Matribhumi Samachar English
Shri Vishwa Niketan, a Delhi-based trust, organised the 7th Vishwa Sangh Shibir (VSS) at the serene and expansive Kanha Shanti Vanam, near Bhagyanagar (Hyderabad). The five-day (December 25-29) global congregation brought together 1,611 delegates from 71 countries, representing all continents. The central theme of VSS 2025 was “Dharme Sarvam Pratishthitam”, meaning “Dharma is the foundation of everything.”
The VSS is organised once every five years. The first Shibir was held in Bengaluru in 1990, followed by editions in Vadodara, Mumbai, Gandhinagar, Pune and Indore. The 2020 edition, however, could not be held due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
The Shibir facilitated interaction among delegates from different parts of the world, enabling dialogue, exchange of experiences and mutual learning. Participants followed a rigorous daily schedule from 5.30 am to 10.30 pm, engaging in sanchalan (discipline drills), bauddhik sessions on Hindu civilisation and contemporary challenges, cultural programmes, exhibitions, and country-focused discussions. The Shibir featured lectures, panel discussions, and interactive sessions, all aligned with the central theme of Dharma as the foundation of individual, societal, and global well-being.
Sessions and activities were structured for all age groups, including children, youth, adults and senior citizens. The Shibir reflected remarkable demographic diversity, with participants ranging from a one-year-old child to a 92-year-old Swayamsevak, including 122 teenagers, 120 children, and 600 women. More than 50 languages, including sign language, were used for coordination and communication. Around 300 volunteers ensured seamless organisation throughout five days.
Saumitra Gokhale, global coordinator of Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (HSS), Dr Siddhesh Shevade, Shibir Karyavah, Sangeeta Thakkar, Mukhya Shikshika of VSS led the proceedings of shibir.
A special souvenir magazine based on the Shibir theme “Dharme Sarvam Pratishthitam” was released at the hands of Pujya Swami Govind Dev Giri Ji. The publication features articles exploring the contemporary application of Dharma across various walks of life.
Four books (Pioneering Hindu Organisation – Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh Kenya; At The Cross roads of History – Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh South Africa; Bringing Communities Together – Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh New Zealand; Myanmar me Sanatan Samaj ka Sangathan) authored by noted writer Dr Ratan Sharda, documenting the history of Hindu Sangathan work in different countries through extensive research and interviews, were also released.
Additionally, two new books authored by Kamlesh D Patel (Daaji)—“The Heart of Lord Ram” and “Holy Tirthankars”—were released by RSS Sarkaryavah Dattatreya Hosabale.
The globally sung Vishwa Prarthana, a signature prayer at HSS events worldwide, was released in a special musical rendering by Shankar Mahadevan, composed and directed by renowned music director Rahul Ranade. A thematic video based on this recording, accompanied by a philharmonic orchestra, was also unveiled.
“HINDUS MUST SET AN EXAMPLE BEFORE WORLD THROUGH CHARACTER AND DHARMIC LIFE”
“Hindus across the globe to lead by example through their conduct, values, and way of life. The world does not need domination through power or wealth, but inspiration through ‘Hindu living’ rooted in Dharma, compassion, and selfless service,” Dr Mohan Bhagwat, in his keynote address on the final day of VSS 2025, gave a call to all Hindus.
In a wide-ranging and reflective address, he said that many of today’s global crises stem from the abandonment of Dharma. He said “Because of deviation from dharma, an imbalance arose, due to which extremism spread. The course of history went astray. We forgot compassion. Because of this, all problems are arising. There is a desire to regain all these. This discussion is present everywhere; we too are doing it. But how should this happen?
Dr Bhagwat explained with an example that whether or not Columbus discovered America is beside the point. When challenged to make a hen’s egg stand, no one came forward. Columbus broke the egg slightly and made it stand, prompting others to say anyone could have done it. The king’s reply was simple: if it was so easy, why did no one do it first? The lesson was clear, what matters is not debate, but who takes the initiative and demonstrates what others only discuss. Using well-known parable of “who will bell the cat”, he emphasised that change does not happen through ideas alone, but through individuals who take the first step themselves.
