World Hindu Congress 2023: Hindu Unity for Dharmic Victory

The World Hindu Congress (WHC) 2023 marked a significant gathering of Hindu society, bringing together over 2,100 distinguished individuals from 61 countries. Under the theme Jayasa Aayatnam Dharmah, translating to “Dharma, the Abode of Victory,” WHC 2023 was a significant milestone as it asserted Hindu identity globally.

The WHC journey began remarkably well with the inaugural Congress held at Delhi in 2014 under the theme Sangachchadhwam, Samvadadhwam, translating to “Step Together, Express Together.” This gathering engaged over 1800 delegates from 53 countries. Subsequently, WHC 2018 in Chicago followed with the theme “Sumantrite Suvikrante,” urging to “Think Collectively, Achieve Valiantly,” also commemorating 125 years of Swami Vivekananda’s Chicago speech, with representation of over 2500 delegates from 60 countries.

The journey of World Hindu Congress initiated under the World Hindu Foundation, under the able and dynamic leadership of Swami Vigyanananda, from Delhi to Bangkok via Chicago, underscores the idea that righteous principles lead to triumphant outcomes. The WHC, aimed at strengthening the potential of Hindus worldwide, has drawn attention to the Hindu resurgence and the process of Hindus becoming more acceptable and respectable across the globe.

The meticulously planned event, comprising public intellectuals, academicians, activists, entrepreneurs, media persons, filmmakers, and revered saints from various Hindu sects, was held at a sprawling venue of Impact Centre, Bangkok. Stalls and posters depicting various Hindu activities across the globe attracted attention of the participants during the breaks. From the speakers to the naming of the halls, everything was well planned. For instance, the main jubilee hall, where economic conference was also held, was named after Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, while remaining halls were named after Maharishi Dayanand Saraswati (Hindu Education Conference), Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak (Hindu Media Conference), Srila Sri Arumuga Navalar (Hindu Political Conference), Rajmata Jijabai Hall (Hindu Women Conference), Dharmveer Haqiqat Rai (Hindu Youth Conference) and Hindu Organisations, Temples and Associations –HOTA (Swami Chinmayananda Saraswati). Even the dining hall, accommodating more than 2,000 delegates at a time, was named after Ma Annapurna.

Hindu Contributions Recognised

The quadrennial event began on November 24 with Sankhanad by the founder of the World Hindu Foundation Swami Vigyanananda. Chairman of the Organising Committee and famous entrepreneur Sushil Kumar Saraff welcomed all the guests and underscored the importance of organising the third edition of the WHC in Bangkok, Thailand.

Three organisations were recognised for their outstanding contributions to the Hindu cause namely Bharat Sevashram Sangha, Hinduism Today and Mata Amritanandamayi Math.

While accepting the recognition on behalf of Bharat Sevashram Sangha, Swami Purnatmananda ji Maharaj, acting President said, “Hindus will have to unite to protect Dharma. For the victory of Sanatan Dharma, we all have to work together for society.

Satguru Bodhinatha Veylanswami, publisher of Hinduism Today, explained the rationale behind the magazine and remarked, “Hindu Dharma lacked the global voice and communication network. To bridge this gap, Hinduism Today was started 44 years ago”.

While accepting the recognition on behalf of the Math, Mata Amritanandamayi, popularly known as Amma, in her brief address, spoke about the profound spiritual heritage of Bharat. Amma bows down to all her children who are the embodiment of supreme love and supreme consciousness. “A very powerful vibration pervades every particle of sand, every atom, and the very atmosphere of our country, Bharat. It is the vibration of Vedic chants and spiritual austerity performed by countless ancient Rishis. It is the pulsation of spiritual power. This is the invaluable speciality of Sanatan Dharma,” she expressed.

“May my children have the strength to overcome all the obstacles that they have to face in their way towards establishing Dharma! May the obstacles of the outer world never deter you! May spiritual knowledge and power help you at all times and in all circumstances!,” said Amma while rendering prayers.

Amma emphasised the universal essence of Dharma, stating, “Everything is governed by Dharma. Bharat is the land that has taught the world the ultimate truth. That God is not a remote, abstract concept, but truly exists within us as our very own breath — our hearing, sight, touch, taste, thoughts, and emotions. Our very pulse and circulation.”

