Maulana Wahiduddin Khan I Media Coverage | January 2012
Though free trade among nations may have led to the coinage of the word globalisation, it is spirituality alone that can truly imbibe and disseminate the true spirit of this term.
Keeping this in mind, heads and scholars of different religions came together on a single platform created by NGO, Der Missionszentrale der Franziskaner, Bonn, in collaboration with the Franciscan Missionaries of Mary to discuss the role of religion in globalisation at Mater Dei School in New Delhi recently.
Maulana Wahiduddin Khan, renowned Islamic scholar, spoke about the true spirit of Islam which is based on the concept of commonality. “In the Bible, Christ says, be good to your neighbour while in Quran the Prophet says, all mankind is my neighourhood,” Maulana said.
Dr. Mohinder Singh, member, National Commission for Minority Educational Institutions, said, “We all are students of that invisible university which is our source of inspiration. Let us celebrate and learn the diversity of human creed. Without having compassion for fellow brethren remembering and believing in God has no importance.”
Dr. AK Merchant, trustee, Lotus Temple, threw light on the spirit of globalisation that permeates all religions for the advancement of human civilisation. “There is a universal power who has designed this creation. This land is our common home and the longer we cling to our narrow notions of religions the more suffering and turmoil we shall create.”
Rabbi Ezekiel Malekar, head, Jewish community, considered equality of the sexes of prime importance for a better, more balanced world and discussed the role of religion in ushering in true globalisation. “We have to accept oneness of humanity and sense of universal responsibility. Peace, love, compassion, and self-discipline should be our innate desire,” he said. Head of Chinmaya Mission in Delhi, Swami Nikhilananda, spoke about the flame of enlightenment that needs to be lit in every heart for globalisation to become a reality. “Enlightenment gives us the vision of oneness. Wisdom gained through enlightenment imparts values like friendship, compassion, kindness, love and, humility,” he said.