Lagatar24 Desk
Toronto: RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat said that if Hindus awaken, the world will awaken, invoking India’s civilisational identity and its longstanding tradition of extending help to others, while addressing the “Hindu Vishwa Bandhu – Embrace the World in Friendship” event in Canada, following an earlier address in New York.
Bhagwat Says India’s Progress Should Be Measured by Contribution, Not Power
Speaking at the event organised in Toronto by Canadian Hindus for Outreach, Relations and Dialogue (CHORD), Bhagwat said India’s rise should be measured by how much it contributes to unified humanity, rather than by how powerful it becomes, addressing the Indian diaspora on themes of service, diversity and global friendship rooted in India’s civilisational thought.
Bhagwat Links India’s Rise to Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam
Bhagwat said that India’s progress signifies broader unity and a more liberated humanity, arguing that while India could once have been called a superpower, it chose not to be one, instead serving the world and becoming a “Vishnu Guru” through its character rather than a superpower. He said Indian tradition teaches ordinary people to see unity within diversity, connecting the idea to the concept of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, or the world as one family.
Bhagwat Recalls Historical Indian Migration Without Conquest
He said that the ancestors of Indians had migrated to regions stretching from Mexico to Siberia, crossing the Himalayas on foot, travelling to China, Siberia and Mongolia, and reaching Southeast Asia using small boats, yet never attempted to conquer any nation.
Former Canadian Defence Minister Jason Kenney Attends Event
Former Canadian Defence Minister and former Alberta Premier Jason Kenney was also present at the event. Welcoming the renewed warmth in Canada-India relations, Kenney said Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Canada could take place later this year, prompting attendees to break into chants of “Modi, Modi.”
Over 2,500 Attendees from Eight Canadian Provinces
According to CHORD organiser Naresh Chawda, the event was attended by more than 2,500 people from the Hindu community across eight Canadian provinces, including former Royal Canadian Air Force officer Kartik Trivedi.
