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THE FAMILY AND THE NATION
methods of creating a congenial atmosphere for various religions, and solutions for some of the burning problems of the society. Deliberations at inter-faith dialogues can be widely disseminated among people through various agencies of the electronic and print media. Models for these dialogues exist in some other countries as well. Maximum benefit may be derived from such knowledge-sharing in addition to finding our own unique methods.
CATALYSING ACTION
The religious and spiritual leaders came to the unanimous conclusion that in order to pursue the above in a sustained manner for achieving speedy results, it is essential to set up a national-level independent and autonomous organization managed by religious and spiritual leaders as well as scholars and enlightened citizens. This organization will train persons in essential aspects of different religions, in methods of spreading love and compassion among people, in removing hatred as well as in the basic theory and practice of nonviolence. This organization, being an independent entity, will also become a focal point and a catalytic agent for organizing the other projects listed above and in extending the necessary infrastructure for the expansion of the efforts into a national mass movement.
India can emerge as a developed nation by 2020 with its civilizational heritage and value systems spreading harmony and peace to the whole world. This ‘Unity of Minds' can be achieved even while keeping intact the rich diversity of rites, rituals, ideas and beliefs amongst us and blending them with modern knowledge and skills.
The following distinguished spiritual leaders put their signatures on the Surat declaration: Shri Shri Balagangadharanatha Swamiji, the 71st head of Shri Adichunchanagiri Mahasamithi Math, located near
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