“But whatever tasks have to be done for the country must begin with oneself—this was what Keshav Baliram Hedgewar thought. He felt that people should be prepared to begin working themselves. That is why Sangh Swayamsevaks start work with themselves. They do work only with a spirit of service. ‘Shiva bhāve jīva sevā’—Ramakrishna Paramahamsa defined the meaning of service with this idea, he said. Elaborating on the meaning of service, he distinguished between service driven by fear, compulsion, expectation of reward, or desire for recognition, and true service performed without selfish motives. “Those for whom service itself is the ultimate goal—they are the Swayamsevaks,” he said.
Dr Bhagwat noted that as the Sangh has grown, Swayamsevaks have spread across the world, yet have not forgotten their commitment to the overall upliftment of Hindu society and the protection of Hindu Dharma.
He elaborated by saying that all those living in other countries should see our history, our culture, our tradition, our practices, and learn how to live—this is how our ancestors instructed that we should live. By placing such an example before the world, dharma must be established in every corner of the world. We will lead the world, but only through our own methods. That too is our way. We do not think of rising by displaying military power or by suppressing others through our economy. We will lead only through our way of life. We will place our way of life before the world. Every country has a purpose; Bharat’s purpose is to spread dharma across the world through character and exemplary conduct.
The very first Vishva-varg related to the Vishva Vibhag was held in Bengaluru. Thirty-four HSS Swayamsevaks who were born and brought up in foreign countries came. Before them, pracharak Bhede ji introduced the subject. Through the Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh, Hindus began to work for their host countries. On this occasion, the first generation confirmed that HSS Shakhas could be conducted anywhere abroad. They decided that this method of work could function in every country, time and circumstance. Then the second generation came. Though living abroad amidst a life of comforts, they resolved to stay away from bad habits and to attend the daily Shakha.
He implored the third generation to conduct themselves in such a way that the people of those countries also feel that they too should have a volunteer organisation like the Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh. Such a vast responsibility has now fallen on this generation’s shoulders. They too, should feel that they should have such a way of life. “We are hearing this. People are asking whether the Swayamsevaks in Bharat will teach them to live like that and whether they will train them too. This discussion is going on. You must tell all such people that there is an organisation called the HSS, and that they should receive training through it,” he said, calling upon them.
He underlined that Bharat’s leadership of the world must come not through military or economic domination, but through example. “We will lead the world, but only through our own methods—through our way of life. We do not wish to crush others. We place our living example before the world,” he said, urging Hindus everywhere to consciously imbibe the values so that others may learn how life can be lived with balance and harmony.
INNOVATION, DEMOCRACY, AND CIVILISATIONAL CONFIDENCE
The Chief Guest, Krishna Ella, Founder and Executive Chairman of Bharat Biotech, spoke on Bharat’s democratic ethos, civilisational confidence, and the urgent need for innovation rooted in social responsibility.
Describing Dr Mohan Bhagwat as “a symbol of truth”, Ella said Bharat’s democracy must be understood beyond institutions alone. “Bharat is much more than a democracy. Here you can speak freely, debate anything, yet remain anchored in Dharma,” he said. He argued that Bharat’s historical choice not to invade other nations stemmed from its cultural depth and civilisational maturity, invoking the principle of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam. “Because of our culture and inner richness, we did not invade others,” he said. Highlighting Bharat’s ancient tradition of innovation, Ella referred to early surgical practices, metallurgy, sound engineering as seen in Golconda Fort, and symbolic knowledge traditions. He cautioned against a lingering colonial mindset that pushes Bharatiyas to blindly imitate the West in consumption and lifestyle, instead of rediscovering indigenous knowledge and solutions.
