Monday, May 11, 2009
Monday, April 27, 2009
Press Release
New Delhi
27th April 2009
27th April 2009
Press Release
‘Stop fooling the people’ – Sarva Dharma Sansad.
Sarva Dharma Sansad is an Interfaith movement committed to strengthening civil society towards combating social evils such as casteism, communalism, corruption, gender inequality and alcoholism etc. Inspired by Mahatma Gandhi, we want to inculcate spiritual values in Politics and impart a paradigm shift in our overall development approach from lopsided materialistic and consumerist model to spiritually and environmentally sustainable model. It is unfortunate that humane vision of Gandhi ji for all sections of our society has been abandoned in the cacophony of non issue taking centre stage for political expediency.
The manifestos released by different political parties are trash. No one takes them seriously, not even the parties releasing it. It is just a formality to be forgotten fast.
On behalf of the common people of India Sarva Dharma Sansad is releasing the People’s Manifesto. Those who do not support it are not worth voting for.
We are aware that the politicians have their compulsions to not promote policies favoring the common man. But it is high time we challenged this destructive mind set.
SDS appeals to the voters to test the candidates on these national needs and then decide in favour of the candidate who is ready to support these issues,
The manifestos released by different political parties are trash. No one takes them seriously, not even the parties releasing it. It is just a formality to be forgotten fast.
On behalf of the common people of India Sarva Dharma Sansad is releasing the People’s Manifesto. Those who do not support it are not worth voting for.
We are aware that the politicians have their compulsions to not promote policies favoring the common man. But it is high time we challenged this destructive mind set.
SDS appeals to the voters to test the candidates on these national needs and then decide in favour of the candidate who is ready to support these issues,
1. Combating Casteism:
It is very unfortunate for the nation that political parties are fanning these evils for political gains. Please boycott such casteist villains in the political arena.
2. Opposing Female Foeticide:
It is on record that Women’s Reservation Bill is opposed ruthlessly by these so called leaders of the masses, barring 50% of the population from getting their due share in nation building, although these politician favour reservation for their vote banks. Female foeticide is the symptom of this degenerate mindset. And these champion orators are conspicuously silent on women’s rights and issues. Identify them and vote them out.
3. Opposing Violence and Communalism:
That illegal arms dealers have a field day during elections is no secret. They get bulk orders from politicians to intimidate un friendly voters. Likewise, communal issues are created to polarize the voters. Both hamper a free, fair and issue based election. Crime and criminals have no place in a democratic set up. Please stand up against such candidates who take recourse to dubious means.
4. Combating Drugs, Alcohol and Tobacco:
The Alcohol, Tobacco and Drug lobby have very deep pockets Many politicians find accommodation and finance there. Can they work for eradicating this menace? Certainly not. Liquor and Tobacco barons are the single biggest source of funding for the political parties and their individual leaders. These merchants of death distribute liquor to reap the harvest of votes. Politicians once elected swear by the Constitution of India which has Art. 47 asking the States to enforce Prohibition but the liquor influence succeeds in subverting the Constitution and plays havoc with the life of the poor. Is there any doubt that addiction of Alcohol, Tobacco and Drugs is injurious for society? Definitely not. Can we afford to vote for these stooges of drug and liquor lobbies? No, never.
5. Combating Blind Faith and Obscurantism:
The politicians have been fooling us since Independence with their fake religiosity visible before elections only. There is a conspiracy of silence on numerous blind faiths and obscurantist practices afflicting the nation. Find a rational and scientifically thinking candidate and vote for him.
6. Combating Corruption:
Corruption is the cancer of Indian society. We rank at 88 from bottom (most corrupt) in the world. Corruption spares no one, not even the rich and powerful. Yet the indifference to corruption is insane especially in a democratic society like ours. Therefore, we must vote only those candidates who have a clean image and work to end this menace.
7. Combating Oppression and Exploitation:
We are all equal before law but, in practice, we have a large population suffering oppression and exploitation including women and children. We have today nearly 400 million of labour force in the unorganized sector whose plight is akin to Bonded Labour (modern day slavery) and another 60 million victims of child servitude for whom the right to education is a far cry. Unless this heinous crime against humanity is eradicated, the egalitarian and just society cannot be formed. After being fooled for sixty long years we cannot afford to vote the oppressors and exploiters to power yet again.
