World Religions Conference November 1957

This comprehensive document is a report on the World Religions Conference held in Delhi in November 1957, convened by Muni Sushil Kumar. The report details the background, preparations, proceedings, and outcomes of this significant interfaith event.

Here's a summary of the key aspects:

1. Genesis and Vision:

• The conference was conceived by Muni Sushil Kumar, a Jain Muni with profound scholarship in multiple religions. He believed that despite outward differences, all religions share common underlying principles.
• The core idea was to foster world peace, universal brotherhood, truth, and non-violence by finding common ground among religions. This initiative was inspired by the post-World War II global climate of fear and strife, and the perceived failures of purely political and economic solutions to achieve lasting peace.

2. Historical Context and Previous Conferences:

• The report highlights a history of interfaith dialogue, referencing earlier conferences in Bombay (1954), Ujjain (1955), and Bhilwara (1956), all organized under Muni Sushil Kumar's inspiration. These events aimed to build momentum towards a global gathering.
• The Bombay Conference laid down five foundational principles: Spiritual Outlook, Feelings of Fellowship, Truth, Non-violence, and Love.
• The Ujjain Conference further refined the idea of a World Conference and passed resolutions on establishing a society of world religions, eliminating party prejudices, and facilitating comparative religious study.

3. Preparations for the Delhi Conference:

• Muni Sushil Kumar dedicated significant effort to organizing the Delhi Conference, engaging in extensive discussions with prominent individuals, religious leaders, scholars, diplomats, and government officials.
• Key figures who supported and participated in the preparations included Dr. Rajendra Prasad (President of India), who inaugurated the conference; Dr. S. Radhakrishnan (Vice-President of India), who presided; and Jawaharlal Nehru (Prime Minister of India), who delivered an inspiring speech.
• Numerous press conferences were held to propagate the conference's ideals and garner public support.
• A Managing Committee and various sub-committees were formed to handle logistics, publicity, and arrangements.

4. Key Themes and Philosophies:

• Ahimsa (Non-violence) was central to the conference's philosophy, presented as the ultimate creed for world peace. Speakers emphasized its broad interpretation encompassing truth, love, compassion, and self-control.
• The concept of "Unity in Diversity" was a recurring theme, with speakers highlighting the shared essence and fundamental truths underlying different religions, despite their varied expressions and rituals.
• Spiritual development and self-knowledge were presented as crucial for individual and global peace, urging a shift from materialistic pursuits to inner spiritual awakening.
• The report critiques the misuse of religion for political ends and the dangers of religious bigotry, sectarianism, and blind faith.
• The importance of purifying religion and restoring its pristine glory was stressed, acknowledging that while religion itself is not flawed, human interpretations and practices have sometimes led to conflict.
• The role of Asia and India as the cradle of religions and a potential beacon for global harmony was acknowledged.

5. The Delhi Conference Proceedings:

• The conference commenced with inter-religious prayers (Manglacharan) by representatives from various denominations, emphasizing universal peace and brotherhood.
• The Inaugural Session was held at the Ramlila Grounds, with addresses from the President, Vice-President, Prime Minister, and the convener, Muni Sushil Kumar.
• Subsequent Sessions at the Red Fort featured speeches from a wide array of delegates from India and abroad, representing diverse religious traditions, including Jainism, Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, Christianity, and Zoroastrianism.
• Notable speakers included Kaka Saheb Kalelkar, Sant Kirpal Singh Ji, Mufti Ziauddin Babakhanov (Russia), Archpriest Konstantin Ruzhitsky (Russia), Sayyad Mohd. Qabil (Pakistan), and representatives from Hungary, Ceylon, Burma, Japan, and the USA.

6. Resolutions and Outcomes:

• The conference passed key resolutions establishing the Ahimsa Research Institute and the World Fellowship of Religions.
• The establishment of these bodies aimed to provide a platform for continued interfaith dialogue, research into non-violence, and the promotion of universal brotherhood.
• A Controversy over the word 'Ahimsa' arose during the third session, highlighting the complexities of interfaith consensus. Ultimately, it was resolved to include "Truth, Love, and Non-Violence" as fundamental principles.
• Muni Sushil Kumar was appointed as the convener for the World Fellowship of Religions, with Kaka Saheb Kalelkar and Shri Jainendra Kumar Jain as conveners for the Ahimsa Research Institute.

7. Founding Documents:

• The report includes the Memorandum of Association and Rules & Regulations for the Vishwa Ahimsa Sangh and the World Fellowship of Religions, outlining their aims, objectives, organizational structure, and operational procedures.
• A Proposed Plan for the Ahimsa Research Institute was presented, detailing its theoretical and practical scopes, including an Ahimsa Encyclopedia and various research centers, with an initial budget outlined.

8. An Appeal and Thanksgiving:

• An appeal was made for global cooperation in establishing the Ahimsa Research Institute, seeking intellectual, physical, moral, and material contributions.
• The report concludes with a thanksgiving message, crediting the success of the conference to the collective efforts of all involved, especially Muni Sushil Kumar, and highlighting the significant public turnout as a testament to the widespread interest in the cause of interfaith harmony and peace.

In essence, the report documents a pivotal moment in the mid-20th century when, in the shadow of global conflict and existential threats, religious leaders and thinkers convened to champion the universal values of peace, brotherhood, and non-violence, laying the groundwork for lasting interfaith cooperation and a more harmonious world.