Interfaith Harmony for National Progress and Global Peace: Perspectives from India

The role religion plays in the lives of people has become an important aspect of their social life which has great influences in the major actions of the world. Denial of the existence of religion is impossible in today’s life scenario. It is believed that religions were established ages back of which official records cannot be traced. A common misconception related to religion is that religion means ritualistic and nothing else. But a comprehensive study of religion reveals that it actually means laws, both natural and moral, that ensure right living. Religion in fact stands for an integral development of the personality, an inclusive view of life. This paper is an attempt to study how religious harmony is necessary to serve the purpose of national development and world peace. The focus point while discussing national development will be India as India is a land where the diverse forms of religions and traditions are very much visible and active to a certain limit. Religions are been represented by the wrong people which necessitates the gathering of true spokespersons of each religion to discuss ways to curb this global menace which will internally reinforce the national development in particular and strengthen world peace in the wider sense. Sincerity and open-mindedness to the welfare of the whole humanity are the qualities to be maintained while deliberating this crucial global issue.