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Tolerance in Jaina Religion: Through the Ages: 95 in general and Jaina tradition, in particular, has the spirit of tolerance in religion from earliest days and this spirit is still present.
Testimony to Tolerant Religious Outlook:It is heartening to note that India has a Hindu President (Hon. Mrs. Pratibha Patil), Muslim Vice-President (Hon. M. Hamid Ansari), a Sikkh Prime Minister ( hon.Dr.Manmohan Singh) and a Christian. Defence Minister Mr. A. K. Antony. The leader of the largest party, the Indian National Congress, Sonia Gandhi is a Catholic Christian, while the leader of the opposition is Sushma Swaraj, a Hindu. India's ex-President Hon. Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam was a Muslim. Out of the 12 Presidents of India since Independence, three have been Muslims.Five Chief Justices of Supreme Court of India, have been Muslims. India had a prominent former Defence Minister (George Fernandes), a Christian (though not practicing) and India's Air Force Chief, Fali H. Major, was a Parsi.16
Role of Religion
Now comes the question what is the role of religion in society?When we think of religion we think of it as a very powerful instrument of spreading love, compassion,benevolence, a desire for and a striving for a more just and humane world. In the Mahābhārata," Yudhisthira asks Bhisma to explain the meaning and scope of dharma. Bhiṣma replies: It is most difficult to define dharma (religion). It has been explained to be that which helps the upliftment of living beings. Therefore, that which ensures the welfare of living beings is surely dharma. The learned rsis have declared that that which sustains is dharma.
In the Karna Parva, Lord Kṛṣṇa18 explains dharma to Arjuna in the following words:
Dharma sustains the society.Dharma maintains the social order. Dharma ensures well being and progress of humanity. Dharma is surely that which fulfils these objectives.
