The 10th World Parliament of Science, Religion, and Philosophy is being held from October 3 to 5, 2024, at the World Peace Dome in Loni Kalbhor, Pune. The opening ceremony on October 3 features prominent figures like Dr. Karan Singh, Dr. Raghunath Mashelkar, and Dr. Vijay Bhatkar. The closing ceremony on October 5 will be led by Dr. Arif Mohammad Khan, Governor of Kerala.
The 10th World Parliament of Science, Religion, and Philosophy brings together global thought leaders, scientists, religious figures, and philosophers to address critical issues surrounding world peace, sustainability, and the integration of science and spirituality.
A vision of Rev. Prof. Dr. Vishwanath D. Karad, who has dedicated his life to promoting world peace through the harmonious integration of science, spirituality, and philosophy, the World Parliament of Science, Religion, and Philosophy aims to bridge the divide between intellectual inquiry and spiritual enlightenment, fostering a "Culture of Peace" through meaningful dialogue between global leaders in science, religion, and governance.
The opening with the "Divine Blessing Ceremony" brings together religious leaders from various faiths, including Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, and Sikhism. These esteemed figures will offer blessings for global peace and harmony. This gathering of religious heads is a powerful symbol of unity, while highlighting the shared values of love, compassion, and peace that transcend religious boundaries.
The Group unveiled full-length statues of Prophet Zarathushtra, the founder of Zoroastrianism, and Hiuen Tsang, the Chinese traveller who introduced India to the world in the 7th century on the eve of the World Conference, on October 2. At this occassion, notable dignitaries from India’s Parsi community and officials from the Chinese Embassy in Delhi were also present.
World Parliament of Science, Religion, and Philosophy: Outlining the universal pathways to global peace
The 10th World Parliament of Science, Religion, and Philosophy continues to advance its vision of uniting science, religion, and philosophy in pursuit of a more peaceful world. By acknowledging the role each discipline plays, the Parliament emphasises that the path to global peace requires the integration of scientific knowledge, spiritual wisdom, and philosophical inquiry.
“Looking at the prevailing disturbing scenario all over the world, it is imperative that we carry out introspection, search where we have gone wrong and decide about the measures that can help in setting the things right. It requires sincere efforts and firm action by all the right thinking knowledgeable people without any further loss of time. Any further delay will make the process irreversible and whatever rot has set in, will get perpetuated”, says Rev. Prof. Dr. Vishwanath D. Karad, Founder and Chairman of MIT WPU and Creator of World Peace Dome, Pune.
Science provides the necessary tools to address many of the material challenges threatening peace, such as environmental degradation and poverty. However, it is spirituality that nurtures values such as compassion, love, and unity—elements crucial to the cultivation of inner peace and societal harmony. Philosophy, on the other hand, offers ethical guidelines and critical thinking frameworks to navigate the complexities of human existence, helping to resolve conflicts and foster mutual understanding.
This Parliament highlights the need for a value-based universal education system that harmonises science and spirituality to foster a more peaceful and enlightened global society. By developing not only the intellectual but also the spiritual and ethical faculties of individuals, this holistic approach to education aims to create future generations who are both scientifically literate and morally grounded.
Sessions at The 10th World Parliament of Science, Religion, and Philosophy
Throughout the Parliament, a series of sessions will cover key topics that contribute to the Parliament’s goal of fostering global peace:
- Divine Blessing Ceremony: Leaders from various world religions will unite to offer blessings for peace and harmony. This symbolic act is a showcase of universal values of compassion, love, and unity shared across faiths.
- The Need to Harmonise Science, Spirituality, and Philosophy: This session focuses on how the integration of these disciplines can provide a comprehensive framework for addressing the material and ethical challenges facing humanity.
- Universal Pathways to Peace: Exploring spiritual practices like OM chanting, Yoga, Namaz, and meditation, this session outlines how these time-honoured practices foster individual and collective peace by promoting self-awareness, balance, and unity.
- Value-Based Universal Education: A call for a transformative education system that incorporates both scientific knowledge and spiritual values, this session advocates for a holistic approach to personal development, aiming to create a generation of morally conscious and scientifically informed individuals.
- The Role of Pilgrim Centres as Knowledge Hubs: This session discusses how traditional pilgrimage sites can be transformed into centres of learning, helping to raise awareness about the shared values between different religions and fostering a deeper spiritual connection among people.
- Global Warming and Redefining Sustainable Development Goals: This timely session addresses the pressing issue of climate change and the urgent need to redefine Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in light of environmental crises. The session advocates for a balance between economic growth, social equity, and environmental stewardship to ensure the long-term survival of both humanity and the planet.
- Empowering International Bodies: The final session calls for stronger global governance by empowering international organisations such as the United Nations, UNESCO, and the WHO. The session will emphasise the need for coordinated action to address global crises, prevent conflicts, and promote sustainable peace.
On the eve of the World Conference, on October 2, full-length statues of Prophet Zarathushtra, the founder of Zoroastrianism, and Hiuen Tsang, the Chinese traveler who introduced India to the world in the 7th century, were unveiled. Dignitaries from India’s Parsi community and officials from the Chinese Embassy in Delhi will be present for this occasion.
