From humble gatherings to a centenary of devotion and fellowship at the Hindu Samaj.

A Century in Celebration

Published on:

Oct 22, 2025, 4:08 am

A century is no small span of time. In 100 years, the world has transformed in ways both subtle and seismic, yet few things endure as steadfastly as a community built on faith, unity, and heart. To celebrate 100 years of the Hindu Samaj is to honour more than the passage of time; it is to celebrate commitment itself. This year, my colleagues and I had the privilege of speaking closely with members of the Hindu Samaj and its committee, and through them, I came to see the quiet pride that comes from safeguarding a legacy. As we delved into the institution’s archives, we unearthed glimpses of its humble beginnings, revealing the unwavering zeal of its early members, who sought not only a place of worship but a home for togetherness. What began as a small sanctuary has flourished into a vibrant community that continues to pulse with the same warmth and spirit a century on.

THE SPIRIT WITHIN

Within its walls, generations converge, with elders handing down traditions, children absorbing the songs and stories that shape their faith, and families finding comfort and connection in worship. Bangkok’s Hindu community has long been woven into the city’s fabric, reflecting centuries of exchange between Thai culture and Hindu traditions through language, folklore, and celebration. To witness the Hindu Samaj reach its centenary is to see the community at its most genuine: people giving freely, growing together, and sustaining one another. At the heart of this legacy lies the Dev Mandir, a luminous centre of devotion where families have gathered for festivals, rituals, and solace in both joy and hardship. Beyond spiritual practice, the Hindu Samaj has championed education, social welfare, and interfaith harmony, deepening the bond between the Indian diaspora and Thai society and leaving an imprint that extends far beyond temple walls. What follows is a journey through 100 years of this vibrant history, tracing the moments and milestones that have shaped the community we see today.

A SEMI-CENTURY OF DEVOTION

The roots of the Hindu Samaj stretch back to 1923, shaped by spirit, solidarity, and a shared vision of cultural and religious anchoring. It began with intimate weekly satsangs, modest gatherings held in homes by a handful of devoted community members, which soon evolved into a structured association dedicated to serving both present and future generations. The movement’s spiritual foundations were laid in December 1923, when Pandit Raghunath Sharma, a scholar devoted to religious life, arrived in Bangkok. Recognising the community’s unspoken longing for spiritual connection, he, together with Lala Sundar Das Pawa, began organising satsangs in private homes. In March 1925, after a series of community discussions, the Hindu Samaj was formally established, its founding celebrated on Vijaya Dashami, when Hindu-owned shops closed in collective observance. The Hindu Samaj’s first Executive Committee soon convened, with 25 to 26 members at the inaugural meeting, growing to 35 to 40 by the second gathering.

In 1930, this vision took shape with the founding of Bharat Vidyalaya School on Wang Burapha Road. Modest in size but ambitious in purpose, the school embodied the Hindu Samaj’s commitment to nurturing future generations. Raghunath Pawa, the first Headmaster, taught Urdu and Arithmetic, while Pandit Raghunath Sharma offered Hindi lessons, and Mahasai Mohanlal taught English, grounding children in both tradition and the wider world. These classes had begun informally in community spaces, led by elders motivated by duty rather than profession.

In October 1940, Swami Satyananda Puri, encouraged by Rabindranath Tagore, founded the Thai-Bharat Cultural Lodge in Bangkok to promote understanding between India and Thailand, focusing on traditions, epics, and the Ramayana. A year later, war arrived in April, forcing the closure of both Bharat Vidyalaya School and the Hindu Samaj. By 4 September, the school reopened under Professor Bhethai Amatayakul, who rebuilt archives and introduced a revised curriculum, drawing over 270 students. With the school revived, weekly satsangs resumed on Sunday mornings, a routine embraced by generations and still cherished today. The long-held dream of a dedicated home for the Hindu Samaj came to life in 1950. On 13 April, during Baisakhi, the foundation stone was laid, marking a new chapter of renewal and devotion. Construction was completed within the year, resulting in a graceful hall that could host up to a thousand guests. It soon became the essence of the community, welcoming religious festivals, cultural performances, and social gatherings, and serving as a shared space for all. That same year, the new Bharat Vidyalaya School premises were inaugurated by H.E. Liang Chaikarn, Thailand’s Minister of Education, and Phraya Anuman Rajathon, a respected scholar, signifying the school’s growing recognition in Thai education. In 1953, the formation of the Ladies’ Committee marked another milestone, as women began taking active roles in leadership, ceremonial planning, and community welfare.

