Write Comment     |     E-Mail To a Friend     |     Facebook     |     Twitter     |     Print

Hindus have applauded Vatican for its “message forthe feast of Deepavali” wishing “joyful celebration of Deepavali”to “Hindu Friends”, published at “Vatican: the Holy See” website on October 20.

Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, in a statement in Nevada(USA) today, welcomed the Vatican for sending “cordial greetings” onDeepavali and the suggestion to “make religions channels of peace andharmony”.

Zed, who is president of Universal Society ofHinduism, extolled Vatican’s wish on the occasion, which said: “May God,the source of all light, illumine your hearts, homes and communities for a lifeof peace and prosperity”.

Rajan Zed also commendedHis Holiness Pope Benedict XVI for reportedly including verse from ancientHindu scripture Upanishads in the Good Friday Meditations and Prayersled by him at Roman Colosseum in 2009. Zed, commenting that it was a remarkablegesture from Pope, invited him to study more ancient Hindu scriptures, whichwere very rich in philosophical thought.

In 2009 “Way of theCross at the Colesseum” Meditations and Prayers on Good Friday led by Pope andput together by Vatican Office for the Liturgical Celebrations of the SupremePontiff, reportedly included well-known verse from Brahadaranyakopanishad ("Leadme from the unreal to the real, from darkness to light, from death toimmortality."), line from Tagore’s Gitanjali ("Give me the strengthto make my love fruitful in service."), and reference to Mahatma Gandhi.

Zed urged Pope tovisit a Hindu temple in the near future to promote mutualunderstanding and respect between the faiths. All religions should work together for a just and peaceful world, Zedadded.

Rajan Zed says that in our shared pursuit for thetruth, we can learn from one another and thus can arrive nearer to the truth.This dialogue may help us vanquish the stereotypes, prejudices, caricatures,etc., passed on to us from previous generations. As dialogue brings usreciprocal enrichment, we shall be spiritually richer than before the contact.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Englandprimary schools’ students participated in Diwali activities

Hindus have lauded Bridlewood Primary Schooland East Wichel Community Primary & Nursery in Swindon in South WestEngland for reportedly celebrating Diwali on October 19 and have urged allelementary and secondary schools of United Kingdom (UK) to include Diwalicelebration as an annual activity.

Reports suggest that as part of Diwali celebrations,hundreds of students from these schools took part in traditional Hinduactivities, wore Indian clothing, participated in Indian dances, hadhenna-mehndi pattern drawn on their bodies, made lanterns, shown how the Hindusprayed and worshipped, learned history and religious significance of Diwali,performed play about Rama and Sita, drew rangoli patterns on playground, and ateIndian snacks (samosas, bhajees, pakoras).

Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, in a statement in Nevada(USA) today, said that it would be highly productive to include Diwali celebrationsin UK schools. Awareness about other religions thus created by organizingfestivals like Diwali would make the UK pupils well-nurtured, well-balanced,and enlightened citizens of tomorrow. It also made a good business sense to know the beliefs of “others” in aglobal community. Moreover, students should have knowledge of the entiresociety to become full participants in the society.

Rajan Zed, who is President of Universal Society ofHinduism, argued that with school celebrations including festivals like Diwali,ethnic minorities would feel as equal and full members of British society, thusbringing cohesion and unity in the community. With change in demographics ofUnited Kingdom, it would be “a step in the right direction”.

Jo Garton and Jayne Keen are headteacher andGovernors Chair respectively of Bridlewood Primary, whose tagline is"a place for learning, caring, sharing and growing together".Caroline Henham is headteacher of East Wichel and its tagline is “learningtoday, for tomorrow’s future”.

Swindon, about 81 miles from London, has reportedly one ofthe highest broadband Internet access and had been declared UK’s second safestplace to live; and is known for roundabouts, XTC pop rock band and Swindon Mela.Hindus form about less than one percent of the population. Prominent peopleassociated with Swindon include actresses Diana Dors and Rachel Shelley, golferDavid Howell and cricketer Jon Lewis. Ray Ballman is Mayor of Swindon BoroughCouncil.