Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Jaipur (Fides Service ) - After the inter-religious march for peace and religious harmony led by Christian, Muslim, Hindu and Buddhist leaders leader on 14 March in Benares, another similar peaceful march was held in Jaipur main city of Rajsthan state on March 21 to say ‘no’ to inter-ethnic and inter-religious violence and to call for respect for human rights. Religious leaders and ordinary citizens of various faiths walked side by side in silent prayer expressing commitment to building a society of justice and harmony.
The participants called for dialogue and condemned all terrorism, in particular acts of terrorism carried out in the name of religion and they reminded all citizens of each one’s responsibility to promote reconciliation between the respective communities. Men and women marchers of all faiths stated they were all fully Indian citizens despite cultural or religious differences.
The march was also to counter Hindu fundamentalist groups which promote Hindutva nationalist ideology of ‘one people, one culture and one religion’ rejecting and attacking other religions as foreign. The Christian participants rejected Hindu extremists accusations of “terrorism” and proselytising, and Hindu attacks on Christian institutions and personnel. The Catholic community said it intends to continue to offer its centuries old contribution towards fostering development and progress involving all citizens in India.
(Agenzia Fides 23/3/2006 righe 24 parole 244)