Sincerely,
(Swami Agnivesh)
Founder Convener
(Goswami Sushil ji Maharaj)
Convener
(Maulana Mehmood Madani)
Steering Committee Member
(Fr. Dominic Emmanuel)
Steering Committee Member
(Manu Singh)
Student Leader.
It is very unfortunate for the nation that political parties are fanning these evils for political gains. Please boycott such casteist villains in the political arena.
2. Opposing Female Foeticide:
It is on record that Women’s Reservation Bill is opposed ruthlessly by these so called leaders of the masses, barring 50% of the population from getting their due share in nation building, although these politician favour reservation for their vote banks. Female foeticide is the symptom of this degenerate mindset. And these champion orators are conspicuously silent on women’s rights and issues. Identify them and vote them out.
3. Opposing Violence and Communalism:
That illegal arms dealers have a field day during elections is no secret. They get bulk orders from politicians to intimidate un friendly voters. Likewise, communal issues are created to polarize the voters. Both hamper a free, fair and issue based election. Crime and criminals have no place in a democratic set up. Please stand up against such candidates who take recourse to dubious means.
4. Combating Drugs, Alcohol and Tobacco:
The Alcohol, Tobacco and Drug lobby have very deep pockets Many politicians find accommodation and finance there. Can they work for eradicating this menace? Certainly not. Liquor and Tobacco barons are the single biggest source of funding for the political parties and their individual leaders. These merchants of death distribute liquor to reap the harvest of votes. Politicians once elected swear by the Constitution of India which has Art. 47 asking the States to enforce Prohibition but the liquor influence succeeds in subverting the Constitution and plays havoc with the life of the poor. Is there any doubt that addiction of Alcohol, Tobacco and Drugs is injurious for society? Definitely not. Can we afford to vote for these stooges of drug and liquor lobbies? No, never.
5. Combating Blind Faith and Obscurantism:
The politicians have been fooling us since Independence with their fake religiosity visible before elections only. There is a conspiracy of silence on numerous blind faiths and obscurantist practices afflicting the nation. Find a rational and scientifically thinking candidate and vote for him.
6. Combating Corruption:
Corruption is the cancer of Indian society. We rank at 88 from bottom (most corrupt) in the world. Corruption spares no one, not even the rich and powerful. Yet the indifference to corruption is insane especially in a democratic society like ours. Therefore, we must vote only those candidates who have a clean image and work to end this menace.
7. Combating Oppression and Exploitation:
We are all equal before law but, in practice, we have a large population suffering oppression and exploitation including women and children. We have today nearly 400 million of labour force in the unorganized sector whose plight is akin to Bonded Labour (modern day slavery) and another 60 million victims of child servitude for whom the right to education is a far cry. Unless this heinous crime against humanity is eradicated, the egalitarian and just society cannot be formed. After being fooled for sixty long years we cannot afford to vote the oppressors and exploiters to power yet again.
Sincerely,
(Swami Agnivesh)
Founder Convener
(Goswami Sushil ji Maharaj)
Convener
(Maulana Mehmood Madani)
Steering Committee Member
(Fr. Dominic Emmanuel)
Steering Committee Member
(Manu Singh)
Student Leader.
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
More Photographs from Ist Convention of SDS
Iaugration :
After much deliberation among the religious stalwarts from every faith in India, SDS was formally inaugurated on 5th October 2007 at India Islamic Centre on Lodhi Road by Sri Sri Ravishankar and presided over by Dr. (Mrs.) Ruth Manorama and conducted by Swami Agnivesh.
Vision:
Two policies were agreed to unanimously. First, all contentious issues were to be avoided to retain a broad consensus and second, it was to be nurtured with the contributions from the founding members. It is a matter of great pride and joy that the list of founding members is a galaxy of respected religious leaders from all the faiths practiced in India. A seven-point charter was prepared after many rounds of discussions and deliberations as under:
The Seven Resolutions:
1. Combating Casteism. 2. Opposing Women’s Oppression. 3. Opposing Violence and Communalism. 4. Combating Drugs and Alcohol.
