Communal Harmony and Religion for Peace and Transformation
With the increase of the social crisis, politicians and the narrow-minded politics of ‘identity’ continue to use the policy of ‘divide and rule’, and attempt to create religious communities whose identity is linked with hatred of the ‘other’. Despite the attempts of major political parties with communal agendas it is well known that Indian society has long resisted the attempts to fan the flames of religious hatred, that it has the spiritual and religious resources to remain a tolerant and pluralistic set of communities. However, unless a serious and sustained process is set in motion to contain the flames of communalism, being stoked from within and outside the nation, we will often find ourselves on the edge of a civil war in many parts of the country. There have been communal tensions in parts of Bangalore where the Peace Committees do not exist. While the major lines appear to be drawn between Hindu and Muslim communalists, the virus is also attempting to create serious tensions between Hindu and Christian communities.
The need to renew religions along pluralistic lines and with a focus on social and environmental themes is crucial. Very little work is being done along these lines. On-going conflict-resolution and conflict-transformation programmes are also necessary.
Pipal Tree has been deeply involved in the areas related to inter-religious conflict-resolution, communal harmony and the renewal of religions along social and ecological lines. Our activities aim to:
- Develop conflict resolution skills among youth, women and leaders from communally sensitive areas through peace committees.
- Renew religions with a focus on social and environmental themes by bringing together religious, spiritual and secular leaders from all over the country.
- Create sustainable development ethos and promote communal harmony and peace through re-interpretation of religious festivals.
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