Secularism,non-violence only way to ensure world peace

We stand among dichotomies of war and peace,racism and human dignity,oppression and liberty and freedom from want. Our times are turbulent not only in terms of terror and war but surging populations...

We stand among dichotomies of war and peace,racism and human dignity,oppression and liberty and freedom from want. Our times are turbulent not only in terms of terror and war but surging populations,environmental degradation,and ethnic conflicts,with misery and frustration sowing seeds of discontent across the globe.

This was stated by Jaspal Singh,Vice-Chancellor of Punjabi University,in his presidential address on the opening day of a two-day international symposium on Secularism and Non-violence: A mandate for world peace on Thursday.

Talking about the unjust economic,social and political order,Jaspal Singh rated

religious intolerance and politicalisation of religion as the

Story continues below this ad

major causes of increasing violence which was threatening world peace.

Peace,he said,cant be brought by force in a world where half the population lives on two dollars a day,where 94 per cent of the world income goes to 40 per cent of the population and where the GDP of 48 poor nations is less than the wealth of the worlds four richest individuals combined.

Jaspal Singh further said that secularism and non-violence constitute the only answer to all conflicts plaguing the world.

In his keynote address,R N Singh,professor of Sociology and Criminal Justice Systems,University of Texas,USA,drew a parallel between a liberal outlook and fanaticism as springboards to world peace.

Story continues below this ad

Dean,Colleges and HoD of Social Work,Manjit Singh said it was ironical that the world leaders,who once advocated non-violence,peace and freedom as virtues were now feeling obligated to justify violent means to contain terror.

Stay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram