World Hindu Economic Forum (WHEF) comes to London during 11 -13 September 2015. Its mission is to make society prosperous through the generation and sharing of surplus wealth. The philosophy of WHEF is Dharmasya Moolam Arthah or sustaining through economic prosperity. So we caught up with the promoters who are behind this organisation.
The visionary behind WHEF is Swami Vigyananand, an energetic Swamiji. He has IIT Kharagpur engineering degree, travelled the world and unique personality. This Swamiji talks about business and economics and his vision to bring Hindu business people together with professionals and entrepreneurs to generate wealth. Normally, one thinks of Swamis associated with religion, kathas and pujas. This Swamiji is totally different and he answered a few key questions on WHEF.
Why WHEF?
This is the 4th annual conference to bring international business and professionals, bankers and investors, young entrepreneurs and mentors together from as many as 30 countries. The previous conferences were held in Hong Kong, Bangkok and New Delhi with other regional conferences in Malaysia, Fiji, South Africa, Kenya, USA, etc. We want to encourage Hindus to generate wealth for society's wellbeing. Our Hindu Vedas refer to 'Sat Hasta Samahara, Sahastra Hasta Sankira'. It literally means 'generate wealth with 100 hands and share it with 1000 hands'. We believe and practice Vasudhaiv Kutumbakam i.e. the whole world is one family.
Why London
Well, London is the World's leading city and we have progressed from Hong Kong, Bangkok and New Delhi. We already have cities marked out for next few years. Next year we shall be in the US. Hindus are the only community who are spread around the globe and WHEF is all about connecting Hindu business people in different geographies.
So tell us about the London team.
The patron of WHEF 2015 London is Prof. Nat Puri. The Chairman is Shri Anil Puri, CEO of Purico Group and Vice Chairman is Sri Subhash Thakrar, Senior partner of CBW LLP and Vice President of the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Other committee members are Kajal Valani Sheth, Hiten Sheth, Hasmukh Shah, Dr. Gautam Sen, Hardev Singh, Rosan Sapokota and Alpa Raja. They are being supported by youth volunteers from the National Hindu Students Forum. Of course the central secretariat of WHEF from Bharat has also worked hard in support.
Who will be attending WHEF?
Business people from around the World, we anticipate from over 30 countries. There will be professionals, investors, bankers and young entrepreneurs. We shall also encourage young Hindu youths to come on special concessionary fee level.
So is this a religious Hindu get together?
Not at all! Apart from the ceremonial lighting of the diya, there will be nothing to do with religion. This conference is about business and economics but of course also highlighting Hindu principles of doing business. The principles are honesty, fairness and taking care of environment as well as wealth creation for benefit of wider society.
Where is the conference?
At Park Plaza Riverbank Hotel
18 Albert Embankment
London SE1 7 TJ
This is in Westminster close to the river.
Who are the Speakers?
We have more than 36 eminent speakers from diverse background such as senior academician from the area of business and economy, professionals, bankers, investors, and successful practicing businessmen.
What are the fees to attend?
$300 for the whole weekend package covering participation and all the meals. For UK based business people, we have also created a daily rate of £50 to join the gala dinner on Friday and £100 each for Saturday and Sunday. Although all bookings are online, because we are getting lot of last minute bookings, we shall also have a cash desk at the venue to register and pay on the day. For Youths, we have a special rate. Anyone can check be going to the web site www.wheflondon.com.
What do you aim to achieve?
In the past WHEF, we have given delegates to learn about new emerging opportunities around the world, growing businesses, obtaining affordable capital, new technology applications and support for young entrepreneurs. Of course there will be active networking events, which have enabled business transactions to happen in the past. We hope to strengthen in all these areas.
The WHEF is open for all business and professionals as well as budding entrepreneurs. Go to Web site at www.wheforum.org
