Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam only sustainable path to global peace, coexistence: RSS
The 6th Himalayan — Hind Oceanic Nations Group (Himalayan — Hind Oceanic Nations Group — HHRS) International Conference 2026 was inaugurated on Friday at the Convention Centre of Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU).
The two-day international conference is being jointly organised by the Himalayan — Hind Oceanic Nations Group (HHRS) and the Rashtriya Suraksha Jagran Manch (RSJM).
According to a Press release, the conference is being held with the collaboration of the Centre of Russian Studies (CRS), School of Language, Literature and Culture Studies (SLL&CS), Inter-Hall Administration (IHA), Jawaharlal Nehru University; Nelson Mandela Centre for Peace and Conflict Resolution, Jamia Millia Islamia; and the Centre for Himalayan Studies, University of Delhi.
The central theme of the conference is “India’s Geopolitical and Strategic Significance in the Indian Ocean Region.” The dignitaries were felicitated with ceremonial stoles and mementoes. The Chief Speaker of the inaugural session was Dr Indresh Kumar, Member of the National Executive of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and Chief Patron of the Rashtriya Suraksha Jagran Manch.
The Special Guest was renowned media academic Prof Dr KG Suresh, Director, India Habitat Centre.
The event witnessed the presence of eminent academicians, policymakers, defence experts and scholars including Prof Mazhar Asif (Vice Chancellor, Jamia Millia Islamia), Prof Mohammad Mahtab Alam Rizvi (Registrar, Jamia Millia Islamia), Prof Manuradha Chaudhary, Dr Ritesh Kumar Rai, Prof Gurmeet Singh (Former Vice Chancellor, Pondicherry University), Jasbir Singh, Golok Bihari Rai, Vikramaditya Singh, Lieutenant General (Dr) Arvinder Singh Lamba, Major General (Dr) Soresh Bhattacharya, Prof Abuzar Khairi, Prof Rajiv Nayan, Prof Aslam Khan, Prof VN Pandey, Prof Naveed Jamal, Rajesh Mahajan, Puneet Nanda, Mandeep Kumar Agrawal, Chhatar Singh, Dr Anshul Garg, Dr Pooja, Mayank Shekhar, along with several distinguished guests from India and abroad.
In his inaugural address, Dr Indresh Kumar stated that India’s civilisational ethos is deeply rooted in the ideals of Vishvabandhutva and Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, which envision the entire humanity as one family. He emphasised that if societies internalise mutual respect, compassion and cooperation, conflicts and violence would naturally diminish.
Suresh highlighted the strategic and economic importance of the Indian Ocean Region, noting that it spans nearly 68 million square kilometres and serves as the lifeline of global maritime trade, with nearly 80 per cent of the world’s seaborne trade passing through it.
Prof Mazhar Asif, Vice Chancellor of Jamia Millia Islamia, stated that the true strength of any civilisation lies in its capacity for dialogue, communication and messaging. Indian culture, he said, has consistently prioritised dialogue over conflict.
Prof Mohammad Mahtab Alam Rizvi, Registrar of Jamia Millia Islamia, explained that the concept of HHRS was developed in 2019 after extensive research and deliberations with the objective of reviving historical and cultural connectivity from the Himalayas to the Indian Ocean.
The academic sessions featured in-depth deliberations on “Historical and Cultural Linkages between India and the Indian Ocean Region.” The session was chaired by Major General Anuj Mathur and moderated by Dr Binish Maryam. Captain Gurpreet Singh, Prof G. Kuppuram, Dr Kumari Mansi, Dr Raj Verma and Prof Joebe B. Santarita presented research papers highlighting ancient maritime routes, cultural exchanges, religious influences and historical connections.
The conference concluded with a cultural evening followed by high tea, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of India and the Indian Ocean Region, said the Press release.
