Indian Religions Come Together

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Hindus, Buddhists, Jains and Sikhs celebrate Om Day

The London Sevashram Sangha in Devonport Road has celebrated its tenth 'Om Day' in an annual event which brings together some of India's main religions.

The event is organised by the Unity Forum of the Indogenic religions – Hindu, Buddhist, Jain, Sikh – and aims to raise awareness and foster cooperation among the different faiths.

A day of lectures, prayers, worship and cultural performances on Sunday (June 21) began with the lighting of the unity lamp while the Om Day Song was sung by a group of devotees.

Swami Nirliptananda, the Hindu representative and main organiser, said co-existence, inclusiveness, pluralistic approaches and freedom of choice were essential features of Hinduism.

“Coexistence must be made the basic and primary code of conduct for all secular and religious institutions so that our world can be free from conflicts. Harmony and peace are supposed to be essential components of religion but it is incredible that it has been turned into an instrument of division and conflict,” he said.

Buddhism was represented by Rev Seela Wimala while the Jains were represented by Dr Natubhai Shah, who told the gathering: “The world needs women and men committed to being peacemakers.  It is not an easy assignment. It will call on every inner resource we have, and it may result in a lack of popularity and possibly our demise, as it did for Jesus and other committed peacemakers.  But in the end it will be the only sane way to live and the only way to offer a safe and secure world to our children.” 

The entertainment included a classical Bharatnatyam dance by Amita Gungaram and a Bengali group from South London Cultural Society who gave a classical performance of devotional songs based on the goddess Durga.

The event was held in the Main Assembly Hall at Hammersmith Town Hall and the Chief Guest was Deputy Mayor Cllr Adronie Alford.

28 June 2009