Italy formally recognises Sanatana Dharma Samgha as official religious denomination amid PM Modi's visit

Coinciding with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s state visit to Rome, the Italian Parliament has formally recognised the Sanatana Dharma Samgha (Italian Hindu Union) as an official religious denomination. The Samgha, as they claim, represents all the Hindus living in Italy. 

The declaration is seen as a watershed legislative victory for Italy's fast-growing Hindu and Indian expatriate communities. It grants the ancient Eastern spiritual tradition concrete legal protections, administrative institutionalisation, and state recognition in a country historically dominated by the Catholic Church.

The historic news was formally brought to light late on Tuesday evening during a vibrant diaspora reception welcoming Prime Minister Modi to Rome. This is the final leg of his extensive five-nation global tour.

Svamini Shuddhananda Ghiri, a prominent spiritual leader representing the Sanatana Dharma Samgha in Italy, met personally with the Prime Minister at his hotel to convey the community's profound gratitude.

More from India

"I am very happy, and this is the second time we have met him—having previously met in 2021," Svamini Shuddhananda Ghiri told reporters following her interaction with the Prime Minister.

"He has consistently continued to sustain and foster our spiritual mission. Now, the Sanatana Dharma Samgha is recognised as an official religion here in Italy by the Italian Parliament," she said.

Historically, religious organisations in Italy without a formal Intesa (bipartisan agreement with the state approved by parliament) faced structural barriers regarding tax exemptions, building dedicated places of worship, and offering authorised chaplaincy services in public sectors.

Ragas and Vedic art in Rome

The cultural celebrations during PM Modi’s arrival in Rome reflected the growing connection between India and Italy. Instead of a routine official welcome, the event highlighted artistic exchanges inspired by India’s cultural traditions.

A group of Italian classical musicians performed a special instrumental piece based on the Indian Raga Hamsadhwani, blending Western instruments with Indian classical music.

Italian painter Giampaolo Tomassetti, who has spent more than four decades studying Vedic culture, also presented PM Modi with a hand-painted artwork of Varanasi’s spiritual ghats. Modi later praised the painting on social media, calling it “a glimpse of Kashi in Rome.”