5. Combating Blind Faith and Obscurantism. 6. Fighting Corruption.
7. Fighting Oppression and Exploitation.
The First Convention of Sarva Dharma Sansad:
After the epoch making launch, the enthusiasts of the Parliament of Religions, held a series of meetings at short intervals to make the proposed convention a historic event. A Core Committee was constituted for meeting the numerous difficulties and challenges that could arise including dedicated personnel, office space and expenses. Presently, it operates from a single room office-cum-residence at 7 Jantar Mantar Road with voluntary donations. The first convention of the Parliament of Religions began on a sober note at 9 am in the Constitution Club on Rafi Marg on 29th March 2008. Many distinguished religious leaders graced the occasion and proposed seven resolutions in the first session. The resolutions were discussed threadbare in the second session amicably accepting amendments and were passed unanimously in the third. Swami Agnivesh conducted the convention with élan.
Religions have long-term relevance for our nation. Unity in diversity is our proud heritage. But in the absence of a common forum our unity is under constant stress and strain. Parliament of Religions, as the name suggests, has been designed to fill the vacuum and provide the much-needed forum for interaction of thoughts and programmes. The idea is to generate a constant stream of practicable ideas, oversee and evaluate its implementation with continuous course correction wherever required. In other words Parliament of Religions will be an initiative of the civil society reinforcing the moral authority towards a healthy partnership with political power for national resurgence.
Part of NIC
Parliament of Religions embodies the basic principles of National integration Council of India by initiating a continuous interaction among numerous faiths of India at all levels of society. As we all know that communication is the only bridge among people and communities. Its absence leads to misunderstandings and strife of various sorts that provide a fertile ground for fundamentalism and obscurantism to spread their tentacles. As a result the national integration takes a beating. Against this backdrop, Parliament of Religions is an attempt to bridge the gap with participative communication among the people of various faiths and a true and effective strategy for national integration.
Consonance with Article 51 A
Parliament of Religions incorporates the spirit of Article 51 A of the Constitution of India. Parliament of Religions mentions its various sub articles below to highlight its adherence.
51A (b) to cherish and follow the noble ideals, which inspired our national struggle for freedom;
(c) To uphold and protect the sovereignty, unity and integrity of India;
(e) To promote harmony and the spirit of common brotherhood amongst all the people of India transcending religious, linguistic and regional or sectional diversities and to renounce practices derogatory to the dignity of women;
(f) To value and preserve the rich heritage of our composite culture;
(g) To protect and improve the natural environment including forests, lakes, rivers and wild life, and to have compassion for living creatures;
(h) To develop the scientific temper, humanism and the spirit of inquiry and reform;
(i) To strive towards excellence in all spheres of individual and collective activities, so that the nation constantly rises to higher levels of endeavour and achievement.
51A (b) to cherish and follow the noble ideals, which inspired our national struggle for freedom;
(c) To uphold and protect the sovereignty, unity and integrity of India;
(e) To promote harmony and the spirit of common brotherhood amongst all the people of India transcending religious, linguistic and regional or sectional diversities and to renounce practices derogatory to the dignity of women;
(f) To value and preserve the rich heritage of our composite culture;
(g) To protect and improve the natural environment including forests, lakes, rivers and wild life, and to have compassion for living creatures;
(h) To develop the scientific temper, humanism and the spirit of inquiry and reform;
(i) To strive towards excellence in all spheres of individual and collective activities, so that the nation constantly rises to higher levels of endeavour and achievement.
Second Convention of SDS at Rishikesh on 14th and 15th February 09
Activities
Parliament of Religions has worked out many activities to be executed with the help of religious and social service units working at a particular place.
To make it more focused and effective these activities have been further divided into women and youth wings. A series of conferences, seminars and canvassing at grass roots is planned. For example, a seven-point resolution paper has been distributed among the people to get their pledge and commitment for eradication of social evils. And we are happy to report that thousands of men, women and young people have already taken an oath in writing to work for the eradication of social evils.
It is worth mentioning here that Sarvadeshik Arya Yuva Parishad, under the very able leadership of its President, Swami Aryavesh ji, undertook a 25 day long havan programme, from 13th of March to 6th of April, to generate public awareness against the heinous practice of female foeticide, dowry and alcoholism in Rohtak, Haryana. It was a grand success.
To make it more focused and effective these activities have been further divided into women and youth wings. A series of conferences, seminars and canvassing at grass roots is planned. For example, a seven-point resolution paper has been distributed among the people to get their pledge and commitment for eradication of social evils. And we are happy to report that thousands of men, women and young people have already taken an oath in writing to work for the eradication of social evils.
