Sanskar
Values & character
The process by which positive qualities are instilled, developed and enhanced. Rooted in the principles of Sanatana Dharma, it nurtures truth, compassion, non-violence, self-discipline and selflessness.
Who we are
About HSS
A voluntary, non-profit, cultural and educational community — dedicated to good character, selfless service and unity, in the spirit of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam.
Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (HSS) is a voluntary, non-profit, social, educational and cultural organization of Hindus living outside India.
Wherever we are in the world, our work rests on a single, simple idea: that when people gather regularly to build good character, serve others, and stand together in unity, both they and their communities flourish. We do this through the shakha — a weekly gathering for the whole family — and through three guiding values: Sanskar, Seva and Sanghatan.
Our vision & mission
Our vision is expressed in four words — World Peace through Dharma. Our mission is to help a diverse, vibrant Hindu community stay rooted in the timeless and universal values of Sanatana Dharma, while contributing, alongside our neighbours, to the welfare of the wider world. It is a vision anchored in an ancient conviction:
वसुधैव कुटुम्बकम्
Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam — “the whole world is one family.”
Our story around the world
HSS's journey beyond India began in 1947, with its first overseas shakha in Nairobi, Kenya (first known as Bharatiya Swayamsevak Sangh, and later renamed Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh). From that single gathering, the movement has grown quietly and steadily.
The first overseas shakha
Begins in Nairobi, Kenya — a small group of families keeping their values and heritage alive far from home.
A worldwide family
Today HSS is active in roughly 40-plus countries, with established, registered chapters in the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada and beyond.
Taking root in the Philippines
Volunteers here support the Chant Mahaveer celebration in Manila and join an International Day of Yoga observance in Makati — the first steps of a forming community.
Our first weekly shakhas begin
Two free gatherings take root in Metro Manila — an all-ages family shakha on Sunday mornings in Paco, and the Chhatrapati Shivaji Shakha for children and youth on Saturday evenings.
Our three core values
Sanskar, Seva and Sanghatan
Seva
Selfless service
Service for the benefit of humanity, without any expectation of reciprocation, reward or recognition. Expressed through community service, health and yoga days, and care for those in need.
Sanghatan
Unity in diversity
Bringing together a community of many languages and traditions, and realising its combined strength. Not uniformity, but diversity harmonised through collaboration and mutual respect.
What we believe
Open, inclusive and welcoming
We understand “Hindu” in its broadest, most inclusive and pluralistic sense — many paths, languages and traditions, united by shared ideals rather than by any single practice, sect or background.
Everyone who agrees with our values is welcome to take part. There is no membership fee, and there is no test of belief at the door — only an invitation to grow in good character and to serve.
How we are organised
Run by volunteers, for the community
HSS is autonomous and entirely volunteer-run. Those who take part are known as swayamsevaks (men) and sevikas (women) — ordinary people giving their time freely.
Strictly non-political
HSS is a cultural and educational community. We do not participate in political activism or support any political ideology. While we draw inspiration from a long lineage of Hindu cultural movements, our focus here is entirely on values, service and community.
HSS in the Philippines
Our local story is finding its feet
Here in the Philippines, HSS is a young, forming community — and it has taken its first real steps.
For a while there was no standing weekly shakha here, and we said so plainly. That has now changed: two free weekly gatherings meet in Metro Manila — an all-ages family shakha every Sunday morning in Paco, and the Chhatrapati Shivaji Shakha for children and youth every Saturday evening. We are still a warm, growing circle taking its early steps, and there is an open invitation for you and your family to help shape what comes next.
Have a question?
We'd be glad to answer it. Reach out and one of our volunteers will be happy to help.