A State Level Seminar on “Interfaith Harmony for a Global civilization” was organized by Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda Memorial, Vadodara on 27th March, 2011 as a part of 150th birth anniversary celebration of Swami Vivekananda, which was inaugurated by Justice P.N. Bhagwati former Chief Justice of India. The seminar was organized in Vasvik auditorium in which approx. 350 participants took part from 8.30 am to 6.30 pm.
The seminar started with the prayers of different religions rendered by students of various educational institutions. Swami Bhajananandaji Maharaj, Asst. Secretary of Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission, Belur Math, Howrah, ( W.B.) In his keynote address pointed out that people all over the world are facing the problems of loneliness, meaninglessness of life, etc.; so all the religions should jointly endeavour to bring peace and solace to humanity rather than create friction. Seven eminent speakers of different faiths spoke on the viewpoints of their faiths on the subject of ‘Interfaith Harmony’ in the second session.
Three eminent speakers connected with media presented their views on ‘Interfaith Harmony and Media” in the third session. Shri Kantibhai Bhatt, the popular columnist told that Swami Vivekananda for the first time had carried out globalization of Indian Spiritual Culture in the World’s Parliament of Religion held in Chicago in 1893. He added that media can play an important part in spreading the message of Interfaith Harmony and bring global peace provided it does not become prey of globalization and commercialization.
Four eminent Educationists spoke on the subject – ‘Interfaith Harmony and Education’ in the fourth session. Ms. Jyotiben Thanki, the popular Gujarati Writer and Educationist pointed out in her speech by giving examples as to how small children easily take up the message of interfaith harmony.
Earlier, Swami Nikhileswarananda, the Head of Vadodara centre of Ramakrishna Mission welcomed the dignitaries, speakers and a large number of enlightened citizens and remarked that global peace can come only if a global civilization emerges and that can take place only if we all not only preach but also practice interfaith harmony in our daily life. He also pointed out that Ramakrishna Mission is committed to the task of preaching and practicing this message of Interfaith Harmony right from its inception in 1897 and the birthdays of great prophets of major religions are observed in various canter’s of Ramakrishna Mission spread all over the world.
In the valedictory session, after the valedictory address by Swami Bhajananandaji, all the speakers were presented mementos, books, bags, etc. A large number of enlightened citizens enthusiastically participated in the seminar throughout the day. They all were presented books on Interfaith Harmony. The feedback of the programme was excellent.
