Hyderabad, Sep 12: Quoting Swami Vivekananda, the Chief Justice of India (CJI) NV Ramana on Sunday said religion should be above superstition and rigidity.
Ramana was addressing the 22nd Foundation Day Celebration of Vivekananda Institute of Human Excellence, Hyderabad.
In his address, CJI Ramana said, “Swami Vivekananda’s participation in the world ‘Parliament of Religions’ at Chicago in 1893 gave a respectable recognition to India which, at that time, was merely identified as one of the colonies. His address drew the world’s attention to the ancient Indian philosophy of Vedanta. He popularized Practical Vedanta, as it preached love, compassion, and equal respect for all.”
CJI Ramana said Swami Vivekananda’s teachings have great relevance for all times to come. He said Swami Vivekananda propagated the idea of tolerance and universal acceptance.
“He analyzed the dangers posed by the meaningless and sectarian conflicts in society to the nations and civilizations. There is a greater need today, in contemporary India, to pay heed to the words spoken by Swami Vivekananda as early as in 1893. He was prophetic. He firmly believed that the true essence of religion was the common good, and tolerance. Religion should be above superstitions and rigidities,” the CJI Ramana stated.
“The democratic rights that we take today for granted are a result of the struggles of thousands of young people who took to the streets fighting authoritarian figures either during the freedom struggle or the dark days of emergency,” the CJI added. (ANI)
