Newsoom24x7 Staff

Ujjain: Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi today released here the Universal Message of Simhastha-2016 which emphatically says religion is a force that binds and leaders, representatives of all religions, creeds, sects and faith-systems should, therefore, denounce all acts of violence committed in the name of religion.

The universal message released by the Prime Minister goes on to point out that the entire human race is but one. Therefore all forms of mutual co-operation and inter-dependence need to be encouraged. It further adds the objective of development is to ensure happiness, good health and welfare of one and all. Values in life have to be respected as much as value of life.

Text of the Universal Message

Whereas on the occasion of Simhastha, which comes every twelve years and dates back to Vedic times, the holy Kumbh Mela is held at Ujjain, an ancient city of India ;

Recognising that this much revered spiritual occasion has traditionally provided a platform to realized saints and thinkers to engage in dialogue on matters, both spiritual and temporal, relevant to their contemporary times;

Convinced that there is a need to continue this great tradition, the Government of Madhya Pradesh organized an international conference -Vichar Mahakumbh during Simhastha 2016 from 12th -14th May at Ninora, Ujjain on Living the Right Way;

Guided by the discourses of the scholars, who came from all over India and the world to participate in the deliberations organized on various issues namely Value based life, Religion for Human welfare, Global warming and Climate Change, Science and spirituality, Women empowerment , Agricultural traditions, Cleanliness and Rural Industry;

Affirming that it is of the essence that human beings live right to realize their full potential;

Respecting the uniqueness of each human being and each culture, it was felt that different dimensions of a fulfilling life be clearly stated for the benefit of human kind;

Now, therefore this Vichar Mahakumbh solemnly proclaims herein the guiding principles relevant to a fulfilling human life as the Universal message of Simhastha 2016:-

1. Human existence is not merely physical. Its consciousness and perception has infinite dimensions which permeate both the animate and the inanimate worlds. This truth is the core that actuates life-values.

2. The entire human race is but one. Therefore all forms of mutual co-operation and inter-dependence need to be encouraged.

3. The objective of development is to ensure happiness, good health and welfare of one and all. Values in life have to be respected as much as value of life.

4. Value education should be included in the academic curricula so that these are inculcated from the early years and treated on a par with other subjects. Indeed, this should be the core around which the entire curricula should be built.

5. The education system needs redesigning to encourage inter-dependence, compassion, friendship, mercy, humility, respect, patience, faith, gratitude, transparency and co-operation rather than unhealthy competitiveness.

6. Study of values is not meant for personal development alone but aims at building an orderly society, striking a relational balance and defining a model life.

7. Probity, transparency and accountability should be the touchstone of public life.

8. Truth is One. Paths to reach the truth are many. This understanding can alone bring unity in diversity.

9. Respect for all religions should be infused in the young through introduction of appropriate academic curricula.

10. The realization that Creation is an extension of the same consciousness, of which human beings are but a part, is essential to promote love and compassion for all living beings. Religion actuates progress of the self and promotes human welfare. It binds through love, co-operation and harmony. Yet, its abuse for expansionism undermines universal brotherhood.

11. Do unto others that you would have them do unto you and live and let live should be the abiding prescriptions for social conduct.

12. Religion is a force that binds. Leaders and representatives of all religions, creeds, sects and faith-systems should, therefore, denounce all acts of violence committed in the name of religion.

13. Empathy and respect for Nature are the only sustainable solutions to the crisis facing the planet.

14. Indigenous knowledge in the fields of agriculture, forestry, medicine, bio-diversity, resource management and natural calamities needs to be encouraged for achieving a balance in the usage of natural resources.

15. Excessive consumerism has to be curbed to protect the ecology. Reckless exploitation of natural resources is the major cause of many natural calamities. Economies and lifestyles that nurture Nature should be adopted.

16. The severe water crisis gripping the world is an existential crisis. Techniques and systems for conservation of water should be encouraged and the practices which diminish the water-holding capacity of the soil should be discontinued.

17. Ancient civilizations and cultures established customs, traditions and art forms that help forge close ties with mother nature. The scientific basis of these lifestyles should be studied and applied in modern life as well.

18. Our responsibility towards the future generations demands that principles of judicious use of the resources must govern State policies. The shrinking green cover of the earth is a matter of deep concern. A major initiative of afforestation and rejuvenation of rootstock present in the soil is called for.

19. Science and spiritualism complement each other. Science explores the physical secrets of nature and spiritualism helps in understanding inner secrets. An institutionalized system to study relationship between science and spiritualism is called for.

20. Human experiences occur at both physical and spiritual levels. Material prosperity necessary for fulfilment of the physical needs of human society cannot lay the foundations of balanced human life without bringing in a spiritual dimension.

