Being a Hindu in the Cardiff, Wales, UK

This is a brief perspective of British Hindus living inHindu parents do not have the time to bring their
Cardiff, Wales. Indian immigration to the UK increasedchildren up in a traditional Hindu way as they are
significantly in the 1960s and 1970s mainly doctorsconcerned about their financial future only to realise
immigrating to fill the shortage of doctors. Indianslater that their children are diverting away from the
living in Cardiff are the most successful communityHindu religion. Being a Hindu in Cardiff is different than
than any other ethnic community in Wales makingbeing a Hindu in India. Indians are surrounded by a sea
them in a good financial position and influence in manyof religion in India hence there is no need to cling on
political aspects of Cardiff. Most of them areto it. All Hindu parents want their children to maintain
well-educated, hard working, and honest and haveties with their families back in India, learn Hindi and
the advantage of English as their first and secondthe Hindu way of life. Hence to preserve this Indian
languages.culture and religion several temples and societies have
Most of the Indians are first generation speciallysprung up. One such organization is the "India centre"
doctors. They believe in family values, are committedwith integrated "Wales Hindu society".
to their children's future, not only in terms of theirSome of the activities carried out by the India centre
education but culture. As all expatriates one thing dois spiritual talks by invited spiritual leaders or gurus,
worry them is about their children's future. How cancultural programs such Garba (Region Gujarati dance),
they be successful, incorporate into the Britishcelebrating festivals (Holi, Durga puja, Deewali, etc)
society and at the same time maintain theiryoga and meditation, 50+ activities and Hindi classes.
Hinduness. They are undoubtedly concerned aboutAlthough such activities are aimed at preserving the
their Hindu way of life being trampled by pop culture.dharma for the first generation, it helps to
Although Hindu worship is generally a private andincorporate the teachings in the second generation
personal thing it has become community worship forand stimulate bonds with fellow Hindus.
many expatriates that is quite understandable. Many