Representatives of Traditional Hindu Movements Visit the Moscow Theological Academy

On January 22, 2026, representatives of the Hindu Dharma Acharya Sabha (HDAS), an organization uniting spiritual leaders of various Hindu traditions, arrived at the Holy Trinity St. Sergius Lavra and the Moscow Theological Academy.

The delegation included:

Swami Parmatmananda Saraswati;

Swamiji Nirmalanandanatha;

Atul Aneja;

Haritsinh Gohil;

Gopal Giri Gowswami;

Swamiji Shrishyla. 

At the Moscow Theological Academy, the guests met with Bishop Kirill of Sergiev Posad and Dmitrov, Rector of the Academy and Abbot of the Holy Trinity St. Sergius Lavra. 

His Grace warmly welcomed the delegation and emphasized the importance of such meetings for strengthening friendly ties between nations.

During the conversation, the parties touched upon the preservation, protection, and strengthening of traditional spiritual and moral values, particularly those related to the institution of the family, which are currently being distorted and denied in the modern Western world. 

Following the official meeting, the guests visited the Museum of the Moscow Theological Academy. They explored the exposition with great interest, viewing ancient icons, liturgical vessels, manuscripts, and other ecclesiastical antiquities. The Indian spiritual leaders noted the high level of preservation of the historical heritage and the uniqueness of the exhibits.

Background information:

The Hindu Dharma Acharya Sabha (HDAS) is an organization that unites spiritual mentors (Acharyas) of traditional Hindu movements (with histories of activity spanning over 200 years), as well as representatives of Buddhism and Jainism. Council meetings are held regularly every few years. The headquarters is located in Ahmedabad, Gujarat.

The Council was established in 2003 in Chennai on the initiative of 70 prominent representatives of Hinduism, with the participation of the then Minister of State for Home Affairs of India, Swami Chinmayananda.

Key areas of activity include: the protection of religious freedom, countering proselytism, oversight of Hindu temples, preservation of the national cultural code, and strengthening the role of Hinduism and traditions in the life of the country.

MThA Press Office