The World Hindu Congress is a global platform that brings together Hindu leaders, thinkers, and influencers from around the world to deliberate on issues affecting the Hindu community. Organised periodically, the WHC aims to unite Hindus, promote dialogue, and foster collaboration for the betterment of the global Hindu society.
The World Hindu Congress 2023 spans across three days, featuring conferences on diverse themes such as Hindu Organisations, Temples, and Associations, the Hindu Economic Forum, the Hindu Media Forum, Hindu Political Forum, Hindu Youth Forum, and Hindu Women Forum. The event comprises insightful sessions, discussions, and dialogues, fostering unity and collaboration within the global Hindu community.
The plenary session of the inaugural ceremony featured a thought-provoking speech by Dr Mohan Bhagwat, Sarsanghchalak of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh. Dr Bhagwat delved into the theme ‘Jayasya Aayatnam Dharmah,’ emphasising the paramount role of Dharma in our journey to triumph.
In his address, he stated, “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. There are three kinds of Vijaya. First is Rakshas Vijaya – the victory as seen by the demons. In this there is destruction only. The Tamasik Prakriti Vijaya. They believe in destroying just for the sake of destroying. It is Asuri Joy. When we say Jaya we don’t refer to this. Second is Dhan Vijaya – to acquire possession of all means of material happiness, people try to fight & dominate each other. This is Rajas Vijaya. Their intention is self-centered. We have seen Asuri Vijaya where they committed aggression against our society for 500 years and wreaked havoc and destruction in our country. We have also seen the Dhan Vijaya, where for about 150-200 years, Bharat was looted like anything but when we say Vijaya, we mean the third concept that is Dharma Vijaya. The Vijaya that stands on Dharma. The process that is carried about by Dharma rules and its result is also Dharma”.
Reflecting on the significance and purpose of World Hindu Congress, Swami Vigyananand, Joint General Secretary of Vishva Hindu Parishad, Bharat, and Founder of the World Hindu Congress, expressed, “After independence Hindus were vilified by 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. Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh stood firm in the most challenging times. Sangh kept the flame of Hindu identity alive and burning through their Shakhas.
Then came the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Movement where Hindu identity became prominent with the resounding slogan ‘Garv se kaho, hum Hindu hai’. On the platform of World Hindu Congress, a decision was made to popularise the term Bharat and Hindu. The aim is to make the Hindu identity visible, respectable, and acceptable worldwide, advocating the use of the word Hindu and Hindu Dharma only. The goal is to make the word Hindu and Hindu Dharma popular and fashionable in modern society. The usage of Bharat is now becoming mainstream. Many world leaders profoundly identify themselves as Hindus, marking the extension of Hindu Resurgence movement.”
Mata Amritanandmayi Devi, Swami Purnatmanand Maharaj of the Bharat Sevasharam Sangh, and Satguru Bodhinatha Veylanswami of Hinduism Today were honoured for their remarkable contributions to Hindu society at the World Hindu Congress.
The inauguration also witnessed the acceptance speech of Mata Amritanandmayi Devi, a revered spiritual leader, whose words are poised to inspire and resonate, marking a truly memorable moment to inaugurate the World Hindu Congress 2023. In her address, Mata Amritanandmayi shares, “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.” “We (Hindus) are the children of ‘Supreme Consciousness’ and ‘Supreme Knowledge’. Bharat is the land that taught the world the ultimate truth. May the entire world become one family.
A special message by His Excellency Srettha Thavisin, Prime Minister, Kingdom of Thailand was read out at the WHC 2023. It read, “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 unique opportunity to celebrate our shared Dharmic heritage”.
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