ISKCON HONGKONG - Aboutus

Visits by Educational Institutions

The "Harmony in Diversity project" is a program undertaken by the cultural and religious department of the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK). Well into its fourth year, the program is participated by more than 50 secondary schools and institutions of higher learning, with diverse backgrounds.

The objective of this program is to provide an opportunity for students to connect with and learn about different cultural and religious practices that make up the diverse Hong Kong society. In this way, students who will become the leaders of tomorrow, can broaden their field of vision and understanding, in addition to gaining first-hand experience. The program also equips teachers with the required knowledge to fulfill their teaching needs.

ISKCON Hong Kong is very supportive of this project to promote understanding and harmony amongst people of various backgrounds and beliefs. Since 2004, over 30 schools and colleges have brought their students to visit our temple in Tsim Sha Tsui.

The activities arranged for them usually includes a PowerPoint presentation introducing Vaisnava philosophy/teachings, observance/participation in the noon worship ceremony (arati), a cultural experience comprising traditional music, dance and chanting.

Students are also given explanations about various aspects of a Vaisnava lifestyle such as the dressing and daily practice, and the various paraphernalia used in the temple. They are also introduced to the spices and herbs used in cooking a traditional Vaisnava meal. Finally, everyone sits down to enjoy a delicious vegetarian feast, while continuing discussions on various questions they might have about Vaisnavism.

All the teachers and students have commented that they thoroughly enjoyed their visit and found it to be an invaluable learning experience.


PowerPoint presentation	Singing and dancing	Singing and dancing

Vaisnavas dressing	Indian dance performance	Spices and herbs usage

Vegetarian meal	Free gift of ISKCON book	Noon worship ceremony

First-of-its-kind Professorship in Indian Religions and Culture inaugurated at the Chinese University of Hong Kong

With a generous donation of HK$4 million from the International Society for Krishna Consciousness of Hong Kong (ISKCON), The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) has newly established a Professorship in Indian Religions and Culture within the Department of Cultural and Religious Studies to strengthen its research and teaching in religious and cultural studies, making it the first local tertiary institution to set up a professorship in this academic area. Officiated by Mr. L.D. Ralte, Consul General of India; Sri Radhika devi dasi and Bhaktivinod dasa, both from ISKCON ; and Prof. Liu Pak-wai, Pro-Vice-Chancellor of CUHK, a professorship inauguration cum cheque presentation ceremony was held on 11 October 2007.

Prof. Kenneth Valpey from Oxford University has been appointed to the professorship. Prof. Valpey began his academic studies on religion at university in the mid 90's, which culminated in his receiving a PhD from Oxford University some years ago. Since then, he has taught in several universities and colleges, particularly in Germany and the Eastern European countries.
The Department of Cultural and Religious Studies is offering four new courses, which are the first of its kind in Hong Kong, on Indian religions and culture. They include 'Religious Traditions of India', 'Tradition and Modernity in India', 'Self and Identity in Indian Culture', and 'Special Topic in International Studies' for undergraduate major programmes of the department as well as general education of undergraduates and international students.

The department is also developing courses on Indian religions and culture on the MA level and exploring collaboration opportunities with the Oxford Centre for Hindu Studies. In addition, various academic and cultural activities, such as lectures, seminars, publications, cultural festivals and study tours, will be organized to enhance public understanding of Indian religions and culture as well as benefit the secondary school teachers and students joining the University's 'Harmony in Diversity' programme.

In her speech, Sri Radhika of ISKCON said, "It has long been the vision of ISKCON Hong Kong to establish an academic course on Indian religions and culture in a local institution of higher learning. We are therefore honoured to be associated with the prestigious Chinese University of Hong Kong in setting up this new course of study on Indian Religions and Culture. We are confident that the setting up of this new program will bring about a better understanding of the diverse culture of India, and further enhance the existing goodwill and rapport between the local Chinese people and the Indian community, who have made Hong Kong their home".
Prof. Liu Pak-wai said, "India has a very ancient and diverse culture that few countries in the world have. Indian people also have a long presence in Hong Kong. India's links with Hong Kong date back to the 1840s. It is estimated that there are currently about 35,000 Indians living in Hong Kong, making it one of the largest Indian communities abroad. As an important academic centre for Chinese and overseas scholars, our university has been striving to enhance exchanges between the East and the West. We see the inauguration of the Professorship in Indian Religions and Culture in Chinese University as an important step for promoting cultural exchange, establishing and developing relations between academic institutions in India and Hong Kong."

Link to Press release, Photos and news clippings:
Press release http://www.iskconhk.org/html/en/activities/news/2007/531.html
Photos http://www.iskconhk.org/html/en/activities/temple/2007/532.html
News clippings: http://www.iskconhk.org/html/activities/news/2007/535.html

Book Sponsorship

His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, the founder and acharya (teacher) of ISKCON, translated the philosophical and religious classics of India, in particular the Bhagavad-gita and Srimad-Bhagavatam, so that anyone can take advantage of this knowledge. His writings constitute a veritable library of Vedic philosophy, literature and culture, making it widely available to the English speaking world.

Highly respected by the academic community for their authority, depth and clarity, Srila Prabhupada's books are used as textbooks in numerous college courses.

Through the book sponsorship program organized by ISKCON Hong Kong, and the kind patronage of our well wishers, these books are now available in various institutions of higher learning such as the Chinese University of Hong Hong, HKUGA College, and others.

If you would like to participate in our book sponsorship program and allow more people to gain access to the vast knowledge of ancient India, please get in touch with our office at 2739-6818/9.