In a remarkable moment of recognition, Professor Guna Magesan, a prominent Kiwi Indian academic and community leader, was honoured at the World Hindu Economic Forum (WHEF) 2025 for his enduring contributions to the global Hindu economic movement.
Held in Adelaide, the annual forum brought together influential Hindu professionals, entrepreneurs, and economists from across the world. During a special recognition ceremony, WHEF honoured a select group of veteran delegates for their service and leadership. Among them, Professor Magesan stood out for his over 13 years of dedicated involvement, making him one of the most consistent contributors to the WHEF’s global mission.
Professor Magesan was awarded a Certificate of Recognition by Swami Vigyananand, Founder of WHEF. The citation lauded his “exceptional commitment and support” for the organisation’s mission of Arthik Samriddhi (economic prosperity). It further noted his participation in the highest number of global conferences over the course of more than a decade.
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“This is a powerful moment that highlights the reach, unity, and resilience of our community,” said the event host. “These leaders exemplify seva, selfless service, and the enduring values of our Dharma.”
Other recipients of the recognition included Shri Ashok Chowgule (India), Shri Susheel Saraff (Thailand), Shri Nand Kishor Rathi (Hong Kong), Shri V K Regu and Shri Dato B Sahadevan (Malaysia), Shri Shriraj Nair and Shri Prem Singh Rawat (India), Dr Manoj Motwani (Hong Kong), and Smt Chayaa Nanjappa (India).
Swami Vigyananand emphasised the role of long-serving volunteers and professionals in sustaining WHEF’s global impact. “The World Hindu Economic Forum is more than an event—it’s a movement,” he said. “The selfless dedication of our karyakartas is the foundation of our continued progress.”
A Life of Service and Leadership
Professor Magesan, formerly Professor and Head of Environmental Science at Fiji National University, took early retirement in 2014 to dedicate himself to voluntary service in India. During this period, he served as honorary CEO of WHEF. He played a crucial role in organising the inaugural World Hindu Congress (WHC) in New Delhi, which drew over 1,800 delegates from more than 60 countries.
Since then, he has remained an integral part of WHEF’s global operations, often arriving weeks in advance of each international conference to oversee logistics, planning, and community engagement. His ongoing commitment exemplifies the spirit of seva that lies at the heart of the movement.
WHEF: A Global Platform for Economic Empowerment
Since its inception, the World Hindu Economic Forum has organised global conferences in key cities including Hong Kong (2012), Bangkok (2013 & 2023), New Delhi (2014), London (2015), Los Angeles (2016), Nairobi (2017), Chicago (2018), Mumbai (2019 & 2024), and now Adelaide (2025). These gatherings have consistently provided a platform for Hindu professionals to network, share knowledge, and foster global economic collaboration.
The Adelaide event reaffirmed WHEF’s vision of “Making Society Prosperous” by celebrating the contributions of those who have consistently propelled the movement forward.
Professor Magesan’s recognition at WHEF 2025 stands as a testament to his lifelong dedication to community empowerment, global unity, and economic collaboration rooted in cultural values.
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