21. The relationship between science and technology is the same as spiritual growth has with Yoga and Dhyan. The comprehensive view of life that one learns through yoga can help create an ideal society.

22. Educational curricula should include study of spiritualism in simple form. An understanding of the basic laws of nature will help mature young minds.

23. Most of the physical and mental ailments afflicting modern lifes arise because we live in conflict with basic laws of nature. Effective cure lies in conducting scientific research which will synergize modern medicine with the practice of Yoga and Ayurveda. This will help in framing tenets of joyful living in formats that are easily understood.

24. Strategy of a sanitation campaign should be drawn from the principles of internal purity and external cleanliness propogated by faith systems prevalent in the society concerned. Sanitation should be established as social value rather than as administered activity.

25. Sanitation strategy should not be designed as a function of the economic status of an individual.

26. Sanitation can also be achieved by viewing waste as a resource. The traditional methods of enhancing fertility of soil have always valued biological waste.

27. The threat to the existence of the rivers is not merely of pollution. The crisis is existential. The stability of the ecosystem of this planet would be lost with the disappearance of rivers. All efforts to rejuvenate rivers need to be intensified and international experiences in this regard shared.

28. Unplanned urbanization has reduced rivers to drains of city waste. Besides sensitizing the citizenry, it is essential that the provisions necessary for their preservation be built into all plans of urban development.

29. The household chores that women perform should be valued equally with the work performed outside home. Methodologies to include these in the GDP should be developed.

30. Commodifying the female appearance in advertising should be prohibited by law.

31. Gender Parity Index should be developed at all levels of relevant sectors and tools necessary for its effective review developed.

32. Equal pay for equal work should be the fundamental principle governing terms of employment of women.The process of consultation with employers to make them responsible for this should be initiated.

33. Equality cannot be achieved through neutrality but only through positive affirmation. Equality of women representation in all institutions be ensured whether they be consultative, regulatory, oversight or others.

34. The dignity of women as equal human beings need to be accepted universally and find reflection in all public policy and schemes.

35. Abuse of technology as a tool against the women in any form should be effectively stopped.

36. It is important to embrace a life cycle approach while addressing women’s issues. In view of the special responsibility towards child bearing and rearing their nutrition, education and health require focus.

37. Statutory representation of women at all levels of democracy is essential.

38. There is need to invest in gender sensitive and gender responsive infrastructure that reduces women’s daily drudgery and enables them to participate in more productive work.

39. Agriculture technology, particularly from the 20th Century, has led to high emission of green house gases in the primary sector. This is a matter of concern and needs to be addressed.

40. Decline of water table, soil erosion, destruction of natural fertility and chemical pollution denotes lack of sustainability perspective. Agriculture needs a regenerative vision.

41. Seed autonomy of the farmer is a fundamental and inviolable right. Protection of this right protects biodiversity as well.

42. Protection of indigenous cattle breeds should be viewed in the light of its positive impact on environmental conservation.

43. For sustainable agriculture we need to revisit policies of the recent past and research potential of the ancient traditions of our sages. Alternatives like Vrikshayurved, Agnihotra, Vedic, Organic and Natural agriculture should be accorded priority.

44. All stakeholders should jointly take the initiative to find alternatives of market dependencies and debt proclivity of modern agriculture.

45. Agricultural practices and inputs detrimental to the soil, animal and plant health, hydrology and eco-system should be discouraged. Simple techniques like pachgavya, jeevamrut, matkakhad will yield better results. Besides, organic items should be given priority over inorganic ones for incentives, subsidy, credit and market support.

46. Concept of “Zero-budget agriculture” should be promoted to maximize profit at minimum cost.

47. Economic democracy implies that capital is distributed among maximum populations. Cottage industries are therefore important component of social and economic democracy.

48. Industrialization that respects the diversity of cottage industries and does not expose them to unequal competition should be promoted. They are key to the framework of a decentralised economy and deserve to be nurtured and promoted by international trade organizations.

49. Cottage industry is an effective tool in operationalizing the concept of production by the masses rather than mass production and can, therefore, help achieve inclusive development.

50. The small entrepreneur should have access to e-technology based market network to make their products available to global consumers.

51. Craftsmen are being reduced to daily wage labourers. They should be seen as creative artists and not just wage earners. Their contribution to indigenous cultures deserves respect in the society.

This Vichar Maha Kumbh urges all communities of the world to adapt the values and the principles enshrined in this message in manner best suited to their milieu and context to enable each individual to live a balanced and fulfilling life.

Released today this 14th day of May 2016 corresponding to 24th Vaishakha of Saka Samvat 1938.