On the opening day of the World Hindu Economic Forum (WHEF) in Mumbai, I eagerly awaited Swami Vigyananand ji’s address. A learnt scholar, an alumnus of IIT Kharagpur, and a former Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) Pracharak, Swamiji left behind material pursuits to embrace Sanyasa and now serves as the General Secretary of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad. Guided by the timeless philosophy of Acharya Chanakya—Dharmsya Mulam Arth (righteousness is rooted in wealth) and Arthasya Moolam Raajyam (enterprise is the foundation of wealth)—he has spearheaded initiatives like the World Hindu Economic Forum and the World Hindu Congress. His vision is to uplift Hindu society by integrating ancient values with modern economic strategies.
The World Hindu Economic Forum was created as a platform to unite financially successful Hindus worldwide, encouraging them to share expertise, networks, and resources. The goal is to create surplus wealth that can uplift society and address pressing global challenges such as poverty, hunger, and illiteracy. Swamiji believes that economic empowerment is the cornerstone of progress, and WHEF embodies this philosophy, inspired by the Bhagavad Gita’s wisdom to “think in the future, for the future.” He envisions India reclaiming its role as a global economic powerhouse, with Bharat contributing significantly to the world’s GDP and emerging as the third-largest economy in the near future. This economic resurgence, he argues, will grant Hindus the respect, visibility, and influence they deserve on the global stage.
Swamiji’s speech was as insightful as it was candid. Beginning in broken English before transitioning to fluent Hindi, he spoke with clarity and conviction. Addressing controversies, he defended the forum’s decision to invite Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath while excluding leaders accused of corruption or those endorsing anti-Hindu rhetoric. With a humorous undertone, he remarked on extending an invitation to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, quipping that her absence was expected and symbolic of her irrelevance to the forum’s goals.
Throughout his speech, Swamiji delved into Bharat’s economic history, lamenting how invasions and colonial exploitation reduced a once-prosperous “golden bird” to an economically struggling nation. He emphasised the need to honour and support the business class, which he described as the backbone of India’s economy. Using anecdotes, PowerPoint slides, and even clips from TV serials, he painted a compelling picture of how Hindu society can regain its lost glory through unity and enterprise.
One of the most striking moments came when he distributed tiffin boxes containing two types of laddoos—one loosely bound and the other tightly held together. This simple yet profound metaphor illustrated the power of unity. Swamiji explained that a loosely connected community will inevitably fall apart, whereas a united one becomes a force to reckon with. He urged Hindu businessmen to collaborate, emphasising that collective strength could drive economic progress and societal transformation.
Swamiji did not shy away from critiquing the government, particularly the heavy taxation burden on entrepreneurs. “How can small businesses survive when they pay over 35% in taxes?” he questioned. This excessive taxation, he argued, discourages entrepreneurship and contributes to a lack of job creation. He also took aim at religious leaders who preach renunciation while amassing wealth themselves, highlighting the hypocrisy of such practices. Swamiji firmly stated that wealth is essential for a meaningful life and that prosperity is not antithetical to spiritual growth but complementary to it.
Addressing the global economic landscape, he emphasised the importance of leveraging opportunities in emerging markets. Swamiji called for greater cooperation among Hindus across geographies, from Auckland to Alaska, to facilitate market access, capital availability, and technological innovation. He stressed the need for a cohesive strategy to match skilled technologists with entrepreneurs capable of translating innovation into business success. This, he argued, is the key to building a sustainable and prosperous future.
Swamiji’s vision extends for open markets, finance, and freedom to business entities. He believes that creating surplus wealth is the only way to eradicate poverty, hunger, and illiteracy. Donations and charity, he argued, are temporary solutions; real empowerment comes from providing opportunities and resources that enable self-sufficiency. By fostering economic growth, Hindus can not only uplift their community but also contribute to solving global challenges.
Swamiji concluded his address with a call to action, urging businessmen to mentor Hindu youth, create job opportunities, and invest in sustainable development. He emphasised that a thriving Hindu economy is essential for realising the dream of a Pragati Hindu Rashtra—a progressive and prosperous Hindu nation. His words resonated deeply, inspiring the audience to think beyond individual success and work collectively toward a brighter future.
Through his efforts, Swami Vigyananandji has shown how an ordinary individual, guided by an extraordinary vision, can catalyse profound change. His mission to unite and empower Hindu society through economic strength is not just a dream but a roadmap to a future where prosperity, unity, and purpose converge. The World Hindu Economic Forum is more than an initiative; it is a movement to reclaim the community’s rightful place as a global force for innovation, resilience, and progress.