Striving for Dharma Vijaya

In the inaugural session of the WHC 2023, Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh (RSS) Sarsanghchalak Dr Mohan Bhagwat delved into the theme Jayasya Aayatnam Dharmah, while emphasising the paramount role of Dharma in our journey to triumph.

In his address, Sarsanghchalak explained the meaning of Jaya (Victory) from the Hindu perspective. He said, “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. It isn’t about conquering and the conquered. Jaya is about joining everybody together. There are three kinds of Vijaya. First is Rakshas Vijaya, which means the victory as seen by the demons. In this, there is destruction only. This is a Tamasik Prakriti Vijaya, which believes in destroying just for the sake of destroying. It is Asuri joy. When we say Jaya, we don’t refer to this in our tradition. Second is Dhan Vijaya, which means to acquire possession of all means of material happiness. People try to fight & dominate each other. This is Rajas Vijaya. Its 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, when Bharat was looted like anything for about 150-200 years. 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”.

Dr Mohan Bhagwat took the opportunity to urge Hindus to awaken and show the world the path of harmony and truthfulness. He said this in the context of contemporary global challenges, ranging from conflicts like Russia-Ukraine and Israel-Palestine, to the complexities of global economic turbulence and China’s expansionist theories.

RSS Sarsanghchalak offered a civilisational context of how the world, in the past 2,000 years or so, had witnessed scores of efforts and experiments to forge peace and happiness. “They have tried materialism, Communism and capitalism. They have tried various religions and material prosperity, but there is no satisfaction. Now, especially after the COVID-19 period, there is a rethink. And it seems there is unanimity that Bharat will show the way, because Bharat has the tradition of having done this before,” the RSS Sarsanghchalak said.

He further explained the role of Bharat and said, “The world is looking at us with hope and we have to fulfil our role. India could show the path of happiness and satisfaction, and this was being accepted by global leaders.”

Referring to India’s civilisational value of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, RSS Sarsanghchalak said the world is one family. He appealed to Hindus across the world to reach out to each other and connect with the world together.

Honouring For Selfless Contribution

The World Hindu Congress 2023 recognised three organisations for their outstanding contributions in the spread of Hindu philosophy. Bharat Sewashram Sangha, Hinduism Today and Mata Amritanandamayi Math were honoured for their incessant contribution for Hindu Dharma.

The Bharat Sevashram Sangha is an India-based charitable trust that stands as a testament to its unwavering commitment. It holds the distinction of being the first Hindu organisation in modern times to cultivate a structured, disciplined cadre-based organisation. In the face of challenging times, the Sangha valiantly protected and defended Hindu society. The Bharat Sevashram Sangha has nurtured a new generation of Sadhus & Sanyasis who are brave, and selflessly dedicated to the cause of Hindu Dharma.

Hinduism Today is an US-based quarterly magazine published by the Himalayan Academy. Headed by Swami Bodhinatha Veylanswami, it is committed to nurturing Hindu solidarity, fostering unity, and dispelling misconceptions about Hindu Dharma, which is truly praiseworthy. It has served as a guiding light of knowledge, inspiration, and awakening for Hindus across the globe. The unwavering dedication to nurturing the ongoing spiritual Hindu Renaissance and providing a valuable resource for Hindu leaders and educators is immeasurable. Hinduism Today pivotal role in preserving and promoting the rich heritage of Hindu Dharma is deeply appreciated. The magazine has recently completed its 44th year of establishment.

Mata Amritanandamayi Math is an international charitable organisation aimed at the spiritual and material upliftment of humankind. It was founded by Indian spiritual leader and humanitarian Mata Amritanandamayi in 1981, with its headquarters in Paryakadavu, Alappad Panchayat, Kollam district, Kerala. The Math has constructed over 47,000 houses for the homeless in 75 locations throughout India. Amrita Hospital, affiliated to Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham School of medicine is the largest private multi-specialist hospital in Asia, and was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi last year. It has 2,600 beds, 81 specialities, 64 fully-networked modular operation theatres and smart ICUs with 534 critical care beds and a helipad on the roof.

