Kamala Sharma-Wing becomes ADF's first full-time Hindu chaplain
Kamala Sharma-Wing was appointed the Australian Defence Force's first full-time Hindu chaplain after a decade-long journey.
When Director-General Chaplain Collin Acton asked Sharma-Wing in 2016 if she would become a Hindu chaplain, she laughed and said the role did not exist. Acton replied, "There is now."
The Navy was becoming more culturally and religiously diverse, and Acton wanted Defence to support all its people. Sharma-Wing doubted herself, saying public speaking terrified her.
Sharma-Wing spent almost six years training, including 400 hours of clinical pastoral education. A turning point came in an aged-care home in Canberra when she felt an overwhelming sense of connection with a woman with advanced dementia, which she describes as her "pink sky feeling" and her calling.
Sharma-Wing now walks into HMAS Harman in Canberra as the ADF's first Hindu chaplain, joining Flight Lieutenant Abdul Kader, who became the Air Force's first Imam in 2022.
- 400 hours clinical pastoral education
- Training hours
- Decade-long journey from 2016
- Timeline
- Flight Lieutenant Abdul Kader in 2022
- First Imam appointed
- HMAS Harman, Canberra
- Location
Why it mattersThe ADF is broadening its spiritual support to match Australia's changing population, ensuring all personnel have access to a chaplain who understands their faith.
AustraliaAustralian Defence Force personnel of Hindu faith now have dedicated spiritual and pastoral support for the first time in the military's history.
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