Sharing his personal journey, he recalled returning to Bharat in 1997 at his mother’s insistence to establish Bharat Biotech, despite initial rejection by venture capitalists. “Our aim was not to make money, but to solve social problems,” he said. He spoke about Bharat Biotech’s work on rotavirus, typhoid, and COVID vaccines, associations with Indian Council of Medical Research, and ensuring that innovation remains accessible to all, including developing and neighbouring countries. “Innovation is not done by government alone. Society must take responsibility,” he said.
INNER TRANSFORMATION AND BALANCE
The gathering was also addressed by Daaji, President and Spiritual Guide of Shri Ram Chandra Mission, who guided participants on meditation and inner transformation.
He emphasised that sustainable social change requires inner balance, clarity of mind, and values-based living, aligning spiritual growth with social responsibility.
HINDUS MUST CARRY CONFIDENCE IN THEIR IDENTITY
Shibir adhikari of VSS 2025, Banwarilal Purohit, President of Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan and former Governor of Assam, Punjab and Tamil Nadu, described the Shibir as one of the most fulfilling experiences of his five-decade-long public life.
“This is one of the happiest days of my life. I have attended many programmes earlier, but this Shibir immersed me completely. It has gone far beyond my expectations,” he said, calling it a historic confluence of ideas, cultures, and commitment. Drawing inspiration from interactions with participants, including a couple from the United States who spoke passionately about Swami Vivekananda, Purohit said Hindus everywhere must carry confidence in their identity. He urged participants to steadily expand outreach, suggesting that each family connect with two more families every year, creating a growing network by the next Shibir.
VISION OF DHARMA AND MISSION OF SANGH ARE INSEPARABLE
Addressing the gathering on the inaugural day of VSS 2025, Dattatreya Hosabale exhorted the participants to live and act according to Dharma, irrespective of the country they reside in, noting that Dharma has the potential to bring peace and prosperity globally. “Hindus have never spread their influence through force, but through knowledge, philosophy, culture, science, and harmonious coexistence with nature and society,” he said.
Emphasising the theme of the Shibir, he added, “The vision of Dharma and the mission of Sangh are inseparable. Service to society and care for nature are central to the message emanating from the Shakha.”
ALERTNESS, CONSCIENTIOUSNESS, SKILLFUL RESPONSIBILITY
In his inaugural speech, revered Swami Govind Dev Giri Ji, Treasurer of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Nyas, emphasised that Dharma maintains harmony and stability in life, serving as a guiding principle that leads people towards both worldly success and spiritual growth. He referred to the Yaksha–Dharmaraj dialogue in the Mahabharat, in which the Yaksha asks Dharmaraj, “What is Dharma?” to which Dharmaraj replies, “Dakshyatva,” meaning alertness. He noted that the country had suffered due to a lack of alertness and urged the volunteers to continue working to strengthen Hindu society wherever they are, for the betterment of the world.
Swami Ji elucidated the civilisational concept of Dharma as the sustaining principle of life, society, and creation which aligned with the theme of the programme, “Dharme Sarvam Pratishthitam.” He began by explaining the etymological foundation of the word Dharma. In Sanskrit, nouns are derived from verbal roots (dhātu). Dharma is derived from the root dh(धृ), meaning “to hold,” “to sustain,” or “to support.” The classical definition states: “Dhāraāt dharma ity āhu, dharmo dhārayate prajā”—that which sustains and upholds society is called Dharma. Thus, Dharma is not merely a belief system, but the sustaining principle that enables the orderly functioning of the world.
He further explained that Dharma establishes a dynamic equilibrium across four levels of existence: Vyashti (the individual), Samashti (society), Srishti (nature and creation), and Parameshthi (the Supreme Reality). True Dharma harmonises these four dimensions.