It is worth mentioning here that Sarvadeshik Arya Yuva Parishad, under the very able leadership of its President, Swami Aryavesh ji, undertook a 25 day long havan programme, from 13th of March to 6th of April, to generate public awareness against the heinous practice of female foeticide, dowry and alcoholism in Rohtak, Haryana. It was a grand success.
Future Activities
Parliament of Religions envisages massive awareness and participative programmes from the village to the national level.
In brief they are:
a) Marches at village/taluka level for the awareness among common people all over the nation. These marches will focus on communal harmony, female foeticide and alcohol dependence etc.
b) SDS plans essay competition in all the major languages of India on the different social evils plaguing us - their causes and remedies. The best essays will be rewarded appropriately.
c) Painting competitions will be organized in as many schools as possible throughout India. The best paintings will be rewarded suitably.
d) Nothing impacts us as street plays or nukkad nataks. SDS, therefore, plans to use this genre extensively wherever practicable. These street plays will focus on all aspects of social evils.
e) Documentaries take the audio–visual form to millions. SDS will strive to get good documentaries prepared as an effective tool for awareness and commitment against social evils. The best documentaries will be awarded and selected for mass distribution across India.
f) Marches–Nothing works so well as the live marches with peoples’ participation; SDS will organize marches against all the social evils agreed to in the first convention of Parliament of Religions such as communalism, oppression against women, female foeticide, drug abuse and corruption etc.
g) Seminars–After these groundbreaking works in the length and breadth of India, SDS plans four regional seminars to take stock of the progress and throwing up new ideas to counteract social evils and menaces.
h) National Conference-SDS plans a national conference for a threadbare discussion on the progress made, course correction and new strategies to realize the goal of SDS effectively and expeditiously.
a) Marches at village/taluka level for the awareness among common people all over the nation. These marches will focus on communal harmony, female foeticide and alcohol dependence etc.
b) SDS plans essay competition in all the major languages of India on the different social evils plaguing us - their causes and remedies. The best essays will be rewarded appropriately.
c) Painting competitions will be organized in as many schools as possible throughout India. The best paintings will be rewarded suitably.
d) Nothing impacts us as street plays or nukkad nataks. SDS, therefore, plans to use this genre extensively wherever practicable. These street plays will focus on all aspects of social evils.
e) Documentaries take the audio–visual form to millions. SDS will strive to get good documentaries prepared as an effective tool for awareness and commitment against social evils. The best documentaries will be awarded and selected for mass distribution across India.
f) Marches–Nothing works so well as the live marches with peoples’ participation; SDS will organize marches against all the social evils agreed to in the first convention of Parliament of Religions such as communalism, oppression against women, female foeticide, drug abuse and corruption etc.
g) Seminars–After these groundbreaking works in the length and breadth of India, SDS plans four regional seminars to take stock of the progress and throwing up new ideas to counteract social evils and menaces.
h) National Conference-SDS plans a national conference for a threadbare discussion on the progress made, course correction and new strategies to realize the goal of SDS effectively and expeditiously.
Assessment
Parliament of Religions is fully aware that only speeches won’t work and that we need to have a good mechanism to measure its progress and regular course correction.
1. Measurable: We can measure the success of our campaign by collecting the latest data of caste conflicts, cases of women’s oppression, violence of communal nature, sales of drug and alcohol and other appropriate parameters of social change.
2. Intangible: Through periodic but extensive surveys, Parliament of Religions will be taking the pulse of the affected people to get authentic feed backs about the changes its programmes have made in their lives.
1. Measurable: We can measure the success of our campaign by collecting the latest data of caste conflicts, cases of women’s oppression, violence of communal nature, sales of drug and alcohol and other appropriate parameters of social change.
2. Intangible: Through periodic but extensive surveys, Parliament of Religions will be taking the pulse of the affected people to get authentic feed backs about the changes its programmes have made in their lives.
