BRITISH HINDU VOICE (BHV)
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1) WHAT IS BHV ?
BHV is an organisation that aims to promote the social, political, economic and educational interests of Hindus & Jains through lobbying relevant statutory and non statutory Agencies. The objective is to ensure that the Voice of the Hindus & Jains is heard in the corridors of power and that their views are taken into consideration during policy making decisions and where resources are allocated for the benefit of the Communities.
2) WHY IS THERE A NEED FOR BHV?
There is lot of talk and hype around community cohesiveness, diversity, equality, fair treatment, effective representation in political parties etc. There are many multi agency groups set up to promote these agendas. However a significant number of Hindus and Jains feel that so far Hindus and Jains have not benefited and that their voice and representation at such bodies could be improved and better outcomes achieved. BHV will promote Hindu and Jain interests with positive outcomes as an objective.
3) WHO MANAGES BHV ?
A number of people, from diverse areas of work and professions, have come together to form BHV which is a lobbying/pressure group. BHV does not claim to represent the views of all Hindus and Jains. No group, in any area of work, can claim to represent the views of their entire community or membership. BHV, however, through its extensive connections and networking is aware of the common issues facing the Hindu and Jain communities. This dedicated small group of people manage BHV.
4) SO WHAT ARE THESE COMMON ISSUES BHV INTENDS TO HIGHLIGHT ?
Here are some examples. This is not a comprehensive list.
BHV What Why 3.0 June 2014 Page 2 of 2
A) Need for effective Hindu and Jain representation both at local and national political levels, on NHS Trust Boards and multi agency faith groups.
B) Seeking a better response and outcomes for Hindus and Jains both at local and national Government levels on the Community Cohesiveness agenda.
C) Education standards, policy on the allocation of school places and its impact on education achievements of Hindu and Jain Children.
D) Employment issues facing Hindu and Jain Youth. Need for Local Authorities, Government agencies and NHS to ensure their workforce represents the population it serves at senior management and other levels.
E) Gaps in providing Health and Social care needs for Hindu and Jain elderly people.
F) Crematorium facilities and response times in making funeral arrangements.
G) The caste legislation that has a direct impact on Hindus & Jains in business, employment and even threatens the individual Samaj / community organizations.
5) BUT THERE ARE OTHER HINDU and Jain ORGANISATIONS WHO ARE TACKLEING THESE ISSUES !?
Yes and we intend to work with them! The aim here is to join forces and get the best results we can for Hindus and Jains.
6) HOW DO YOU PLAN TO LIAISE/WORK WITH OTHER INDIVIDUALS, GROUPS WHO ALSO PROMOTE HINDU and Jain INTERESTS ?
We have developed a communication strategy that outlines how BHV intends to communicate with other similar like minded bodies. Very briefly, all residents/secretaries of Hindu and Jain community groups, Hindu and Jain Dharmic organisation (Mandirs) community (civic) leaders and opinion formers will receive a regular written briefing from BHV on key issues that impact our communities and options on how to deal with the issues. However these will be a two way dialogue. BHV will also invite views and opinions from these organisations on any issues they want us to handle. Where appropriate, we will also seek their advice on a number of key issues before raising them to ensure we have their support.
7) WHAT ABOUT WORKING WITH OTHER FAITH GROUPS ?
We intend to work very closely with other faith groups. In a broad sense, some of the agenda BHV intends to tackle also affects other faith communities and in many cases it would be helpful to join forces to achieve common objectives.
8) HOW CAN I GET MORE INFORMATION ON BHV ?
British Hindu Voice, 143 Cavendish Rd., Leicester, LE2 7PJ, United Kingdom BritishHinduVoice@gmail.com
Chairman – Vinod Popat 07778 940 636
Secretary – Kishor Tailor
Communications – Mukesh Naker 077 1313 7425