Hinduism will show the new way: Bhagwat

New Delhi: The World Hindu Congress was inaugurated in New Delhi, Friday, with an aim to unite Hindus across the globe.

The Dalai Lama and other dignitaries were also present at the event that is said to host about 1,500 delegates from 40 countries.

Union Ministers Smriti Irani, Nitin Gadkari and Nirmala Sitharaman are to address the gathering in the subsequent sessions.

Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat, in his inaugural address to the people, said there would always be a need to realise “sameness of humanity” in the world and claimed that the Hindu society can deliver the message.

Bhagwat suggested the Hindu society is capable of ridding the world of its shortcomings and making India a world leader. 

“Hindu, as spelled in English is a five letter word which loosely translates to a human being who seeks unity in all diversity,” Bhagwat said.

Invoking the words of Swami Vivekananda ‘arise, awake and not stop till the goal is reached,’ Bhagwat said, “Let us start our work in all walks of life – media, academia, leadership based on our values is required. Let us demonstrate that capability. We have to work on values of sameness of humanity”.

“India had a tradition which falls in line with Hinduism and its task is of teaching the world,” he said.

“The task given has to be done. For that we have to improve ourselves,” he said. 

CV Wigneswaran, chief minister of Sri Lanka’s Northern Province, said difficulties faced by the Hindu community in the island nation did not come to an end with the Sri Lankan government’s war with the LTTE coming to end in 2009.

Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama said there was a need to develop “knowledge of mind” and to remember “sameness of humanity”.

BJP president Amit Shah is among those set to take part in later sessions.

The organisers said the WHC intends to serve as a channel for Hindus across the globe to congregate on a common platform and deliberate on ways to strengthen the community.

They said the Congress will also help organise the talent of Hindus that remains scattered and help people network with one another.

The conference will see discussions on economy, politics, education, women and media.