Bodh Gaya: Magadh University, in collaboration with Dharm Sanskriti Sangam, organised a one-day national seminar and cultural harmony programme on Friday on the theme “The role and challenges of religious harmony in Indian democracy” at the Ramanujan Auditorium in Bodh Gaya.
Bihar governor and university chancellor Lt Gen (Retd) Syed Ata Hasnain attended the event as chief guest, alongside religious leaders, academics, students and members of civil society.
The programme opened with the national song, the national anthem and a ceremonial lamp-lighting.
Governor links national security to social unity
Addressing the gathering, the governor said national security extended beyond protecting territorial borders and included safeguarding India’s social, cultural and civilisational fabric.
He said genuine national security could only be achieved when people of all faiths worked together in the national interest and contributed collectively towards building a developed India.
He also described the Nalanda-Gaya-Bodh Gaya corridor as a symbol of Indian civilisation and heritage, asserting that its legacy belonged to India alone.
RSS leader highlights India’s diversity
The keynote speaker, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh national executive member Dr Indresh Kumar, spoke about the inclusive traditions of Indian culture.
He said India’s strength lay in its diversity, tolerance and spiritual consciousness, and stressed that social harmony and national unity were essential for the health of democracy.
Kumar expressed confidence that the spiritual traditions associated with Gaya and Bodh Gaya would continue to inspire people across the world through the messages of devotion and knowledge.
Call for Bodh Gaya research chair at university
Swami Vivekananda Giri, head priest of the Kali temple in Lucknow, emphasised the importance of dialogue and cooperation among different religious traditions.
He also appealed to the governor to support the establishment of a Bodh Gaya research chair at Magadh University.
University stresses commitment to inclusive values
Welcoming the guests, Magadh University vice-chancellor Prof Shashi Pratap Shahi said the spirit of Indian democracy rested on the principle of sarva dharma sambhava, or equal respect for all religions.
He added that the university remained committed to promoting education, culture and social harmony.
The V-C highlighted the university’s recent academic and administrative progress, stating that significant advances had been made in research and institutional development over the past three years.
Buddhist monk emphasises relevance of compassion
Among the other speakers was Sai Shana, a Buddhist monk associated with the Laos temple in Bodh Gaya, who said the teachings of Buddha on compassion, peace and humanity were especially relevant in contemporary times.
The event was also attended by RSS regional joint secretary Dr Mohan Singh and Dharm Sanskriti Sangam president Sanjay Singh.
Registrar Prof Binod Kumar Mangalam described interfaith harmony as an important bridge for global peace and progress while delivering the vote of thanks.
The programme was moderated by Deepshikha Pandey and drew participation from teachers, students, Hindu spiritual leaders, Buddhist monks and local residents.
