Hindus gather in Bangkok for World Hindu Conference

Nov 25, 2023 Letters

Dear Editor,

Several Guyanese and other Caribbean Hindus, including this writer, are participating at the quadrennial World Hindu Congress being held in Bangkok from November 24 thru 26 at Impact Convention Center, just outside of the sprawling modern city of skyscrapers. Over two thousand delegates have registered for the three-day conference coming from dozens of countries; delegates come from 61 countries.

In addition to Guyanese, several delegates also come from neighbouring Suriname and Trinidad and the Caribbean Hindu diaspora in North America, Holland, France, Australia, New Zealand, and England. The last global Hindu confabulation was held in 2018 in Chicago where dozens of Guyanese, including this writer, were participants. Because of Covid, the WHC was delayed from 2022 to now. World Hindu and Hindi conferences were previously held in Trinidad and Suriname but not in Guyana as yet. A regional Hindu conference is in the making for the latter half of 2024 in Guyana.

India, Thailand, and other Southeast Asia nations share common Dharmic and cultural values. Thailand was chosen for this year’s WHC because the country shares several Hindu practices. Thailand is a Buddhist nation with a significant number of Hindus and people who also embrace Islam and Christianity. Buddhists embrace many practices of Hinduism.

The theme of the WHC 2023 is “Dharma, the Abode of Victory”. Dharma refers to actions and duties to improve life. Seven parallel thematic sessions are planned “to articulate the values, creativity and entrepreneurial spirit of Hindus in all its vibrance and glory will constitute this WHC”, say organizers. The organizers of the WHC say it is held “to provide space to discuss and deliberate upon the opportunities and challenges facing Hindus across the world and how to address them valiantly. It will also focus on areas of strategic importance to Hindus and provide avenues for collaboration among Hindu leaders, activists and thinkers for the Hindu resurgence”. The conference also provides opportunities for Hindus “to network, exchange ideas, work confidently and model their future course of action”.

Scheduled to address the conference are the Prime Minister of Thailand, the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh from where the bulk of Caribbean Hindus trace their roots, the head of Hindus in India (Sarsangachalak) Shri Mohan Bhagwat, and other prominent leaders. Guyanese and other Caribbean nationals are due to make presentations especially in the areas of education, politics, business, and challenges facing Hindus in the region.

Yours faithfully,

Vishnu Bisram

Australia, France, New Zealand, Sarsangachalak, Vishnu Bisram

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