Guwahati: The World Hindu Congress 2023, a global platform for Hindu leaders, thinkers, and influencers, from around the world, concluded with a sense of unity, inspiration, and a renewed commitment to the timeless values of Hindu Dharma. The WHC (24 – 26 November 2023) came to an end in Bangkok, the capital city of Thailand, receiving divine blessings from Mata Amritānandamayī Devi. The 2000 plus delegates from 61 countries witnessed stimulating discussions and essential announcements, reinforcing the commitment to the principles of Hindu Dharma.
Following the declaration on the inaugural day condemning the malicious attacks on Hindutva and Sanatan Dharma, the organisers made some key announcements on the concluding day. Before the concluding session got underway, a one-minute silence was observed to pay tribute to the victims of the 26/11 terror attack on Mumbai. Later, the coordinators of the seven parallel thematic conferences (economy, education, media, politics, women, youth and organisations) provided summaries and key takeaways from their respective areas.
Addressing the gathering, attendees, Mata Amritānandamayī Devi emphasised the pivotal role of Dharma in bringing well-being and prosperity to humanity. When we do our part to protect Dharma, it will protect us, she stated. Highlighting the profound connection between human beings and nature, she underscored the importance of restoring Dharma as the solution to save the world and humanity. She expressed concerns about the diminishing wellspring of love and selfless service in today’s world and asserted that being firmly established in Dharma is the way forward.
Address in Malayalam, which was live translated into English and Hindi, Mata Amritanandmayi Devi highlighted Hindu Dharma’s unique acceptance of diverse paths to Truth, giving individuals the freedom to choose their spiritual journey. Comparing Dharma to a mother, Mata Amritānandamayī Devi said that living without Dharma is like forgetting one’s own mother’s home address. She urged everyone to embrace the expansive and inclusive lap of Bharat Mata, emphasising that no one should be rejected from her embrace.
Mata Amritanandmayi Devi, who along with Swami Purnatmanand Maharaj (of Bharat Sevasharam Sangh) and Satguru Bodhinatha Veylanswami (of Hinduism Today) were honored for their remarkable contributions to Hindu society, asserted that at least 2% of the donations received by each Temple and Matha should be allocated for the printing and free distribution of Hindu Dharma Granthas. This measure is crucial to safeguard, nurture, and propagate Hindu Dharma, she added.
A declaration was adopted by the WHC, which aims to unite Hindus, promote dialogue, and foster collaboration for the betterment of the global Hindu society, it strongly condemned the malicious attacks on Hindutva and Sanatan Dharma. Also, it renounced the term Hinduism, which was coined by a British Christian to denigrate Hindu Dharma as an ‘ism’ (meaning an oppressive belief system). In his written message, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand, Srettha Thavisin stated that peace will be established in the world only through Hindu values of life.
Eminent speakers, including Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh Sarsanghchalak Dr Mohan Bhagwat, RSS Sarkaryavah Dattatreya Hosable, Akshaya Patra chairman Madhu Pandit Dasa, Swami Mitrananda of Chinmaya Mission, Maharshi Vedavyas Pratishthan founder Swami Govind Dev Giri, TV Mohandas Pai, Sridhar Vembu, Vipul Shah, Vivek Agnihotri, etc contributed their insights. Plans for the WHC 2026 were also unveiled which will take place on 18-20 December in Mumbai. Earlier to it, the commercial capital of India will host the World Hindu Economic Forum 2024 on 13-15 December next year.