Daijiworld Media Network – Beltangady (EP)

Beltangady, Dec 10: The 83rd All-religion conference held on the occasion of Dharmastala Lakshadeepotsava in Amrutavarshini auditorium here on Wednesday, December 9 was inaugurated by minister of cooperation H S Mahadeva Prasad.

Addressing the gathering, the minister said that harmonious living has been India's tradition from time immemorial and hence there is no scope for intolerance. 

"Religious harmony and tolerance have been a part of Indian tradition and here there is no scope for intolerance. No religion incites violence. All religions follow the principles of non-violence, peace and tolerance. Though every religion has its own principle and theory, peace in the society, harmony and amiability is the aim of all religions," he said.

He also said that violence had increased in the world today. "People spend every minute in fear and anxiety. Injustice, rape and violence are being committed in the name of religion, caste, creed and politics. Violence in the name of religion is a deadly sin. Hamony among religions brings about peace, goodwill and reconciliation in the society," he said.

The minister praised Dharmasthala for promoting harmony among all religions. He advocated the teachings of Bhagwan Mahaveer of Jain religion, Gautham Buddha, saints, holy men and stressed on equality of religions. He opined that being human is the greatest of all religions.

"People have become self-sufficient through Dharmasthala rural development project. The cases of of farmer suicides have decreased here. People here give priority to environmental protection," he said.

Haridwar Vishwa Gayatri Parivar leader Dr Pranav Pandya, who presided over the programme said that non-violence is the greatest of all religions. "Violence is a deadly sin. Though science and technology is progressing rapidly, it is sad to see poverty, malnutrition, exploitation of children and sexual harassment everywhere. There is tolerance in abundance among Indians. We can earn respect from everybody with love and faith. We can achieve permanent peace and tranquility through sacrifice and non-violence taught by Buddha, Mahaveer and Bahubali. We can lead a
harmonious life of sacrifice, patience and restraint. The whole world is a family for those who are generous," he opined.

Dharmadhikari Dr Veerendra Heggade stressed on the need for harmony among all religions. "The aim of this conference is to promote harmony by identifying unity amidst diversity in religions. There should be harmony between religions in order for human relations to grow. We should know our religions and develop curiosity about other religions too," he said in his welcome address.

"When we learn about other religions, our thoughts widen. Curiosity leads us to seek knowledge, which in turn leads to discussions. Religious harmony happens when we understand the essence of each religion, take the sweetness from within and spread it. All religions stress on walking the right path, being happy and making others happy too. The seed of salvation is hidden in goodwill of this world and good deeds. All religions have groups and internal differences. To search for unity in those differences is important," he said.

He also said that the concept of all-religion conference during Laksha Deepotsava in Dharmasthala was started in 1933 by the then Dharmadhikari Manjayya Hegde. "The conference is being held every year since then," he said.

Bengaluru-based Sheriyar D Vakil delivered a lecture on Parsi religion, Dr Tamil Selvi of Madras University spoke on Jainism and Hassan-based Prof Sayyed Shahabuddin spoke on Islam.

Ujire SDM College Kannada department head Dr B P Sampath Kumar compered the programme. Dr L H Manjunath proposed Vote of thanks.

Professor S Prabhakar, D Surendra Kumar and Dr B Yashovarma Ballal were present.