Hindus want Diwali as school holiday in Burlington
Hindus have applauded Burlington School Board (Vermont, USA) for declaring Yom Kippur and Eid al-Fitr as school holidays.
Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, in a statement today, while congratulating the Board for these two additional holidays, urged it to also add Diwali, the most important Hindu holy day, to the holiday calendar.
Zed, who is President of Universal Society of Hinduism, called it “a step in the right direction”. Awareness about other religions thus created by these holidays would make the Burlington School District pupils well-nurtured, well-balanced, and enlightened citizens of tomorrow, Zed said and added that it would make District look good also besides bringing cohesion and unity in the community. It would also go well with the District “mission”, which is “to ensure that all students achieve their highest intellectual and personal potential, and are prepared to contribute as global citizens in the 21st century”.
Rajan Zed further said that since it was important for Hindu families to celebrate Diwali day together at home with their children, we did not want our children to be deprived of any privileges at the school because of thus resulting absences on this day.
According to Zed, Diwali, the festival of lights, aims at dispelling the darkness and lighting up the lives and symbolizes the victory of good over evil. Hindus worship goddess of good fortune and beauty Lakshmi, god of wisdom and auspiciousness Ganesh, and mountain Goverdhan on this day. Also on this day, coronation of Lord Ram was held, Lord Hanuman was born, Lord Vishnu returned kingdom to monkey king Bali of Kiskindha, Lord Vishnu and goddess Lakshmi married, Lord Krishan killed demon Narakasur, and ancient king Vikramaditya was crowned. On this day of forgiveness, festivities, and friendliness; families and friends get together for worship followed by a sumptuous and elaborate feast. It is also considered a harvest festival. This year it falls on November five.
Children's Health Magazine rated Burlington the best place to raise a family. Burlington is the largest and most diverse city in Vermont, where 47 different languages are reportedly spoken. Jeanne Collins is the Superintendent of Burlington School District while Frederick S. Lane is its Board Chairman. Hinduism, oldest and third largest religion of the world, has about one billion adherents and moksh (liberation) is its ultimate goal.
Hindus laud new interreligious model of Andover Newton & Meadville Lombard seminaries
Hindus have welcomed reported plans of two leading seminaries, Andover Newton and Meadville Lombard, to form a new interreligious theological institution for educating religious leaders for service in a pluralistic world.
Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, in a statement in Nevada (USA) today, said that religion was the most powerful, complex and far-reaching force in our society, so we must take it seriously. And we all knew that religion comprised much more than our own particular tradition/experience.
Rajan Zed, who is President of Universal Society of Hinduism, pointed out that in our shared pursuit for the truth, we could learn from one another and thus could arrive nearer to the truth. As dialogue brought us reciprocal enrichment, we would be spiritually richer than before the contact.
This as-yet unnamed innovative “theological university” will be reportedly established on June 15 next by Andover Newton Theological School of Newton Centre (Massachusetts, USA) and Meadville Lombard Theological School Chicago (Illinois, USA). Other seminaries will also be sought as partners and it will “respond to the growing complexities of a multi-faith society” and will “serve seminarians of all religions, and seeks to strengthen their faiths and identities – not water them down”.
Established in 1807 and affiliated with the United Church of Christ and the American Baptist Churches USA, Andrew Newton claims to be America’s oldest graduate seminary and the nation’s first graduate institution of any kind and Rev. Dr. Nick Carter is its President. Founded in 1844, Meadville Lombard identifies with the Unitarian Universalist Association of Congregations with Rev. Dr. Lee C. Barker as President.
Andrew Newton has included courses like "Hinduism, Buddhism and Islam" and "Love and Compassion Across the World Religions" and runs Center for Interreligious and Communal Leadership Education with Hebrew College. One of its alumni translated the entire Bible into Burmese. Meadville Lombard "serves students who are seeking to become leaders in our interreligious, multi-cultural world". Both offer Doctor of Ministry besides other programs.
Hinduism, oldest and third largest religion of the world, has about one billion adherents and moksh (liberation) is its ultimate goal.