Parallel Sessions, Same Spirit

The World Hindu Congress 2023, which has gained prominence since its inception in New Delhi, followed by Chicago, found a vibrant setting in Bangkok. Over the course of the intensive three-day gathering, concurrent conferences delved into a wide range of topics.

The WHC in Bangkok featured seven distinct conferences, each dedicated to specific facets of the Hindu community: the World Hindu Economic Forum, Hindu Educational Conference, Hindu Youth Conference, Hindu Women Conference, Hindu Political Conference, Hindu Media Conference, and Hindu Organisations Conference. These parallel conferences provided a forum to deliberate on the opportunities and challenges faced by Hindus worldwide and to develop coordinated strategies to address them.

“Bharat’s philosophy of unity makes it special for women. According to our Sanyasis, men and women are two parts of one element, which is called ‘Ardhnarishvar’. Both have one soul and are synonymous to each other. Those who believe in philosophy of unity are Hindus. And this specialty makes Hindu women different than others,” stated Pramukh Sanchalika, Rashtra Sevika Samiti, Vandaniya Shantakka

Emphasising strategic areas for the Hindu community, the conferences aimed to facilitate collaboration among Hindu leaders, activists, and thinkers, contributing to a renewed and strengthened Hindu identity. Though each conference discussed distinct issues and action plans, the spirit was same – to make the Hindus and Hindu philosophy acceptable and respectable for addressing the contemporary challenges.

Appreciate Diversity, Aim for Unity

The first grand panel on the day one focused on the need for strengthening the Hindu Organisations for Hindu Resurgence that was coordinated by Prof Guna Mangesan from New Zealand. In a compelling address at WHC held in Thailand’s capital, RSS Sarkaryavah Dattatreya Hosabale emphasised the critical need to enhance coordination among diverse Hindu organisations globally to articulate the voice of the community effectively, contending that their diversity has led to disunity in many countries.

“Hindu organisations will have to share information, coordinate, cooperate, collaborate among themselves, and avoid duplication. Duplication will lead nowhere, ” stated Sarkaryavah, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, — Dattatreya Hosabale.

Dattatreya Hosabale said strengthening of Hindu organisations globally was the need of the hour to address the challenges faced by the society. He said that Hindus across the globe are realising the significance of organisation– Sanghe Shakti Kalayuge.

He said, “Many associations, organisations, and forums have been formed in different parts of the world based on language, sect, castes, sub-castes, gurus, panthas, sampradaya, old and new with everybody “hammering” on their work. But, in this entire diversity of organisations, Hindu is lost. Hindus have a phenomenon of getting divided while organising as we forget the core Hinduness. The larger objective should not be forgotten. Many a time, the diversity of Hindu society has led to disunity in many places.”

He called for better collaboration among organisations to iron out contradictions and differences in a bid to articulate the voice of the Hindu society in an effective manner. Reinvigorating the Hindu organisational strength for catapulting the Hindu resurgence is the need of the hour. For that, there has to be a relook towards our own organisations, and there has to be a certain agenda to address the challenges, he said.

“Hindu organisations will have to share information, coordinate, cooperate, collaborate among themselves, and avoid duplication. Duplication will lead nowhere,” Dattatreya Hosabale said.

He further said, “Proselytisation, suppression of human rights of Hindus, and absence of departments of Hindu studies and Indian languages in many universities in the Western world were some of the challenges that needed to be addressed through better organisation.”

President ISKCON Bengaluru and Chairman, Akshaya Patra Foundation, Shri Madhu Pandit Dasa said, “The integration of Hindu organisations should begin at the grassroots level and grow to the global level. When there is visible progress at the local and regional scale, the bottom-up approach will influence policies and actions at the higher level of the Hindu community. The proof of this concept is what Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh has achieved as an organisation at the grassroots level. If not for the organisational efforts of the RSS in the last 7-8 decades, our Bharatiya culture would have been almost finished. We have to appreciate the mammoth service rendered by every Swayamsevak, who are unsung heroes of our Hindu culture”.

While pointing out the importance of unity, Swami Mitrananda of Chinmaya Mission said, “We need to remember the Narasimha Avatar. What was Hiranyakashipu’s fault that he had to be killed? Because he said that I’m the only God. If you worship any other God, I’ll kill you. Does this sound familiar? Narasimha has to come because there was one Hiranyakashipu then, we have two today. We need to invoke that Narasimha. We need to be together. Each organisation is the small child Prahlada. When we unite, when we demonstrate together, Naramasimha will manifest”.

