Hindu priests finish induction programme in Malaysia

Kuala Lumpur, Feb 18 (PTI) The first batch of 63 Hindu
priests, musicians and sculptors from India has finished a
one-day induction programme here to make them aware of the
local cultures, laws and regulations.

The group, comprising 22 priests, 22 musicians and 19
sculptors representing 31 temples across India, was the first
in Malaysia to receive such a certificate from Malaysia's
Human Resources Institute (HRI), a statement said here today.

The group undertook a one-day induction programme, which
was also to familiarise them with the essential aspects of
workplace communication as part of conditions imposed by the
Immigration Department, the Human Resources Ministry said in
the statement.

The course was conducted by religious and labour experts
from the Malaysian Hindu Sangam and Immigration Department in
line with the Cabinet decision last July allowing the
recruitment of Hindu priests, musicians and sculptors from
India.

The group was also exposed to the local Hindu temple
administration so that they would be able to communicate
effectively with devotees and temple administrators, it said.

Malaysian Hindu temples prefer to get priests and
musicians from India as the temple authorities here feel that
they were well qualified in rendering Sanskrit prayers and
mantras as most of them came from priest families.