1. What is Hindu Economic Forum (HEF)?

Hindu Economic Forum (HEF) is a not-for-profit organization registered as a Section 8 company in Bharat that owns the name and trademark of the organization. HEF has national chapters such as HEF-Germany, HEF-Kenya etc. and city chapters within those countries such as HEF-Washingston DC, HEF-Mumbai etc. HEF is affiliated with World Hindu Economic Forum (WHEF).

HEF brings together various elements of Hindu Society – Industrialists, Businesses, Trades, Bankers, Investors, Technocrats, Professionals, Economists, Academicians and Thought Leaders; so that each HEF chapter may share their knowledge, experience, expertise and resources with each other. HEF encourages members to support and mentor budding Hindu entrepreneurs.

The HEF chapters across the globe are connected to each other through a dedicated digital platform, the Hindu Business Network (HBN, i.e. www.hindubn.com) created by WHEF. The coming together of the Hindu Business Community under HEF and working together to build a global network under the umbrella of WHEF will help make society prosperous.

2. Why is HEF being set up when there are so many other Industry associations?

HEF is unique as it is a global organization to connect Hindu Businesses to work together, grow together and share together. Bharat has the potential to reemerge as a leading economic power after declining for the past thousand years. Today there is a need for Hindu society to leverage the economic opportunities through collaboration and cooperation.

Our ancestors expressed their wisdom in the Vedas “Sat Hasta Samhara, Sahastra Hasta Sankira”, which means “Create wealth with 100 hands and share it with 1000 hands”. Inspired by this wisdom, our ancestors created a just and harmonious society which generated knowledge and prosperity. By 1000 CE, Bharat contributed over 35% of the world economy, creating equitable prosperity for all.

HEF is your platform to connect, collaborate and cooperate with other businesses for growth, development and success. Businesses can connect with each other to create new synergies, generate new ideas, identify and resolve common problems, and seek resources to grow their businesses. HEF is also your local body which is self-organized and where local members help each other to attract businesses. Regions which have self-organizing, thriving businesses become destinations to attract new investments.

3. Do self-organized communities succeed?

Self-organized communities grow faster and with greater resilience as compared to communities where collaboration and co-operation are hindered. For example the Jewish community rebuilt themselves in the 20^th century, after the Holocaust, through structured networking, close community support and exemplary organization. Likewise Japan and Germany, after the devastation of the Second World War, and global Chinese community in recent years, have all emerged as economic powers through community self-organization.

Self-organization has always been a key catalyst in the resurgence of communities and countries. HEF aims to provide a framework for ‘local to global’ connectivity to opportunities,  partnerships, resources and know-how. HEF would like to catalyze Hindu Businesses to collaborate between themselves and grow. This will enable Bharat and Hindu Economy to grow and contribute 16% of the world GDP which is equivalent to the Hindu share of the global population, as a first step. Currently, Bharat’s share of the world economy is 3%.

4. What should be the role of Hindu economy to develop the Hindu community? Why is the word Hindu used?

Hindu Economics is based on creating prosperity based on true knowledge, conduct, compassion and co-existence. By working together and collaborating in multiple ways, the Hindu Community has an unprecedented opportunity to achieve greater prosperity in a sustainable way. The term Hindu is used to represent the geo-spiritual tradition of Bharat which has spread through its people across the world. Chanakya, in three short sutras, describes the essence of Hindu Economics thus:

1. “Sukhasya Moolam Dharma”: Basis of Happiness is Dharma. The real cause of happiness is doing the right thing at the right time, in the right way.
2. “Dharmasya Moolam Artha”: Economy is the strength (of Dharma).
3. “Arthasya Moolam Raajyam”: A strong economy depends on good governance of the State.

Going forward, the Hindu Economic Forum represents a fundamental way Hindu Economics will grow and impact the global economy.

5. What is the relevance of Hindu Economy in the modern world economy?

The modern consumption economy has put a stress on human beings and the entire planet. The modern world economy will have to yield place to alternatives. A viable, proven alternative is the Hindu Economic system which will help create unprecedented prosperity along with sustainability and the well-being of all. As Hindus become more prosperous and have a greater impact on society, it will enable the world to transition to a dynamic economic system that will be more inclusive, compassionate, conscious, knowledge based and sustainable.

6. What are the vision & mission of HEF?

The vision of HEF is ‘Grow Together. Share Together‘ and the mission is ‘Create wealth with 100 hands and share with 1000 hands‘. HEF aims to develop an eco-system to provide a platform for local collaboration and create a web of global partnerships between Hindu businesses. This will help the HEF local chapters to transform their own destinies, attract more success, capital, resources and evolve a virtuous cycle of growth and prosperity.

7. How can one associate with HEF?

A business or a qualified individual can associate with HEF:

• By becoming a member of the organization and participating in its chapter level activities. This will also get you access to Hindu Business Network (HBN – www.hindubn.com)
• By donating to HEF
• By spreading the philosophy of the organization and encouraging others to become members.

8. Who can become the member of HEF?

Any Hindu engaged in business activity of any kind or activity that supports and expands the business ecosystem can be associated with HEF. This includes Industries, SMEs and MSMEs, Traders, Exporters, Bankers, Economists, Academicians and Professionals.

9. What are the main activities of HEF?

• Networking & professional connect with other chapter members
• To promote business and products in the particular HEF chapter
• Organizing seminars, business delegations, trade missions and other such events
• Knowledge sharing on Economic matters relevant to all
• Connect with domain experts
• Programs for mentorship, internship, social enterprise etc.

10. What are the benefits of joining HEF?

There are several benefits of joining HEF. These include:

• Access to Markets, Expertise, Technology, Finance & Investments and Resources
• Networking – Strategic Partnerships for Trade, Business and Services
• Membership to a Global Hindu Organization
• Complimentary membership to HBN (hindubn.com) for the first year
• Relevant Industry Focused Networks
• Access to conferences, seminars, workshops etc.
• Receive publications generated by local chapter and HEF from time to time
• Access insights into your business from experienced businesses
• Access professional services such as legal, accounting, audit, tax services and other business consultants
• Alliances, Partnership and Knowledge Sharing with other Industry, Trade Associations
• Global Trade and Economic Research

In addition, there are strategic reasons such as developing an access to Trade and Investments:

• Expand your business into new market opportunities
• Become a part of trade missions and visit countries to explore new markets
• Meet investors and financial institutions
• Access Advisory Service Providers, Consultants and Industry Experts

Further, there would be Capability Development programs such as the Mentorship program, Apprenticeship and Internship opportunities and Volunteer Opportunities.