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Keynote at the National Inter-Religious Conference, Nagpur

Peace Initiatives | Published: | 4 min read


Keynote at the National Inter-Religious Conference, Nagpur  

It is important to know and imbibe is that, while there is diversity, there has to be rationality and unanimity between the many traditions

This post is also available in: हिन्दी

October 24, 2021
Nagpur, Maharashtra, India

Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar addressed the National Inter-religious conference at Nagpur on October 24, 2021.

The conference organized by the Lokmat Media Group to spread the message of love, peace and harmony all over the world was attended by dignitaries, visionaries and spiritual leaders. The guests at the event included Mr. Nitin Gadkari, Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways, Government of India, as the Chief Guest; Shri.Dayashankar Tiwari, Mayor of Nagpur; Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, founder of the Art of Living Foundation; Swami Ramdev of Patanjali Yogpeeth, Brahmaviharidas Swami of Swaminarayan Sanstha; Acharya Dr. Lokesh Muni of Ahimsa Vishwa Bharati and others as guests of honor.

Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar welcomed by leaders of all faiths at the National Inter-Religious Conference in Nagpur, India on October 24, 2021
Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar welcomed by leaders of all faiths at the National Inter-Religious Conference in Nagpur, India on October 24, 2021

In his keynote speech, Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar highlighted the uniqueness in the diversity of India. He said,

There is beauty in variety and diversity is the springboard of happiness

The more the variety, the greater the joy. What is important to know and imbibe is that, while there is diversity, there has to be rationality and unanimity between the many traditions – “Vade Vade Jayathe Tattvabodha”.

Lord Buddha was one, but Buddhism speaks of 32 different traditions and branches; similar is the case with Christianity and Islam. Hinduism, the most ancient of them all is known for its richness that flourishes in its uncountable, innumerous sects today.

Every path has its specialty, yet they all unanimously chant the Moolmantra ‘Lokah Samastha Sukhino Bhavantu”, May everyone be happy. The intelligent relish and remain fascinated in such diversity, taking everybody along with mutual respect.

The intelligent ones relish and remain fascinated in the diversity in Nature, taking everybody along with mutual respect. Share on X

This is the sign of Spirituality, which brings an upheaval in the energy of humanity.

Human life tends to have both needs and responsibilities

When our needs are less and responsibilities more, happiness abounds. It is our Dharma, our duty to uphold the human values in the society that would relieve people of all sadness – “Dharmo Dharayati Praja”.

All disputes amongst people naturally disintegrate when people are ready to come together in unison towards larger good. Every individual has a potential. Bringing peace where there is disharmony and igniting the fire of inspiration where there is lethargy is the duty of religion and spirituality.

Love and Happiness is the true nature of Dharma. As is the Nature, so are we!

Quoting and applauding Gurudev, Brahmaviharidas Swami of Swaminarayan Sanstha said “Love is like a flower. Even if crushed, it gives fragrance”.

Love is our very existence that unites all of mankind and brings happiness even in diversity.

This post is also available in: हिन्दी