The conveners of SDS
1. Swami Agnivesh (Arya Samaj)
2. Goswami Sushil ji Mahraj (Bhrigu Foundation)
3. Swami Chidanand Saraswati (Parmarth Mission)
4. Fr. Dominic Emmanuel (Catholic Church)
5. Moulana Mehmood Madani (Darul Uloom Deoband)
2. Goswami Sushil ji Mahraj (Bhrigu Foundation)
3. Swami Chidanand Saraswati (Parmarth Mission)
4. Fr. Dominic Emmanuel (Catholic Church)
5. Moulana Mehmood Madani (Darul Uloom Deoband)
The trustees of SDS
1. Swami Agnivesh
2. Goswami Sushil ji Mahraj
3. Swami Chidanand Saraswati
4. Maulana Mehmood Madani
5. Fr.Dominic Emmanuel
6. Smt. Padmini Kumar
7. Sadhvi Bhagwati
8. Manu Singh
2. Goswami Sushil ji Mahraj
3. Swami Chidanand Saraswati
4. Maulana Mehmood Madani
5. Fr.Dominic Emmanuel
6. Smt. Padmini Kumar
7. Sadhvi Bhagwati
8. Manu Singh
The 3rd Convention of SDS
In the backdrop of forth-coming Parliamentary elections, the 3rd convention of SARVA DHARMA SANSAD is taking place on 1st April 09 at Kamani Auditorium , Copernicus Marg , near Mandi House, New Delhi from 6:30 PM.
It will be an interesting interface between religious and political leaders about the issues of National importance. SDS will request the political leaders’ responses as well as their action plans and these feed backs will be put on our website www.sarvadharmasansad.com for the general public. We hope that this exercise will help the voters in making informed choices about leaders and parties.
It will be an interesting interface between religious and political leaders about the issues of National importance. SDS will request the political leaders’ responses as well as their action plans and these feed backs will be put on our website www.sarvadharmasansad.com for the general public. We hope that this exercise will help the voters in making informed choices about leaders and parties.
The issues are:
1. To Combat Casteism, Communalism and Terrorism through:
A. Abolishing the scourge of Untouchability completely.
Promoting Inter-caste and Inter-religious dining and celebrating our festivals on Inter-faith and Inter-caste basis.
To denounce a culture of violence, hate speech and destruction of public property.
Zero tolerance towards Terrorism and de-linking Terrorism from Religious identity.
2.To end Gender Inequality- including Female Foeticide, Bride Burning and Dowry Abuse and giving women 33% reservation in Assemblies and Parliament.
3. Legislation and implementation of steps making education free, compulsory with quality mid-day meals and inculcating moral values and equal opportunities.
4. Abolishing all forms Child Labour and Bonded Labour system.
5. Unorganized sector workers’ plight and ending exploitation.
6. Abolition of alcohol and tobacco etc.
7. Promoting regional languages and vegetarianism.
A. Abolishing the scourge of Untouchability completely.
Promoting Inter-caste and Inter-religious dining and celebrating our festivals on Inter-faith and Inter-caste basis.
To denounce a culture of violence, hate speech and destruction of public property.
Zero tolerance towards Terrorism and de-linking Terrorism from Religious identity.
2.To end Gender Inequality- including Female Foeticide, Bride Burning and Dowry Abuse and giving women 33% reservation in Assemblies and Parliament.
3. Legislation and implementation of steps making education free, compulsory with quality mid-day meals and inculcating moral values and equal opportunities.
4. Abolishing all forms Child Labour and Bonded Labour system.
5. Unorganized sector workers’ plight and ending exploitation.
6. Abolition of alcohol and tobacco etc.
7. Promoting regional languages and vegetarianism.
Presence on our website
Address:
7, Jantar Mantar Road, New Delhi-110 001
Phone: 011-2336 7943, 2336 3221
Fax: 011-2336 7946
Emai: agnivesh70@gmail.com
Phone: 011-2336 7943, 2336 3221
Fax: 011-2336 7946
Emai: agnivesh70@gmail.com
Donation
The donors may kindly visit our following links http://www.sarvadharmasansad.com/donate.html for procedure and details.
The donors may kindly visit our following links http://www.sarvadharmasansad.com/donate.html for procedure and details.
Monday, June 9, 2008
Sunday, June 8, 2008
THE PARLIAMENT OF RELIGIONS
INTRODUCTION
The Parliament of Religions is the brainchild of Swami Agnivesh, President of International Council of Arya Samaj, and his close friend Rev. Valson Thanpu. Swami ji has been active in the field of social service for the last forty years. His rich and varied experience, both in India as well as abroad, taught him an important lesson for tackling effectively and expeditiously the social evils in India – a concerted, united and focused religious initiative.
