the breakdown of the extended family system, this religious and linguistic pride was lost.
The reformed organisations
- Arya Pratinidhi Sabha
- Brahma Kumaris: World Spiritual University
- Chinmaya Mission of South Africa
- Divine Life Society
- Gayathri Peedam of South Africa
- Indian Academy of South Africa
- ISKCON (International Society for Krishna Consciousness)
- Manav Dharam Spiritual Education and Cultural Trust of South Africa Teacher and founder of the organisation. Shri Hans Ji Maharaj disseminated the idea that God
- Radha Soami Sathsang
- Ramakrishna Centre of South Africa
- Saiva Sithantha Sungum
- Sarva Dharma Ashram
- Sathya Sai Movement of South Africa
- Shree Bhagavata Vedanta Society
- South African Hindu Maha Sabha
- Swami Narayan Mandir
- Vedanta Centre South Africa
- Vedanta Institute of South Africa
- Vedanta Mission
Manav Dharam Spiritual Education and Cultural Trust of South Africa Teacher and founder of the organization. The organization's mission is to "teach the knowledge of Vedanta in South Africa".
Conclusion
The mission seeks to spread the teachings of the Lord as given in the Bhagavad Gita, the Vedas. Through the printed word and participation in religious and cultural activities within the community, the mission seeks to explain key concepts of Hinduism, Hindu scriptures, and the Hindu way of life (Guru Dewa, 2007).
Introduction
Research Design
Quantitative research
The numerical data used refer to things like the number of publications, the frequency of publications, the number of library members, the number of texts and other printed materials in the collection, the number of branches of an organization, the number of services offered and others. such data. The collection of quantitative data, as listed in the above paragraph and the resulting descriptions in the form of graphs and charts, is called descriptive statistics (Black, 1999. pg.46).
Triangulation
Although data may reveal various important insights, they "will not provide evidence to support the existence of relationships" (Black, 1999, p.46). A qualitative study can then be used to "help explain the factors underlying the broad relationships that emerge" (Branen, 1992, p.61).
Data Collection
- Historical research
- Observation
- Document and content analysis
- The researcher
- Population
All interviewees were senior members of reformed Hindu organizations and had been members or leaders for many years. Observation of the library and its contents served for the content analysis of this study.
Validity and reliability
This study did not involve any testing, so scales and weight readings were not included. Other researchers will be able to replicate this study if they wish, as the research design and methodology have been described in this chapter.
Conclusion
External validity refers to the extent to which conclusions can be generalized to other contexts. One method of “providing external validity” (Struwig & Stead, 2001, p. 134) is to conduct the interview in a real-life setting, that is, to conduct the interview in a place where the respondent feels at home.
Introduction
Analysis of Objective One
Analysis of question 1.1
Organisations with a library/library service/repository
Type of stock held in library/library service/repository
In offering these services, the leaders and elders of the reformed Hindu organizations use religious and cultural information. This question was asked to determine how many of the Indian languages were used by the reformed Hindu organizations during their religious services.
Languages
Number of organisations 15
Each organization made use of at least one religious scripture relevant to the organization's teachings. Many of the religious texts used were written in the Indian languages, but did so.
Language English
Analysis of question 1.2
Specific individuals were in charge of library and information service at 15 of the 18 reformed Hindu organizations. Eight of the reformed Hindu organizations that comprised this study had mission statements that included goals and objectives of the library or information center.
Analysis of question 1.3
Positive use of library services by scholars, priests, and organization leaders was reported by 14 Hindu Reformed organizations. There was a single organization that used the services of other organizations in running the organization's library or providing library services.
Analysis of Objective Two
- Analysis of question 2.1
- Analysis of question 2.2
- Analysis of question 2.3
- Analysis of question 2.4
Since many of the Hindu reform organizations had their headquarters in India, the editors or editorial committees were. There were magazines that contained articles written in vernacular Indian languages for fluent readers of the language.
Analysis of Objective Three
- Analysis of question 3.1
- Analysis of question 3.2
Frequency and number of individuals sent to other parts of the world for training/acquisition of knowledge and skills. Senior members and officers of reformed Hindu organizations often had to arrange such trips during leave from work.
Analysis of Objective Four
- Analysis of question 4.1
The role of the Internet in the operation of the organization or for the provision of services. There were other possible changes that few of the reformed Hindu organizations accepted as means of improving the dissemination and preservation of information related to the organizations.
Conclusion
Nine respondents indicated that devotees need to use new technologies available to improve the dissemination and preservation of information in these organizations. These include attracting more volunteers; offering publications to devotees with relevant information for their needs; strong marketing; and greater involvement of Indian knowledge organizations and individuals; inclusion of indigenous languages spoken in South Africa; improved system of religious and cultural education of local Hindus; as well as the development of archives to preserve and disseminate local Hindu history.
DISCUSSION OF THE SURVEY RESULTS
- Introduction
- Discussion of Objective One: The types of information services offered by reformed Hindu organisations
- Types of Information services offered Each sub-question has been discussed separately
- Discussion of Objective Two: A review of print-based formats available through reformed Hindu organisations
- Available Print-based publications
- Discussion of Objective Three: Identification and analysis of interpersonal means used to provide information by reformed Hindu organisations
- Review of question 3.1
- Review of Question 3.2
- Discussion of Objective Four: Identification and analysis of electronic formats used to preserve and disseminate information by reformed Hindu
- Review of question 4.1
- Discussion of degrees of aggressiveness in disseminating information;
- Review of Question 5.1
- Review of Question 5.2
- Review of Question 5.3
- Conclusion
- Introduction
- Common Scriptural titles found in the different collections
- Children's literature
- Archival material
- Annuals and Brochures
- Leaflets, booklets and occasional prints
- Series and Manuals
- The collections in general
- Conclusion
This is a general discussion of the libraries and collections of the Reformed Hindu organizations. The Vedas and Upanishads were placed in many of the book collections of the reformed Hindu organizations.
CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
- Introduction
- Summary of investigation
- Concluding remarks
Many reformed Hindu organizations rely on international publications for news and religious and cultural information. Devotees have access to religious and cultural information through affiliation with reformed Hindu organizations.
INTERVIEW SCHEDULE 1. To discern the kind of information services offered
To identify and analyse interpersonal means (i.e. people) used to provide information
Takes some members/students to other parts of the world to train/gain knowledge and skills. What role does the use of the Internet play in the operation of the organization or for the provision of services.
