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Encyclopaedia of Hinduism unveiled

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ACADEMICS, politicians and spiritual leaders gathered in the US last month for the launch of the international edition of the Encyclopedia of Hinduism.

 

South Carolina’s Indian American governor Nikki Haley was presented the first copy of the publication at a special event at the University of South Carolina, Columbia, last month (August 25-26).

 

A project of India Heritage Research Foundation, led by one of India’s most revered spiritual leaders, His Holiness (HH) Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswati (HH Pujya Muniji), the encyclopaedia has approximately 7,000 entries and has 11-volumes.

 

Haley said: “It is so beautiful, and such a great gift, this Encyclopedia of Hinduism. I am so honored to receive these beautiful 11 volumes on behalf of the state. I am so glad to be here tonight at this historic event.”

 

More than a thousand scholars from around the world worked on the project over the past 25 years.

 

The encyclopaedia is not limited to Hinduism as a religion, but also covers Sikhism, Jainism and Buddhism traditions in India.

 

HH Pujya Muniji, founder and chairman of India Heritage Research Foundation, said: “The wisdom, truths, teachings and insights of Indian and Hindu culture are not limited to or applicable to only Hindus or Indians. Rather they belong to the world and can deeply benefit the world. It is, therefore, our aim that the richness of this ancient yet timeless culture and heritage should be made available to the entire world, in a way that is authentic, academic, comprehensive and illuminating.”

 

The project was headquartered at the University of South Carolina during its compilation and editorial stages.

 

President of the university Dr Harris Pastides said: “It is a deep honour to be participating in the American release of the Encyclopedia of Hinduism.

 

“This is a remarkable work of scholarship and research.

 

“I hope that many in academia and in everyday life will turn to it as a resource to better understand the characters, the tenets, and the impact that Hinduism has had, and is having, in the world.”

 

Among others who attended the launch were Indian campaigner Anna Hazare; Congressman for South Carolina Joe Wilson; Consul General to India Ajit Kumar and Dr Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswati, managing editor of the encyclopaedia.

 

Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswati said: “This is a great moment in history.  The depth and breadth of the world’s oldest living culture, civilization, philosophy and theology has finally been encapsulated in encyclopedic form.

 

“To have the international edition launched by the University of South Carolina in USA demonstrates the universal applicability and universal appeal of the Hindu tradition. The launch is a great meeting of the east and west.”

 

Congressman Wilson and Consul General Ajit Kumar paid tribute to HH Pujya Muniji for his efforts in conceiving the project and bringing it to fruition.

 

The encyclopaedia was previewed and blessed at a ceremony in India by His Holiness the Dalai Lama and hundreds of India’s most revered spiritual, social and national leaders.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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