Chicago: To mark the historic occasion of Swami Vivekananda's famous speech at World Parliament of Religions in Chicago 125 years ago, over 2,500 delegates from across 60 countries gathered in Chicago to participate in the second World Hindu Congress (WHC) at the Westin Hotel from 7th to 9th September 2018. The mission of the Congress was to provide a global platform for Hindus to connect, share ideas, inspire one another, and impact the common good with a theme to think collectively and achieve valiantly”.
Forty-eight delegates from UK participated in this three day event, which included conferences on economics, education, youth, women, media, politics and Hindu organisations. Prerna Bhardwaj, CEO of Vahaan Magazine and FM Radio and one of the speakers from the UK, highlighted that the Congress brought together an active global community with a passion to work together for a common good. Many high-profile speakers and dignitaries echoed the message of collective effort from across all four corners of the globe. Video messages from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Dalai Lama, Art of Living founder Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, and BAPS Spiritual Head Mahant Swami Maharaj endorsed the event with their blessings.
Mohan Bhagwat, RSS Chief, in his keynote address explained the importance of the theme of the Congress – Sumantrite Suvikrante (Think Collectively, Achieve Valiantly) and highlighted the need for Hindus to work together. He said “Our universal values, now called Hindu values, lead to the welfare of the individual, the society, nature and the environment. It is the duty of Hindus to remind the world of these universal values from time to time.”
Bollywood actor Anupam Kher in his address said “Hinduism is a way of life and one becomes a Hindu by living like one. Tolerance was the centerpiece of Vivekananda’s message. My roots are steeped in Hinduism… As a Hindu, it pains me deeply to see how ignorance and half knowledge are trying to destroy one of the oldest, world’s most peaceful religions.”
Four organizations were honoured for their outstanding contributions to spreading Hindu philosophy and values. BAPS was honored for beautiful temples across the world, Chinmaya Mission for explaining the essence of the Gita, Gita Press, Gorakhpur for making sacred Hindu literature available at very low cost, and ISKCON for spreading the message of Shri Krishna worldwide.
Over two hundred speakers debate, discuss and deliberate the opportunities and challenges being faced in their respective fields. Speakers from the UK included Drishti Mae, President of National Hindu Students Forum (UK), who highlighted the need to change the narrative of Hindu identity and to build the foundations for future generations. Mayuri Parmar Amin, highlighted the lack of Hindu Youth gravitating towards public service and representing our community. Pranav Bhanot, highlighted some of the challenges faced by Hindu Politicians and the need for the community to support those that step forward to represent.
Swami Poornatmananda of Bharat Sevashram Sangh, Chinmaya Mission Spiritual Head Swami Swaroopananda, Swami Paramatmananda, secretary general of Hindu Dharma Acharya Sabha, Satguru Dalip Singh of Namdari, and Madhu Pandit Dasa, chairperson of Akshaya Patra Foundation, ISKCON, Bangalore were some of the spiritual leaders who spoke at the event. Shri Ashwin Adhin, Vice President of Suriname, gave a very inspiring speech in the inaugural session of the Congress.
In the concluding session, Venkaiah Naidu, India's Vice President, reiterated Swami Vivekananda’s universal message of tolerance and respect and elaborated on some of the essential elements of Hinduism namely the breadth of its vision in treating the world as one family, tolerance and acceptance of plurality, and unity in diversity. The third World Hindu Congress will be held in Bangkok, Thailand from Nov. 4 to 6, 2022. The theme will be “Dharmosthato Jay” that is“Victory of dharma, not adharma.”
