World Religions Conference November 1957

Author(s): Sushil Muni
Publisher: Achal Singh Seth

Page 37

Press Conferences
World Conferences in the Past
The forth coming World Conference of all Religions is not a novel undertaking in India. Meetings and Conferences of different religions were held by Emperor Asoka, Harshvardhana, Samudragupta and Akbar. Such conferences were also held in Europe and elsewhere during the last two centuries. Possibly the motives of establishing the superiority of one religion over the other account for the lack of their subtantial success and lasting Impact.
• The World Conference of all Religions will seek to build impregnable citadels of peace and provide permanent defences for the protection of the human race, civilisation and culture. We seek also to explore and organise the spiritual and ethical elements which stand for these objectives and tor the spread of this message.
Significant Feature of the Conference
In the conference, no religionist will be allowed to extol the merits of his own religion. The co-operation and participation of different religions and their adherents is sought for the well being of the world, for organising a 'world-wide campaign for peace based on the concepts of Truth and Ahimsa; and for the exploration of ways and means for fulfilling these enriching ideals. The discussions in the Conference will be confined to these specific objects and problems.
it is only a Beginning
Our activities do not end with the convening or conclusion of the Conference. In fact, this Conference is just a beginning for the collection of the research data of the various religions and formulating an International basis to revolutionize the The thought and behaviour of Man.
We firmly believe that technological advances which augment economic and Industrial prosperity, will not per se elevate or regenerate humanity. It is our purpose to draw men to the tasks of cultural reconstruction and to build up spiritual strength. To revolutionize the system of education and the prevailing pattern of Thought and Culture, we wish that a University of Ahimsa may be established in India and that Educational centres may be operted in different parts of the world to propagate the ideals of Ahimsa, Love, Truth and Good conduct so that forces of violence and intolerante which govern the relations of men and nations today may be tamed and overcome.
We hope and trust that our journalist friends and those interested in the promotion of international good-will and cultural relations will