- World Hindu Congress 2023 Kicks Off in Bangkok, Drawing 2000 delegates from 61 Countries
- Mata Amritanandmayi Devi honoured at the WHC 2023 for her remarkable contribution to the society
Bangkok, 24th November, 2023: The World Hindu Congress 2023, a global platform for Hindu leaders, thinkers, and influencers, commenced with an enlightening inaugural ceremony at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Hall (Royal Jubilee, Impact Convention Centre) in Bangkok. More than 2000 delegates from 61 countries have gathered to participate in this significant Hindu Resurgence event.
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. Organized 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 Organizations, Temples and Associations, Hindu Economic Forum, 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,’ emphasizing 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 Hindu 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 honored 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”.
Some points of Mohan Bhagwat Ji’s speech –
– All our Hindu traditions, despite intellectual differences, are examples of ‘Dharma’ and that all ‘Sampradayas’ in Bharat need to be purified to follow discipline.
– The world is one family, and we will make everybody ‘Arya’ that is culture. Although the word ‘culture’ is not sufficient, for a better world I have to say ‘culture’.
– Satya and Ahimsa are basic principles of Vijaya. All our Hindu traditions, despite intellectual differences, are examples of Dharma.
– We go everywhere and touch everybody’s heart. They may agree, they may not agree, but we have to connect with all.
– We have Dharma Vijay, the Vijay that stands on Dharma, the process that depends on “Dharma Niyams” (Dharma Rules) and the resultant is also Dharma that is the duty.
– Today’s world is now stumbling. For 2,000 years they have performed so many experiments to bring happiness, bliss and peace. They have tried materialism, communism and capitalism and tried different religions; they got material prosperity but no satisfaction. Now everyone has hope from India.
– “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”.
– Anger, hatred, lust, foul, hateful speech, envy and ego – these prevent coming together of individuals. These break the society and organisations.
– Those in the world who want this world together, who want to uplift everybody together, they are Dharmics. Dharma’s view of Hindus will lead to global Dharma views. The world is looking at us with hope and we have to fulfil it.
– Some months back, the World Muslim Council’s Secretary General, he came to Bharat and in his speeches there, he said that if we want harmony in the world, Bharat is a must. So, this is our duty. This is why Hindu society came into existence.
World Hindu Foundation
The World Hindu Foundation is a non-profit organisation that focuses on art and culture. It was founded in 2009 and is headquartered in New Delhi. The theme for the World Hindu Congress this year is ‘Jayasya Aayatnam Dharmah’, which translates to “dharma, the abode of victory”.
“Hindus will have to unite to protect Dharma. For the victory of Sanatan Dharma, we all have to work together for the society” – Swami Purnatmananda ji Maharaj, President of Bharat Sevashram Sangh