The second grand panel on November 25 was titled on “Accelerating Bharat’s World Standing: The Power of Education, Economy and Technology.” It was coordinated by Prof Nachiketa Tiwari from Banaras Hindu University and addressed by Prof Yogesh Singh, Vice-Chancellor Delhi University, Sridhar Vembu, founder of Zoho Corporation and social entrepreneur and well-known investor and business-mind Mohandas Pai.

Bharatiya businessman and philanthropist Mohandas Pai condemned those who accused Bharat of anti-minority. He said “Muslims in Bharat have more rights than Hindus…Hindus are the oppressed community in Bharat and we are accused of being anti-minority, how can we tolerate this”.

He also criticised the first Prime Minister of India Jawaharlal Nehru by saying, “This is the country which the first PM ruined by bringing his socialism, price controls, license-quota Raj. He suppressed Indian capital and Indian entrepreneurs. In Nehru’s rein, Sridhar Vembu could not have been a billionaire and started his own company”.

Dharma is Our Mother

In the concluding session, Mata Amritanandamayi emphasised the pivotal role of dharma in fostering goodness and prosperity in society. She called for a global order rooted in love, selfless service and the ethical laws.

Amma said, “The Hindu faith presents a collection of principles and values that have the potential to bring well being and prosperity to all. Sanatan Dharma has always been fully cognisant of the profound connection between human beings and nature. It was the Hindu faith  that offered the concepts of dharma and yajna- virtue and self-sacrifice-to the world.”

She also emphasised the fact that Sanātan Dharma is the only religion that has accepted the fact that there are diverse paths to the truth. In Sanātan Dharma, diversity and unity blend together. This helps in finding the one undercurrent to the countless diversity seen in the universe. It integrates everything together. Through this, love, beauty and service-mindedness blossom.

In these modern days, people seeking peace of mind have made cell phones and intoxicants their “peacemakers.” They have no interest in seeking or knowing the ultimate peacemaker—God. As a result, we are witnessing the progressive destruction of our world. We are not candles dependent on others to be lit. We are the self-effulgent Sun. We are not helpless kittens; we are all powerful lions. We have infinite potential within us.

Comparing Dharma to a mother, she urged everyone to embrace the expansive and inclusive lap of Bharat Mata, emphasising that no one should be rejected from her embrace.

Describing Dharma as our mother, Amma said, “Living without Dharma is like forgetting one’s own mother’s home address. The lap of Mother Bharat is all expansive and all inclusive. No one is ever rejected from her lap. Even if others do not call this ancient culture gifted to us by Bharat as ‘Mother’; at least we should not allow them to dishonour her. This global society of billions of members should move forward, fortified with the strength of knowledge and unity. We should transcend the challenges of poverty and discrimination through mutual cooperation. We should develop as a vibrant society spreading peace and harmony across the world.”

Declaration: WHC Renounces ‘Hinduism’, Embraces ‘Hindutva’, ‘Hindu Dharma’

A momentous declaration encapsulating the collective voice of the global Hindu community was unveiled at the WHC 2023. The declaration was accepted in the presence of delegates from 61 countries.

In its official declaration, the WHC strongly condemned unwarranted criticism of Hindutva and Sanatan Dharma. It also dispels the 150-year-old conspiracy to limit Hinduism with “ism,” i.e., Hinduism. Intellectually dishonest terminology is the seed behind vicious anti-Hindu narratives. The global Hindu community is urged to unite in promoting and embodying Hindutva, loosely translated as Hinduness, through collaborative global initiatives.

The WHC adopted a resolution embracing Hindutva over ‘Hinduism.’ The resolution asserts that the word Hindutva is more accurate as it includes the spectrum of all that the word ‘Hindu’ encompasses. In contrast, ‘Hinduism’ misrepresents the global Hindu community and their inherent goodness. The resolution emphasises that “ism” is a suffix used with terms to define an oppressive and discriminatory attitude or belief.

