Intro: The Project ‘Encyclopedia of Hinduism’ was initiated by Swami Chidanand Saraswati in order to put forward the correct facts about Hindu religion and culture 25 years ago.
Hinduism is a global legacy; it is not an ancestral property of Indians said Sarsanghachalak Mohan Bhagwat on the international launch ceremony of ‘Encyclopedia of Hinduism’ at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi on October 10.
Speaking at the function he said, “Religion does not divide people but unites them and what divides is not religion.” Hinduism was earlier called ‘Manav Dharm’ as it is for everyone. The problem Hindu society is facing presently is the difference being kept between principle and its practicality. The need is to know what ‘Dharm’ is and to do work according to ‘Dharm’. We have to know our roots. There is greater need for Indians to have knowledge of Hinduism than those abroad. The ‘Encyclopedia of Hinduism’, a project of India Heritage Research Foundation (IHRF) would help to provide knowledge about our roots to our next generation as it is missing both in the education system and in what is being taught by parents. I hope that it will not be kept in museums only, but will be read by the people, he added.
Swami Chidanand Saraswati, the founder chairman of the IHRF and spiritual head of the Parmarth Niketan in Rishikesh, said, “There is lot of misconception about Hinduism in people’s mind. This book can be a good medium to remove this.” He said, “Hinduism emphasises the belief of oneness, and is not a religion but a way of life that brings integrity, understanding and meaning to our daily lives. We have to follow the mantra of ‘Worship your own and respect all’. No one can stake claim on Hindu religion. The wisdom, truths, teachings and Hindu culture are not limited to only Hindus or Indians. It is for everyone.” Chief Guest of the event and Vice-President of India, Hamid Ansari felicitated all those who have made contribution to complete this historic book. He said, the Goal of mankind is knowledge.
On the occasion, Imam Umer Ahmed Ilyasi, president of All-India Imam Organisation said that Hinduism is an assimilative religion. All Muslims in India are Indians. It is therefore important to recognise that nation is foremost and we have to all work together for the betterment of it.
The book ‘Encyclopedia of Hinduism’ has been in the making for more than twenty years and brings out depth of India’s spiritual culture, science, astrology, medicine, civilisation, art, architecture and much more in authentic form. The aim of the book is to show the richness of ancient India, Hindu culture and heritage to the entire world.
The historic book was released by honourable Hamid Ansari and Sarsanghachalak Mohan Bhagwat. It consists of 11 volumes with thousands of contribution from the world’s foremost experts and scholars. Many dignitaries from different field came under one roof to launch the international edition of ‘Encyclopedia of Hinduism’. HRD Minister Smriti Irnai, Bollywood actor Vivek Oberoi, Dewan Syed Zainul Abedin Ali Khan of Ajmer Sharif Dargah and Jain saint Acharya Lokesh Muni of Ahimsa Vishwa Bharati, industrialist BK Modi and Pakistan High Commissioner Abdul Basit were also present on the historic launch.
—Nishant Kumar Azad
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