Miscellaneous - This Day That Age   

dated October 14, 1958: Return to religion (From an editorial)

The grand theme running through the very felicitous discourses that Dr. S. Radhakrishnan delivered in his all-too-brief stay in Madras was the imperative need for a return to religion which alone could give meaning and purpose to life. He gave us the warning that the real values that sustained any society worth the name were spiritual and not material. Only the religious spirit could inspire men and women to right conduct and selfless endeavour. Dams and other mechanical and engineering projects should no doubt be implemented without delay in order to enable the people to get the simple necessities of life. And commerce and trade would increase the national wealth. But, Dr. Radhakrishnan pointed out, these constituted merely the outward shell which would collapse if the spirit within was neglected and allowed to decay. The Vice-President had no hesitation in laying down that religious instruction should form an important part of our educational system. As a profound humanist and scholar, he did not equate religion with religiosity or intolerance. True religion inculcates “spiritual good manners” which form the bedrock of democracy. It inspires men and women to give of their best to society and to recognise individuals or groups professing different religions as entitled to safe existence and development. Harmony and serenity have been the watchwords of our ancient rishis and thinkers through the ages; and the India of the future must continue her great mission of reconciliation. We hope that Dr. Radhakrishnan’s message will be taken to heart by the staff and students not only of the institutions that he visited but of others in our country.

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Stories in this Section

Cartoonscape
The Hindu Crossword 9352
Solution to Puzzle 9351
Convincing acceptance
dated October 14, 1958: Return to religion (From an editorial)
dated October 14, 1958: Moon rocket burns up
Weather

Copyright © 2008, The Hindu. Republication or redissemination of the contents of this screen are expressly prohibited without the written consent of The Hindu