SHILLONG: A seminar was organised by Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda Cultural Centre, Shillong on Saturday on the topic, ‘Towards the Emergence of a Universal Religion’.
Swami Nityamuktanandaji Maharaj was the chief guest on the occasion for the event as part of the 125th anniversary of Swami Vivekananda’s Chicago Address in 1893 at the World Parliament of Religions.
In his welcome address, Swami Sarvabhutanandaji Maharaj highlighted the difference between the secular education that is currently prevalent in academia and the importance of religious education which must be combined to add value to the existing system.
“The concept of brotherhood of Islam, love and prayer of Christianity, peace from Buddhism, charity of Judaism & renunciation and spirituality of Hinduism can be practised under a universal religion”, Shakti Prasad Mishra, who is the ex-teacher of Ramakrishna Mission Purulia and two time National award winner, said in his keynote address during the seminar.
Mishra referred to the historical and socio-cultural perspectives of the World Parliament of Religions.
He described the progress of concepts from exclusivism, inclusivism, pluralism to universalism at different stages of religion. Harmony of religion is a natural phenomenon except for the selfish need of opportunists.
He also emphasised the necessity of universal religion not only for the sake of destroying dogmatism and fanaticism but also for saving civilisation and humanity.
Around 70 people participated at the seminar and presentations were also delivered by teachers of different schools and colleges in Shillong.
