In view reported surge in homelessness indicating a crisis in New Zealand, New Zealand Hindus have been urged to help the fellow homeless New Zealanders.
According to a Yale University study published last year, New Zealand, which had “no active official national strategy on homelessness”, appeared at the top of the list in “homeless as percent of total population” among OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, with 36 countries as members) countries, much higher than Mexico.
Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, in a statement in Nevada (USA) today, urged New Zealand Hindus and New Zealand Hindu temples to wholeheartedly assist the homeless Kiwis to help them move out of homelessness cycle. Hinduism told us that serving fellow humans was like serving God itself and charity was one of the major virtues of Hinduism; Zed, who is President of Universal Society of Hinduism, added.
Zed suggested New Zealand Hindus to show compassion and respect to homeless, help them find shelter, donate, teach them income management and first-aid techniques, serve them meals, link them to available services, help them develop skills, direct them to employment opportunities, be a mentor to somebody and engage in philanthropic work to wipe out homelessness from New Zealand.
Our ancient Bhagavad-Gita (Song of the Lord) clearly stated: Strive constantly to serve the welfare of world—by devotion to selfless work, one attains supreme goal of life. Do your work with welfare of others always in mind; Rajan Zed noted.
Zed congratulated the Hindu community in New Zealand for continuing with the traditional values of hard work, higher morals, stress on education, sanctity of marriage, etc.; amidst so many distractions. He advised Hindus to focus on inner search, stay pure, explore the vast wisdom of scriptures, make spirituality more attractive to youth and children, stay away from the greed, and always keep God in your life.