In the term “Hindu Dharma,” the first word, ‘Hindu,’ is an unbounded word. It signifies all that is Sanatan or Eternal. And then there is Dharma, which means ‘That which sustains,’” reads the declaration.

The declaration states that Hinduism is different because it is suffixed with an “ism,” a term defined as an oppressive and discriminatory attitude or belief. “It is for such reasons that many of our elders preferred the term ‘Hindutva’ over Hinduism, as the former is a more accurate term since it includes the gamut (spectrum) of all that the word ‘Hindu’ implies. We agree with them and should do the same,” the declaration reads.

The assertion in the declaration came against the backdrop of a row that erupted after DMK leaders made controversial remarks about Sanatan Dharma at a symposium with the theme ‘Abolition of Sanatana.’

The declaration clarifies that Hindutva is not a complicated word and simply means Hindu-ness. “Others have used the alternative Sanatan Dharma, often abbreviated as Sanatan.’ Here the term Sanatan works as an adjective indicating Hindu Dharma’s eternal nature,” it says.

The declaration also noted that many academicians and intellectuals portray Hindutva as the antithesis of Hindu Dharma out of ignorance. The WHC also condemned such attacks and urges Hindus worldwide to unite to overcome those engaging in such bigotry and emerge victorious.

The resolution noted that, “The term ‘Hinduism’ was first introduced into common usage by Sir Monier-Monier Williams through his handbook ‘Hinduism,’ published in 1877 by the Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge. This intellectually misleading terminology is identified as the origin of the negative anti-Hindu narratives spanning the past 150 years.”

Respect for Hindus

Each of the conference coordinators presented key takeaways from each parallel session for the benefit of entire gathering. Founder and global chairman of World Hindu Foundation Swami Vigyananand, the pioneer of this grand endeavour introduced the entire organising committee and team of volunteers about the vilification of Hindus. He remarked, “After Independence, Hindu and the term ‘Hindu’ were vilified by the ruling class led by Jawaharlal Nehru and their so-called academicians and intellectual class. The general Hindu society and many Hindu organisations began to retreat from the Hindu identity in this difficult period. RSS stood firm during this most challenging times. Sangh kept the flame of Hindu identity alive and burning through a ‘Shakha’ system.

While emphasising the need of using the term “Bharat” instead of “India”, Swami Vigyananand, said “On the platform of the WHC and several associated forums, a decision was made to popularise the term ‘Bharat’ and refrain from using the words India, Indian, and Indic. The aim was to make the Hindu identity visible, acceptable, and respectable worldwide, advocating the use of only ‘Hindu’ and ‘Hindu Dharma.’ The goal was to make Hindu Dharma popular and fashionable, acceptable and respectable in a modern society. Through continuous and relentless efforts, we are witnessing positive changes; the use of ‘Bharat’ is returning and becoming a mainstream. Many world leaders profoundly identify themselves as Hindu, marking the profound extension of the Hindu resurgence movement”.

Delegates to the WHC being held in Thailand’s capital received a symbolic sweet box in their welcome packet, which became a talking point. The box contained two sweet ladoos – one small soft ladoo and one big hard ladoo with two different messages. The soft ladoo represented the current status of Hindus society, in that they can be easily broken into fragments and then easily swallowed. The future vision for Hindu society should be like a big hard ladoo — strongly bonded, cohesive and cannot be broken. Only then would it be capable of defending itself against hostile forces. A resilient and confident Hindu society united in thought, action and organisational strength would surely grow numerically, intellectually and materially, without further territorial losses.

Notably, the organisers announced that the fourth WHC will be held at Mumbai, Bharat between December 18 and 20, 2026. The conference theme will be Samanam Vrittam, Saha Cittam. While unveiling the details for the upcoming edition, Swadesh R Khetawat, Secretary, Organising Committee for World Hindu Conference 2026, stated, “It is time to return to Bharat in 2026 in Mumbai with the theme ‘Shared Commitment, Collective Resolve.’ RSS is set to complete its 100th year in 2025, and WHC 2026 assumes special significance as it reflects on the 100 years of service by RSS.”

The journey of bringing Hindus across the globe with a common goal of acceptance and respect for the Hindu cause has attained a new height in the third edition of the confluence of seven conferences.