Quoting the classical definition, Swami Ji described Dharma as a principle: “Yato’bhyudaya-niḥshreyasa-siddhiḥ sa dharmaḥ”—that which leads to both material well-being (abhyudaya) and spiritual liberation (nihshreyasa) is Dharma. Dharma, therefore, is neither static nor regressive; it enables holistic progress—material, moral, and spiritual.
Emphasising personal responsibility, Swami Ji cited the Bhagavad Gita on the centrality of svadharma: “Shreyān svadharmo vigua paradharmāt svanushthitāt. Svadharme nidhana shreyaparadharmo bhayāvaha” (Bhagavad Gita 3.35)—one’s own dharma, even if imperfectly performed, is superior to the well-executed dharma of another. To perish while performing one’s own dharma is preferable; another’s dharma is fraught with danger. Referring to Sri Aurobindo, Swami Ji observed that the very birth of Bhārat Varsha has been for the sake of Dharma. He underlined that Dharma ultimately leads to the realisation of oneness with the entirety of creation, dissolving artificial separations between the self, society, nature, and the Divine. Clarifying a common misconception, Swami Ji stated that religion is not synonymous with Dharma, though religions may embody elements of it. He suggested that religions be evaluated on three fundamental criteria: 1. How they conceptualise jīva, Īshvara, and their mutual relationship; 2. How followers of the religion treat others within the same faith; and 3. How followers treat those belonging to other religions.
On the discipline of tapas, Swami Ji offered a concise definition: “Tapa dvandva-sahanam”—tapas is the capacity to endure dualities such as pleasure and pain, success and failure, without losing inner balance.
Illustrating Dharma in embodied form, he invoked the classical ideal: “Rāmo vigrahavān dharma”—Bhagwan Ram is Dharma incarnate. Finally, recalling the Yaksha Prashna from the Mahabharat, Swami Ji noted that when Yudhishthira was asked to define Dharma in a single word, his answer was: “Dākshya ekapada dharma”—alertness, conscientiousness, and skillful responsibility (dākshya) constitute Dharma in one word. Swami Govind Dev Giri Ji’s address presented Dharma not merely as a philosophical ideal, but as a living, civilisational framework.
DUAL CITIZENSHIP, TARIFF REGIMES, ATMANIRBHARTA
Minister of External Affairs S Jaishankar visited VSS 2025 on December 28 and had a lively interaction with the delegates. He addressed them briefly, elaborating on the efforts of the Government of India to engage the diaspora and to mitigate global challenges related to trade, security, and other areas. This was followed by an engaging question-and-answer session in which delegates posed a wide range of questions on topics such as dual citizenship, tariff regimes, achieving Atmanirbharta, temple construction in some countries, and the research environment in Bharat. In his inimitable conversational style, he responded succinctly to over 30 questions within a span of 40–45 minutes. His clarity and conciseness left the delegates deeply impressed.
A ROADMAP AHEAD
As Vishwa Sangh Shibir 2025 concluded, organisers said the event reaffirmed global coordination among Sangh-inspired organisations and renewed the resolve to strengthen cultural confidence, service orientation, and unity within Hindu society worldwide.
With its scale, discipline, diversity, and centenary symbolism, VSS 2025 was positioned not merely as a gathering, but as a roadmap for global Hindu engagement in the coming years, anchored in the ideal of leading the world through example rather than assertion.
The members and families associated with global organisations committed to practicing and advancing Hindu Dharma across the world including Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh, Sanatana Dharma Swayamsevak Sangh, Sewa International, Friends of India Society International, Samskrita Bharati and Vishva Hindu Parishad attended the programme.
Ram Madhav, Akhil Bharatiya Karyakarini Sadasya of the RSS; Nivedita Bhide, Vice President of Vivekananda Kendra, Kanyakumari; and Sita Gayatri, Pramukh Karyavahika of the Rashtra Sevika Samiti, also participated in various sessions and interacted with the delegates of VSS 2025.
Credit : Organiser Weekly
