Punya Foundation organised a 3-day fundraising multicultural spiritual program (MCSP) on 14-16 July 2023 in Salisbury, South Australia. This is one of the annual events of Punya Foundation.
Ms Gillian Aldridge, the mayor of the city of Salisbury was the chief guest. Mr Glenn Docherty, mayor of the city of Playford, Mr Dipak Dhamala, Ms Renuka Lama, Mr Johnny Chewparsad, Mr Milan Kapasi, Mr Celian Kidegra, Mr Nabin Kambang, Mr Moti Naral, Mr Kapil Pande, Ms Mary Ceravolo, Mr Dinesh Kalikote, Mr Mahesh Gautam, Ms Ashika Rai, Ms Priyanka Rai, Mr Mohan Hangkhim and Mr Hari Sharma Poudyal were the special guests. The MCSP has primary and secondary goals.
The primary goals were
- To generate funds to provide scholarships for the education of blind, orphaned, poor and vulnerable children in developing countries.
- To give continuity to micro-finance projects for empowerment of women victims of rape and sexual assaults in developing countries
The secondary goals were
- To provide an opportunity to migrant communities for interaction and socialisation through yoga and spirituality to promote their health and wellbeing.
- To orient Australian born migrant children to multicultural practices and role of spirituality in healing process.
The program observed several multicultural, religious, social, creative, and networking activities. Hindu priests performed puja, bhajan, hawan and prabachan. The Buddhist guru delivered a sermon and engaged the community to light 108 butter lamps for peace and prosperity of the world. The Kirat group performed spiritual songs.
Facilitators guided children with creative art over 3 days. Children, youths, including older persons engaged in cultural dances. They claim it a fun-filled program.
Volunteers engaged over 3 days cooking variety of cultural food items and served delicious meals to guests and participants. Mr Mohan Bhattarai, the volunteer coordinator for the program, appraised that a number of volunteers, worked tireless for 3 days to make the program successful.
Addressing the community gathering, Punya Foundation conducted its annual general meeting. The Foundation discussed its projects, program impacts, future strategies, challenges, opportunities. The financial status was presented as a positive balance and the board referred to its annual report. Also, the Foundation adopted its 3rd constitution amendment.
The mayor of Salisbury and Playford appreciated such programs being organised. The community organisation representatives praised the program and committed their support. Mr Tilchand Sapkota, the CEO of Punya Foundation, outlined the need of such programs in the community. Mr Sanman Kafley, the director of administration, appreciated the community participation. Mr Hari Adhikari, Program Coordinator thanked guests and sponsors. He, in particular, thanked the Salisbury council for the grant.
