By IANS
Varkala (Kerala) : Defence Minister A.K. Antony Tuesday called on all religious leaders around the world to renew their initiatives and put their heads together to curb terrorism – the biggest menace for humankind.
“It is high time that religious leaders should begin a dialogue amongst themselves because today every other world leader speaks on war against terrorism,” Antony said.
The defence minister was speaking at the Platinum Jubilee meeting of Sivagiri pilgrimage here, 40 km from Kerala’s capital Thiruvananthapuram.
“Just by mere use of force, terrorism cannot be contained and it is here that world religious leaders should begin to work together,” Antony said.
Sivagiri is the abode of famed social leader Sree Narayana Guru (1856-1928), popularly known as Gurudevan, who rebelled against the caste system and worked on propagating new values of freedom and social equality.
Referring to Gurudevan’s popular message – one caste, one religion, one god for mankind – Anthony said: “All of Gurudevan’s messages are still relevant and that is his greatness.”
“I have no doubt that the message of Gurudevan is so powerful that even terrorism can be contained through his teachings,” he added.
Hundreds of people have been flocking to the Sivagiri seminary since the celebrations began last week.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati and Union Minister for Overseas Indian Affairs Vayalar Ravi were among the pilgrims.