More than 75 young people gathered at the Regency Function Centre on 22 March for the sixth Hindu Youth Conference, organised by Hindu Youth Australia.
The event, themed Kaleidoscope, brought together participants aged 15 to 35 to discuss identity, culture and community within the experience of being both Hindu and Australian.
The conference focused on the idea that Hindu identity in Australia is shaped by many different cultural, linguistic and personal experiences. Organisers said the theme reflected the diversity within the Hindu community, while also highlighting the shared values and traditions that connect people across backgrounds.
Keynote speaker Devavrath Parasuram opened the conference with a presentation titled Looking Through the Kaleidoscope. He spoke about the changing nature of Australian Hindu identity and the challenge of balancing cultural heritage with life in contemporary Australia.
Parasuram encouraged participants to think about what it means to hold on to traditions while adapting to a modern and multicultural society. His speech set the tone for the day, which centred on open discussion, cultural understanding and the role of young people in shaping the future of the community.
The first session, Rooted and Relevant: Cultural Confidence in a Global Australia, was led by Aashray Marry. It examined the way Hindu identity is often understood through a range of philosophies, traditions and lived experiences rather than a single set of beliefs.
Marry described Dharma as something that can take many forms while still coming from a common source. He argued that diversity within Hinduism should not be seen as conflicting, but as part of a broader understanding of faith and culture.
The session also touched on the pressures some young Hindus feel to simplify their identity to fit outside expectations. Marry said this can sometimes lead to incomplete or inaccurate representations of Hindu traditions.
Participants were encouraged to move away from the idea of fitting in and instead feel confident explaining their beliefs and practices in their own words. The session suggested that embracing complexity can help young people feel more secure in their identity.
The second session, Many Voices, One Dharma: The Australian Hindu Mosaic, looked at the different ways Hindu identity is experienced across communities.
Presenters Parthivi Sharma, Madhumitha Shankar and Hiya Ganju each spoke about the experiences of different diaspora communities and how migration, language, history and cultural traditions have shaped their identities.
Sharma focused on the Fiji Indian community and the impact of the Girmit system of indentured labour. She explained how Hinduism became closely tied to community life in Fiji, especially in situations where traditional social and religious structures were limited.
She said festivals, rituals and family networks helped preserve cultural identity and maintain a sense of belonging across generations.
Shankar explored the Tamil Hindu experience, pointing to the long history of Tamil culture through literature, philosophy, temple traditions and the arts.
She said Tamil communities have worked to preserve language and cultural practices, even after moving to different countries. Her presentation highlighted the way communities adapt traditions to new settings while still holding on to a strong sense of identity.
Ganju spoke about the Kashmiri Hindu experience, including the challenges faced by Kashmiri Pandits through displacement and migration.
She said the community has maintained its cultural and religious traditions despite historical upheaval. Ganju pointed to the role of family, storytelling and community support in keeping knowledge and identity alive across generations.
Together, the speakers argued that while Hindu communities may have different customs and histories, they are still connected through shared values and beliefs.
The third session, Sacred Expression: Bhakti Through Sound, Word and Movement, turned to the role of devotional practices in cultural and spiritual life.
Skanda Jagadeesh focused on Carnatic music and its connection to Bhakti, showing how music can communicate emotion, philosophy and devotion.
He explained that while a raga follows a particular structure, it can still be interpreted in many different ways. This, he said, reflects the broader Hindu experience, where shared traditions can be expressed differently across communities and individuals.
Jagadeesh also discussed the balance between discipline and creativity within devotional music, particularly through the use of ragas, talas and improvisation.
The session later expanded to include discussion about dance, language and movement as different forms of spiritual expression. Participants took part in a question and answer session with Jagadeesh and Parasuram, exploring how traditional practices can remain relevant for younger generations.
The final session, The Big Debate: Igniting the Flame, invited participants to discuss the future of the Hindu community in Australia.
Young people debated questions around cultural preservation, the role of youth leadership and the challenges of maintaining traditions in a fast-changing society.
The discussion highlighted the importance of critical thinking and community engagement. Participants shared different views on how young Hindus can respond to social change while staying connected to their values.
Organisers said the debate reflected the broader purpose of the conference by bringing together different perspectives and encouraging respectful discussion.
Hindu Youth Australia said the event was designed to help young people feel more confident in their identity and more connected to their community.
The organisation, which is the youth wing of Vishva Hindu Parishad, runs a range of cultural, educational and leadership programmes aimed at supporting young Hindus across Australia.
While the conference focused on Hindu identity, its themes of belonging, cultural confidence and intergenerational connection also reflected wider discussions taking place across multicultural Australia.
For many participants, the day offered a chance to hear different stories, ask difficult questions and think about how culture can be carried forward in a changing world.
Support independent community journalism. Support The Indian Sun.
Follow The Indian Sun on X | Instagram | Facebook
Support Independent Community Journalism
Dear Reader,The Indian Sun exists for one reason: to tell stories that might otherwise go unheard.
We report on local councils, state politics, small businesses and cultural festivals. We focus on the Indian diaspora and the wider multicultural community with care, balance and accountability. We publish in print and online, send regular newsletters and produce video content. We also run media training programs to help community organisations share their own stories.
We operate independently.
Community journalism does not have the backing of large media corporations. Advertising revenue fluctuates. Platform algorithms change. Costs continue to rise. Yet the need for credible, grounded reporting in a multicultural Australia has never been greater.
When you support The Indian Sun, you support:
• Independent reporting on issues affecting migrant communities
• Coverage of local and state decisions that shape daily life
• A platform for small businesses and community groups
• Media training that builds skills within the community
• Journalism accountable to readers
We cannot cover everything, but we work to cover what matters.
If you value thoughtful reporting that reflects Australia’s diversity, we invite you to contribute. Every donation helps us maintain the quality and consistency of our work.
Please consider making a contribution today.
Thank you for your support.
The Indian Sun Team
