INDIA'S vice president Hamid Ansari launched the international edition of the Encyclopedia of Hinduism in the presence of senior government ministers at a gala ceremony in New Delhi today (October 10).
The encyclopaedia is a project of the India Heritage Research Foundation, set up by leading Indian spiritual leader His Holiness Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji (HH Pujya Muniji). He is also the president of the Parmarth Niketan in Rishikesh, north India.
Almost 20 years in the making, the encyclopedia is a compilation of India's spiritual and cultural traditions. It took more than a thousand international scholars to compose approximately 7,000 entries which runs to 11 volumes.
Among those present at the event at the Vigyan Bhavan were interfaith leaders, cabinet ministers, actors and community leaders.
Dr Mohan Bhagwat of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS); human resources development minister Smriti Irani; minister of micro, small and medium enterprises Kalraj Mishra; president of the Global Citizen Forum BK Modi; president of the All India Imams Organisation Imam Umer Ahmed Ilyasi and actorVivek Oberoi all attended the launch.
His Holiness (HH) Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji, founder of the Encyclopedia of Hinduism project 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. However, of course, the teachings, truths, tenets and insights of Sanatan Dharma took birth in India. Therefore, to have the Encyclopedia of Hinduism launched in the presence of such esteemed political, social, national and religious leaders of India is a beautiful and most-fitting symbol of the 'Unity in Diversity' which is our Mother India.”
Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswati, managing editor of the encyclopedia, 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, for the first time, been encapsulated in encyclopedic form.
“This launch is such a great symbol of the diversity of India, in which for thousands of years all the major faiths of the world including Hinduism, Islam, Christianity, Sikhism, Jainism, Buddhism and Jainism have co-existed peacefully and harmoniously together.”
Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji is also the founder of the Ganga Action Parivar and co-founder of the Global Interfaith WASH Alliance.