The construction of the Dev Mandir drew inspiration from the Birla Mandir in Jaipur, with all deity images and stone slabs imported from India through the efforts of Pandit Raghunath Sharma, Darshan Singh, and Tarlok Nath Pawa. Its completion in 1969 marked a defining moment for the Hindu Samaj. In recognition of the community’s devotion, His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej, alongside Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, graciously inaugurated the temple on 11 June 1969. As Their Majesties arrived, they were greeted with showers of rose petals, a gesture of reverence and gratitude. Throughout the 1970s, the Hindu Samaj expanded its educational and welfare initiatives, strengthening its commitment to community development. At the invitation of the Thai Army and with support from the Ministry of Interior and the Welfare Department, the Hindu Samaj helped establish several primary schools in Isan, providing funding for building materials, stationery, books, and uniforms for both pupils and teachers. In 1974, the kindergarten of Bharat Vidyalaya School was inaugurated, marking an important step in broadening the institution’s educational reach.

FROM ROOTS TO HORIZONS

Following the 1982 flood and the catastrophic explosion at an army depot in Samsen, the association extended welfare support to those affected. Over the years, the Hindu Samaj has continued to play a vital role in disaster relief, providing food, clothing, blankets, and other necessities in partnership with the Thai Welfare Department. Since 1983, the Samaj has also observed Tod Phra Kathin, the annual Buddhist festival, presenting offerings and financial contributions for the restoration of Buddhist temples, reflecting the Hindu Samaj’s continued gesture of interfaith respect. The final decade of the 20th century brought reflection, renewal, and a quiet resolve to evolve while honouring the past. Around the world, diasporic communities were awakening to the need to preserve their cultural identity amid growing globalisation. For the Hindu Samaj in Bangkok, this became a time of consolidation, youth engagement, and structural revitalisation. In 1995, the Samaj reaffirmed its commitment to interfaith harmony by contributing to the restoration of Thong Tong Temple in Lopburi. By 1999, plans were set in motion for the construction of two new school buildings flanking the original Bharat Vidyalaya School structure. The renovations, which also improved the Dev Mandir, stood as a proud milestone, reflecting progress and a renewed chapter for students and the wider community.

From 2011 to 2013, the Hindu Samaj underwent significant renovations and improvements, marking another chapter of care and continuity. These enhancements were essential to ensure the safety and longevity of the structure as well as to revitalise its aesthetic presence for the community it served. The works included repairs to ceilings and structural pillars, the installation of modern light and sound systems, and the consecration of a new Sthapana Gayatri Ma on the ground floor. In the years that followed, greater emphasis was placed on sharing the richness of Hindu mythology and culture with wider audiences. In 2013, a translated edition of the Ramayana from Sanskrit to Thai was presented to Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn by Professor Satya Vrat Shastri and Swami Lokeshananda at Chitralada Palace. Between 2014 and 2016, a significant youth initiative was launched, offering weekend classes that introduced younger generations to the essence of Hinduism through lessons on religion, culture, traditions, mantras, festivals, and the grounding discipline of yoga. In 2020, amid the global COVID-19 pandemic, the Hindu Samaj faced unprecedented challenges with resilience and foresight. The committee implemented budget adjustments, hygiene protocols, and energy conservation measures while undertaking a deep cleansing of the premises. Items such as magazines, posters, and idols were made available for sale to support maintenance efforts.

Despite the difficulties, the Hindu Samaj extended its compassion beyond borders, sending 25 oxygen concentrators to India and providing groceries to Thai temples caring for COVID-19 patients. In 2024, the Hindu Samaj continued its mission of community service through impactful health and infrastructure initiatives. It participated in the Three Eye Project, which provided lenses to people across Thailand and conducted ocular examinations at the Dev Mandir premises. That year also saw focused renovation efforts, including the refurbishment of restrooms and the kindergarten building at Ban Chanday School in Kanchanaburi. In 2025, marking the centennial year of the Hindu Samaj, the 2024 - 2026 committee pulled out all the stops to celebrate the milestone with grandeur and devotion. Festivities lled the calendar, with community events for Lohri, Maha Shivratri, Holika Dahan, Mata Ki Chowki, Vishnu Puran Katha, Ganga Maha Aarti, Rudra Abhishek Hua Hin, Shiv Puran Katha, Kavadh Yatra, Janmashtami, Ganesh Chaturthi, Navratri, and Dussehra. On 2 October, the Hindu Samaj formally commemorated its hundred years at the Dev Mandir, unveiling a Hall of Fame honouring all the presidents who have guided the community, alongside two walls showcasing the Hindu Samaj’s historical timeline. The day concluded with the grand inauguration of the temple’s newly renovated gates by H.E. Shri Nagesh Singh, ambassador of India to Thailand, a symbolic opening to the next century of enduring legacy.