Kamala (Nayni) Sharma-Wing has made history as the first full-time Hindu chaplain at HMAS Harman within the Royal Australian Navy and the Australian Defence Force (ADF).
Kamala completed her studies in Hindu theology at the Oxford Centre for Hindu Studies (2020–2024) and trained as a Hindu priest at Srimatham Vidyalaya (2020–2024).
Kamala officially transitioned from her previous position as a Maritime Logistics Officer to her new role as Hindu chaplain. Her appointment was endorsed by the Hindu member of the Religious Advisory Committee to the Services, reflecting a growing recognition of multi-faith approaches in military chaplaincy.
Sharma-Wing said in an interview:
“This ensures a relevant and inclusive service, offering spiritual guidance and strength to all, regardless of their faith.”
Chaplains in the ADF serve as wellness professionals, offering pastoral care, counselling, and guidance to personnel. Sharma-Wing emphasised that her role supports members in developing both professionally and personally.
To take on this historic position, Kamala underwent five years of rigorous training, including Pandita education, 500 hours of yoga instruction, a Master’s degree in Counselling, Hindu studies, Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE), and Lifeline Crisis Support training.
Kamala aims to integrate widely accepted Hindu practices like yoga and meditation into her chaplaincy work, fostering a sense of unity and belonging among personnel.
Kamala’s journey to the Navy was unconventional. Originally from Nepal, she migrated to Australia at the age of 13. Encouraged by her father to attend a defence recruitment session, she initially considered joining the Air Force but changed her mind due to a fear of heights. A Navy recruitment video showcasing adventure and travel inspired her to enlist in 1995.
Despite initial cultural and personal challenges, she persevered. “I was the only brown member at that time,” she recalled, describing the experience of training in a predominantly white environment. Over time, she overcame obstacles with resilience, humour, and determination, embodying the famed bravery of her Nepali Gorkha heritage.
Beyond her naval duties, Kamala has played a significant role in humanitarian efforts. During the 2015 Nepal earthquake, she spearheaded a fundraising appeal that raised over $41,000 and gathered four tonnes of essential supplies for victims. Her contributions to diversity and inclusion in the Navy have also been widely recognised, including receiving the Gargi Award from the Hindu Council of Australia in 2019.
Married to a fellow Navy officer and a mother of two, Kamala acknowledges the challenges of balancing career and family life. In her new role as full-time chaplain, she will provide spiritual care, counselling, and Hindu ceremonies to all personnel.
Support Our Journalism
Global Indian Diaspora and Australia’s multicultural communities need fair, non-hyphenated, and questioning journalism, packed with on-ground reporting. The Australia Today – with exceptional reporters, columnists, and editors – is doing just that. Sustaining this needs support from wonderful readers like you.
Whether you live in Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States of America, or India you can take a paid subscription by clicking Patreon and support honest and fearless journalism.
