Hinduism in Botswana

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[edit] Introduction

A few Indian families migrated from South Africa to Botswana in the beginning of the 20th century. Initially engaged in general trading, they gradually built up big businesses by purchasing dealerships for international products, and also successfully investing in property. Most of them acquired local citizenship. This was possible as Botswana permits expatriates with over ten years’ residence in the country to apply for permanent residence status and citizenship. A number of Indians who went to the country more recently have also become Botswanans. Some of them have taken an active part in politics.

There are 3,000 PIOs and 6,000 NRIs in Botswana. While no PIO has so far won any election to the Botswana Parliament, one of them has become a Nominated Member of its Parliament [1]


[edit] Indians in Diamond Business

The discovery of diamonds and their mining from the late 1960s saw the beginning of a sustained economic boom in Botswana. This attracted many more PIOs to this country. Both professionals and businessmen arrived there from several African countries, especially South Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe and even from Kenya and Uganda. The Botswana Government does not encourage immigration of foreign labour. But with its shortage of skilled manpower, it started recruiting Indian experts directly from India from the late 1980s – teachers, doctors, engineers and civil servants. The Indian community is well respected in Botswana for its business acumen and its reputation for hard work. The political leadership and the higher bureaucracy are appreciative of its contribution towards the development of the country [2]

[edit] Hindus in Botswana

The Hindu community of Botswana is concentrated in and around Gaborone and Selibe-Phikwe. Most are of Indian descent.

The 2001 census of Botswana listed approximately 3,000 Hindus. Members of Hindu community estimated that these figures significantly understated their respective numbers International Religious Freedom Report 2006 Botswana

Hindu Community in Botswana is about 1% of the total population.

[edit] Hindu Temples in Botswana

With the growth of the community, a number of region-based community associations have sprungup. There is already a Hindu temple in Gaborone, and another in Selebi Phikwe. A gurudwara is also been built in the capital city. Plans have been made for the construction of a Swaminarayan temple, a Sai Baba Centre, a Venkateswara Temple and an ISKCON Centre at various sites in Botswana [3]


[edit] Botswana Indian Associations

ART OF LIVING CENTERS - LOBATSE, Motovac (Pty) Ltd, P.O. Box 281, LOBATSE , BOTSWANA.

ART OF LIVING CENTRE - GABORONE, P.O. Box 1213 Peba Close, Plot 5612, GABORONE , BOTSWANA

GURU GROUP, PO Box 1816, GABORONE , BOTSWANA

[edit] Brahma Kumaris Centre in Botswana

Brahma Kumaris have Raja Yoga Centre in Botswana Address- Plot 2672, Flat No 1, Phuti Crescent, PO Box 402630, Gaberone


[edit] External Links

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