The Encyclopedia of Hinduism is a project of the India Heritage Research Foundation (IHRF), founded by Pujya Swami Chidanand Sarawatiji of Parmarth Niketan, Rishikesh.
Speaking on the occasion, the President complimented Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji for undertaking the massive effort of bringing out the Encyclopedia of Hinduism.
“Hindu religious philosophy identifies Dharma, Artha, Kama and Moksh, as the foremost objectives of a human being. Striking a balance in human behaviour in working towards these objectives has been prescribed as a key aim of human existence,” the President said.
Quoting former president of India Sarvapalli Radhakrishnan, he said, “Hinduism is not just a faith, it is the union of reason and intuition that cannot be defined but is only to be experienced.”
President Mukherjee further said the basic tenet of Hinduism is happiness, health and enlightenment for everyone and suffering, pain and agony for none.
Quoting Mahatma Gandhi, he said, “If I were asked to define the Hindu creed, I should simply say: Search after truth through non-violent means. A man may not believe in God and still call himself a Hindu. Hinduism is a relentless pursuit after truth… Hinduism is the religion of truth. Truth is God. Denial of God we have known. Denial of truth we have not known.”
The Encyclopedia, a compendium of thousands of years of history, science, art, architecture, polity, religion, philosophy and culture, took 25 years to complete and is not limited to Hinduism as a religion but provides an inclusive treatment of India’s spiritual culture, including coverage of Sikhism, Jainism and Buddhism traditions.