India is largely a poor and illiterate nation and made up of very religious societies. Therefore, involving the leaders of every faith stood out as the most effective strategy for eradicating the social evils. After the noble conception of the Parliament of Religions, its becoming a reality took months of brain-storming sessions with numerous religious leaders of all the major faiths and belief systems. India is really the most diverse nation in this department in the whole world. May be, because, India has a long and continuous history of welcoming and assimilating noble ideas from every direction. Jai Hind !
For the broadest possible consensus, all contentious issues were dropped, focusing more on agreements over a common minimum programme. As a metaphor it was like a coalition of religions for a common goal. Where political coalitions could work so well, why could not the religions coalition too succeed as well? All religions work for the betterment of humanity but each one holds its own tenets and rituals sacrosanct. So, building a consensus was a daunting task, but, the determination and perseverance of Swami Ji was rewarded with the formal inauguration of ‘the Parliament of Religions’ by Sri Sri Ravishankar, founder of ‘Art of Living Foundation’, on 5th October 2007 at the Indian Islamic Centre on Lodhi Road, in New Delhi. The inauguration, presided over by Dr. Ruth Manorama, had the active participation of many renowned religious dignitaries; Maulana Wahiduddin Khan, Rev Valsan Thampu, Chenna Basvanand Swami, Jain Muni Vivek, Fr. Dominic Emmanuel, Dr. Mahendra Singh, Goswami Sushilji Maharaj to name just a few. These gentlemen have an illustrious track record for their commitment to true godliness, religious harmony, social transformation, human dignity and empowerment.
Naturally, this august meeting of great minds, after sincere deliberations, agreed on the resolutions for the first convention of the Parliament of Religions to be held on 29th March 2008.)
Thereafter, the enthusiasts of the Parliament of religions, held a series of meetings at short intervals to make the proposed convention a historic event. A Core Committee was constituted for meeting the numerous difficulties and challenges that could arise including dedicated personnel, office space and expenses. Presently it operates from a one-roomed residence-cum-office at 7 Jantar Mantar Road with voluntary donations.
The first convention of the Parliament of Religions began on a sober note at 9 am in the Constitution Club on Rafi Marg on 29th March 2008. Many distinguished religious leaders graced the occasion and proposed seven resolutions in the first session. The resolutions were discussed threadbare in the second session amicably accepting amendments and addition of two more resolutions. In the final session, all the nine resolutions were passed unanimously. In spite of other important engagement in Delhi that day, the hall was full with enthusiastic audience. Swami Agnivesh conducted the convention with élan. The three sessions of two hours each had a half hour break for refreshments and a sumptuous lunch.
The mood of the convention was very open and optimistic. All discussions took place with a sense of urgency and sincerity, taking amendments and additions in its liberal stride. The follow up meeting of the Parliament of Religions took place on 12th April 2008 at 7, Jantar Mantar Road at 11 am to take stock of the implementation of the resolutions. Constant evaluation and correction is indispensable for a project of this magnitude that touches every male, female, child and other life forms in India.
--Anjum Rashid
rishi.anjum@gmail.com
SARVA DHARMA SANSAD
The seven revolutionary principles are unique and interconnected in such a way that it encompasses spirituality, social justice, compassion and ultimately one's religious duties. Following all the principles or even two or three of them satisfies the needs of the individuals who are looking for food for their souls.
Again it could be such a politically productive and proactive moment that it is bound to touch/reach larger percentage of population than any scheme introduced by the states. YET IT IS NON-POLITICAL!!
Governing/managing/reaching out to any group of people is a mammoth task involving every kind of managerial, spiritual, judicial and soul touching activities. Governments, parties, industries or any kind of organizations has to follow the essence of the seven principles of Sarva Dharma Sansad at one time or the other for being successful.
This in turn leads us to the topic of the way the Parliament of Country functions where issues are discussed, evolved, debated and resolutions are passed for the entire country. The motivation is having the power to dominate in running the country/state.
Parliament of Religions has discussed, evolved, debated on the issues related to common man and passed resolutions applicable for all faith for the entire country. It visualizes common good through common goal by common man.
YET IT IS NON-RELIGIOUS.
