AN ENCYCLOPAEDIA on Hinduism, a project spanning 15 years and involving more than a thousand scholars, was launched at the Kumbh Mela in northern India earlier this month.

Spiritual leaders including Parmarth Niketan’s His Holiness Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji (Muniji), the Dalai Lama and veteran Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader LK Advani were among those present at the event in Hardwar, Uttarakhand.

Releasing the book on April 3, the Dalai Lama said, “India is the guru of the world and Tibet is its confidante disciple.”

The 700-page encyclopaedia has been prepared by HH Muniji, in association with leading Hindu scholars. It encompasses the depth and breadth of Hindu history, civilisation, culture, art/architecture and spirituality.

Devotees who gathered for the launch took part in a Ganga aarti, performed by the Dalai Lama and the saints. A special bhajan concert by ghazal singer Anup Jalota followed the launch.

The next day, leaders representing Hinduism, Christianity, Islam, Sikhism and Jainism, among others attended an interfaith dialogue for peace.
 
Also on April 4 was the launch of the Ganga Clean Up Programme, supported by the Uttarakhand state government at the Parmarth Niketan Ashram in Rishikesh.