In a compelling address at the World Hindu Congress (WHC) held in Thailand’s capital, RSS Sarkaryavah Dattatreya Hosabale emphasised the critical need for enhanced coordination among diverse Hindu organisations globally. Hosabale argued that the current array of associations, forums, and groups, often centred around language, sects, castes, sub-castes, and gurus, have led to a fragmentation that undermines the unity of the Hindu community. The Congress renounced ‘Hinduism,’ adopting terms like Hindutva and Hindu Dharma for inclusivity.
During his speech on Friday evening, Hosabale underlined that the proliferation of these organisations, while individually dedicated to specific causes, has resulted in the overshadowing of the broader Hindu identity. “In this diversity of organisations, Hindu is lost. The larger objective should not be forgotten. Many a time, the diversity of Hindu society has led to disunity in many places,” he remarked.
The RSS leader advocated for improved collaboration among Hindu organisations to overcome contradictions and differences, emphasising the importance of articulating the voice of Hindu society collectively. He urged these organisations to share information, coordinate efforts, and avoid duplication, emphasising that duplication would lead nowhere.
Hosabale identified key challenges faced by the Hindu community globally, including proselytization, the suppression of human rights of Hindus, and the absence of departments dedicated to Hindu studies and Indian languages in Western universities. He stressed the need for better organisation to address these challenges effectively.
“Hindu organisations will have to share information, coordinate, cooperate, collaborate among themselves, and avoid duplication. Duplication will lead nowhere,” Hosabale emphasised.
The WHC, a quadrennial event, commenced on Friday with delegates from over 60 countries participating. Swami Vigyanananda, the founder and global chairman of the World Hindu Foundation, initiated the event with the blowing of the conch.
In a significant development, the WHC renounced the term ‘Hinduism,’ asserting that it reflected oppression and discrimination. Instead, the Congress embraced the terms Hindutva and Hindu Dharma to refer to the “eternal” religion, considering them more accurate and inclusive of the broader Hindu identity.
Earlier in the day, RSS Sarsanghchalak Mohan Bhagwat delivered a message that resonated with the theme of the Congress. He expressed that India, rooted in its cultural heritage, would show the path of happiness and satisfaction to a world grappling with experiments in materialism, communism, and capitalism. Bhagwat appealed to Hindus worldwide to connect with each other and engage with the world collectively.
As the WHC progresses, the focus remains on fostering unity among Hindu organisations to address challenges faced by the community globally. The calls for collaboration, coordination, and a unified voice underscore the urgency of a collective effort to preserve and promote the diverse yet cohesive Hindu identity on the global stage.
