Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar hosted an evening with selected guests from the Business Community exploring the topic of "Changing Dimensions of Hindus Globally". Chief Guest and Keynote Speaker, Shri Dattatreya Hosabale, Joint General Secretary of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) explored the global presence that Hindus have and their influence across all fields, the challenges and opportunities that now lie ahead, and the need for better articulating the message of Hindu philosophy. Among those that attended included Mr GP Hinduja, Dame Asha Khemke, Mr Rajesh Ram Satija, Mr Shubash Thakrar, Mr Shashibhai Vekaria and Mr Vijay Goel.
C B Patel, Publisher and Editor of Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar, expressed that “this evening was an important opportunity to properly understand the achievement of Indians and Hindus globally from an organisation that has global connections and networks in all continents of the world and is the largest social movement of its kind which has influenced Hindus and Indians in all fields from Politics, Science, Philosophy to business and philanthropy”. C B added, "I have known and followed the RSS for many years and I am very proud of the work they have done in building leaders and characters who work selflessly for the betterment of society. Despite this, they have too often received negative press or even worse been targeted and labelled by those with their own agenda. My own experience of RSS and those working with similar methodology, in UK and otherwise, is that they have they have been a uniting force for the good for both Hindus and Indians as well as the wider society.”
In an interview style dialogue, Shri Dattatreya outlined an account of the reach that Hindus have achieved in all spheres, and whilst integrating within the countries they have settled, they have also maintained very strong cultural foundations. Shri Dattatreya expressed that “the UK Hindu business community, which is very successful, should think seriously about creating an endowment to support initiatives that will really influence the institutions of this country”. Individually Hindus have shown great success, and within respective Sanstha there have been great examples of community spirit. However, developing a collective Hindu voice, one that brings all Hindus together would provide much greater influence and strength. Shri Dattatreya explained that “an organised society is one that has the systems in place to instil a common rallying cry for all its citizens to respond to regardless of their other diversity and differences.” Shri Dattatreya continued to showcase how RSS has continued to work towards this cause, and has extended its reach through over 40 different organisations that are fully fledged and active in most sectors of society. These include some of the largest organisations in India including a community of scientists, the largest farmers union, and students union in India. When asked to explain what is a RSS Prachaarak, loosely described as a full time volunteer for the organisation, the answer was poignant, he said "The RSS Prachaarak is the property of the Hindu Samaj.”
The evening also presented the upcoming World Hindu Congress (www.worldhinducongress.org),
