‘Attitudinal change’ in people will lead to inter–religious harmony, says TN Governor

Chennai – Governor of Tamil Nadu, Surjit Singh Barnala, has called for the involvement of elected local bodies and women SHGs (self–help groups) in the activities of the Institute of Dialogue with Cultures and Religions (IDCR) that seeks to promote intercultural and inter–religious dialogue for conflicts resolution.

While inaugurating the research institute at Loyola College on September 5, the Governor expressed hope that IDCR would make valid contributions in analysis of issues that lead to conflicts between religions and cultures. 'Prevalence of conflicts between religions, castes and cultures, and even languages lead to destruction of peace and harmony, destabilising the growth of the nation,' he said.

Stressing the need for harmony between religions, Barnala said it was possible only when there was a shift from observation of mere rituals towards imbibing the tenets of spirituality. “The need of the hour is an attitudinal change,” he said.

The Madras University had given recognition to IDCR as a postgraduate research centre on comparative studies in religions and cultures and students' thesis on these subjects would be supervised by the institute. IDCR had been functioning as a separate entity called Aikiyalayam at Foreshore Estate in the field of comparative study of religions and intercultural relations in the past many years. Now, after moving into the campus of the Loyola College with an exclusive building and infrastructure, it seeks to actively pursue research studies on socio–cultural and religious conflicts through intervention, dialogue and publication of reports.

A Loyola FM Radio (90.8 mega hertz) also came into existence to showcase multifaceted talents of students, sharing of knowledge by the faculty and for the public to know the various academic and cultural programmes of the college. The radio station would focus on integrated development of talents and potential of Loyola students through, besides disseminating the academic excellence of the college.

'Loyola College should set an example in developing and practising institutionalised ethics to evolve ignited youth equipped with values,' said S P Thiagarajan, Vice–Chancellor, Madras University. He said the interdisciplinary activity of IDCR and Loyola FM work together with other institutions to breach the missing link between planning and execution in higher education.

Saluting the Christian community for its services in education, medicine, orphanages and shelter homes, Prince of Arcot, Nawab Mohammed Abdul Ali said India belonged to all communities, even as 'we Muslims are happier in India than in any other country.'

Decrying violence and terrorism, he said if any religion prescribed such methods its followers have to branded as criminals and should be proceeded against for such an aberrant attitude. 'Secularism is like an oxygen without which India will die as for thousands of years many faiths co–existed in the country,' he recalled.

Dr A M Chinnappa, archbishop of Madras–Mylapore, said inter–religious dialogue must lead to eradication of socio–political exploitation and casteism to produce men who could evolve a society out of love. 'Only the world of values and religions could take us closer to Godhood, the saviour of mankind.'

Dr B Jeyaraj, rector, Loyola College, said IDCR would provide resources to work for peace and to undertake study of multicultural society. All departments would be involved in the running of FM Radio with the Visual Communication department coordinating the programmes.