The Hindu : Kalam deplores religious fanaticism

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Sunday, Apr 20, 2003

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Kalam deplores religious fanaticism

The President, A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, and Rajyogini Dadi Prakashmani, Global Chief of Brahma Kumaris, at a convention on `Evolution of a Good Human Being' at Bilaspur near Gurgaon in Haryana on Saturday. — PTI

Bhora Kalan (Haryana) April 19. Strongly deploring ``religious fanaticism,'' the President, A. P. J. Abdul Kalam, today said it bred terrorism and endangered the nation.

``Terrorism results from various factors such as religious fanaticism, difference in ideologies, discrimination and enmity between organisations and nations,'' he said addressing a convention on "Evolution of a good human being" here.

``Nation is important compared to any individual, party or religion,'' he said and emphasised the need for ``collectively addressing these sources of disturbance by formulating visionary policies for national development.''

Without naming Pakistan, Mr. Kalam said ``certain nations have been indulging in cross-border terrorism mercilessly.''

Prescribing spiritual remedies to conflicts, he said ``when religions are empowered and become spiritual force, peace and happiness will blossom in people's hearts.''

To achieve the dream of being a developed nation, the country has to become an economic and commercial powerhouse with self-reliance in defence needs, he said.

Suggesting a three-point agenda for humans to ``evolve into better souls,'' Mr. Kalam said this process ought to begin first during the 12 years in a child's education.

``The second important component would be religions graduating into spiritual movement,'' he said, adding poverty eradication formed the third vital component of this mission.

Earlier, Mr. Kalam inaugurated the Om Shanti Retreat Centre — the Northern India complex of the Prajapita Brahma Kumari Ishwariya Vidyalaya here in presence of the Haryana Governor, Babu Parmanand, and the Chief Minister, Om Prakash Chautala.— PTI

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