The Parliament brings together multi-background, multi-parties with multi agenda and multi ideologies- independent yet working together. It is a platform for planning and solving visible materialistic situational issues.
The Sarva Dharma Sansad is the one Parliament where multi-religious-could be explosive!!-social thinkers would like to work for the one agenda i.e. upliftment of the society which is the soul of the country. It believes in raising the standard and quality of the society.
When members of the Parliament are elected people know them only partially because after election the members become almost invisible and unapproachable and people are not sure of the issues being solved. That is to say people are working on permutation and combinations as to how many of the promises would be addressed in the Parliament. A few representatives of the people take up the discussions. This does not necessarily end-up benefiting larger sections of the people.
Whereas members of the Sarva Dharma Sansad have already proved their dedication for the common man in one field and are looking for people's participations in bringing about a revolutions in the social system. In essence it could become a parallel Parliament, which addresses issues that pose a real threat to a Real Healthy Society.
The Sarva Dharma Sansad members seems to go with the thinking that they live their religious affiliations at home and come forward and be a part of Big Social Change.
--Padmini Kumar
padkam@yahoo.com
A few words about Parliament of Religions
Sarva Dharma Sansad has been constituted with a noble idea of establishing peace and religious
harmony, mutual understanding and universal brotherhood among followers of different religions. Religions are great gifts given by the Creator through prophets and saints to uplift the individual as well as the society. Different religions are gifted by God in different parts of the world. Every religion has got an immense zeal to uplift the human society through religious and spiritual values. In the beginning when founded by different prophets, the religious ideologies seemed to be flawless and perfect; in course of time some of them may appear to be either outdated or less meaningful. Since gradually many blind traditions creep in, some such defective beliefs and customs need to be reformed or amended for the welfare of human beings. Sarva Dharma Samsath is focussing on eradication of seven such socio – religious evils.
Usually based on caste, class, colour, race and gender human beings are discriminated as superior and inferior even though God has created every body in the same manner. So, only he who treats everybody equally will become the son of God and of this world. Lord Basavanna, the founder of Lingayat religion preached Fatherhood of God and the Brotherhood of Humanity through his saying :
Don’t say who is he
Who is he, Who is he ?
Do say he is ours
He is ours, He is ours, Oh Lord
Make me the son of Thy great abode
Building up of Welfare State on earth.
A society which is a confluence of material, moral and spiritual values will be a perfect and whole
society. Because of corruption and selfishness, our society and nation are going in retrogressive direction. So whatever may be their religion every citizen should strive hard to build up a clean society with values like honesty, patriotism, dedication and sincerity . Then only we will be able to build up a Welfare State or Kalyana Rajya. This world is a great gift given by God and living in it is an art . Different religions are like different paths to reach one and the only reality, God. The world should be like a garland of many flowers, the flowers symbolysing different religions. It shall be compared to a garden of many kinds of trees; different trees being different religions. On festival days we sit for eating with many recipes in our plate. Some are sweet, some are sour and some are hot. Though they differ in taste, they never quarrel in the plate. We use our same hand to eat and same teeth to masticate them; they do not quarrel. Food enters our digestive system. There also it will not quarrel. Later on food is digested and assimilated into blood and gets
converted into energy. During this lengthy process also different eatables do not quarrel; but all put together give strength and energy to body. Likewise, if all religious thoughts work together to establish peace and harmony and to build a Welfare State or in spiritual terms Kingdom of God on earth God will be pleased. That is why Lord Basavanna Says:
This mortal world is Creator’s workshop
Who succeeds here will succeed there
Those who do not succeed
here will not succeed there
O Lord Lingadeva.
Different tastes of food add to the richness of food. Different coloured flowers add to the beauty of garland. likewise we should see, tolerate and enjoy unity in diversity of different religions.
We shall all join our hands to establish Welfare State or Kalyana Rajya on this earth.
--Sharanu Sharanarthi
Delhi Branch: Pujya Sri Jagadguru Mata Mahdevi
MATA ASHRAM Basava Mantap, 2035, 2nd Block
Basava Mantap, H-3/82, 20th Main, Rajajinagar
Bengali Colony, Mahavir Enclave Bangalore- 560010
New Delhi-110045 Karnataka State
Ph: 011-64563860 / 9212627150 Ph: 080-23131476, 23325335
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