2000 delegates attend World Hindu Congress in Bangkok

– several honoured for remarkable contribution to Hindu society

More than 2000 delegates from 61 countries participated in the World Hindu Congress (WHC) in Bangkok, Thailand – a global platform that brings together Hindu leaders, thinkers, and influencers from around the world to deliberate on issues affecting the Hindu community.
The WHC aims to unite Hindus, promote dialogue, and foster collaboration for the betterment of the global Hindu society. The World Hindu Congress 2023 was held from November 24-26 and featured discussions on diverse themes such as the Hindu Organisations Conference, World Hindu Economic Forum, Hindu Education Conference, Hindu Political Conference, Hindu Youth Conference, and Hindu Women Conference.
The event comprises insightful sessions, discussions, and dialogues, fostering unity and collaboration within the global Hindu community.
The plenary session of the inaugural ceremony was addressed by Param Pujaniya Sarsanghchalak of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, Dr Mohan Bhagwat, who delved into the theme ‘Jayasya Aayatnam Dharmah,’ emphasising the paramount role of Dharma in our journey to triumph.

“What is meant by Jaya? The dictionary meaning says it is victory but what is victory? The standpoint of Hindus about Jaya is that it’s not about victory and victims. It isn’t about conquering and the conquered. Jaya is about joining everybody together.”
However, reflecting on the significance and purpose of the World Hindu Congress, its founder Swami Vigyananand expressed, “After independence, Hindus were vilified by a political class led by Jawaharlal Nehru and their so-called academics and intellectuals. The general Hindu society and many Hindu organisations began to retreat from the Hindu identity during this difficult period.”
He stated that Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh stood firm in the most challenging times and kept the flame of Hindu identity alive and burning through their Shakhas. This was followed by the Shri Ram Janmabhumi Movement. The aim was to make the Hindu identity visible, respectable and acceptable worldwide, advocating the use of the word Hindu and Hindu Dharma only.
Also, during the event, Mata Amritanandmayi Devi, Swami Purnatmanand Maharaj of the Bharat Sevasharam Sangh, and Satguru Bodhinatha Veylanswami of Hinduism were honoured for their remarkable contributions to Hindu society at the World Hindu Congress.
In her acceptance speech, Amritanandmayi stated, “A very powerful vibration pervades every particle of sand, every atom and the very atmosphere of our country Bharat. It is the vibrations of Vedic chants and spiritual austerity performed by countless ancient Rishis, it is the pulsation of spiritual power. This is the invaluable specialty of Sanatan Dharma.”

Further, Prime Minister, Kingdom of Thailand, His Excellency Srettha Thavisin, who was unable to attend the event, sent his message.
“Thailand is honoured to host the World Hindu Congress 2023, which brings together individuals from across the globe bound by the principles and values of Hindu Dharma. This gathering provides us with a unique opportunity to celebrate our shared Dharmic heritage.”
Meanwhile, a momentous declaration encapsulating the collective voice of the global Hindu community was unveiled which, stated that the World Hindu Congress strongly condemns unwarranted criticism of Hindutva and Sanatan Dharma. It also dispels the 150-year-old conspiracy to limit Hindus with “ism” that is Hinduism.
Intellectually dishonest terminology is the seed behind the vicious anti-Hindu narratives. The global Hindu community has urged to unite in promoting and embodying Hindutva, which can be loosely translated as Hinduness; through collaborative global initiatives.
The declaration was accepted at the plenary session amidst the presence of delegates from 61 countries around the world.