Guwahati: Four prominent theosophists from Bangladesh joined their fellow theosophists of eastern India and the north-eastern states in a common demand for global peace and harmony among nations overcoming all the threats coming from terrorists and divisive forces throughout the world.
The theosophists who today assembled in the conference hall of Srimanta Sankaradeva Kalakshetra on the occasion of the 14th eastern zonal conference of the Theosophical Federation and Theosophical Order of Service, expressed the common view and solidarity in carrying the message of oneness of God, oneness of life, oneness of humanity and oneness of destiny, “overcoming all the differences generated by misconceived religion, false sense of nationalism and a mad craze for economic supremacy.”
The zonal conference was presided over by DN Chakravartty, president, Assam Theosophical Federation, and was inaugurated by S Sundaram, general secretary of the Indian section of the Theosophical Federation, Assam Tribune reported.
Sundaram, in his speech, dwelt at length on how through selfless service and adherence to truth nations could endeavour effectively to establish harmony in society and peace in the world.
BL Bhattacharya, national director, Theosophical Order of Service, in his speech, stressed the need for selfless service for the cause of weaker sections of society.
Representatives from Bangladesh including Dr Almasur Rahman, Zubeida Parveen, Mafazzul Rahman and Nazmul Hasan, in their speeches, voiced their overwhelming feelings at the warm hospitality received in Assam, and gratefully remembered the immortal songs of Dr Bhupen Hazarika which, besides praising India, also mentioned the beauty and greatness of Bangladesh.
Dr Nirmal Kumar Choudhury, former vice chancellor of Gauhati University gave a talk, ‘Theosophy as a catalyst for world peace’.
Releasing the souvenir brought out on the occasion, Manju Sundaram, veteran theosophist from Varanasi, appealed to the people in general and the young generation in particular, to devote time to understand the cravings of the people for peace in the world and harmony in society.
Chandana Nandi from West Bengal, Jatin Patowary, president of the reception committee and Anil Baruah, general secretary of Assam Theosophical Federation, also spoke.
The second session of the conference was presided over by Dr Kunja Medhi and was addressed by Dr Subrata Bhattacharya Sarma and Asit Roy from West Bengal and Suresh Prasad Srivastava from Bihar.
Devotional songs were presented by Manju Sundaram, Anindita Choudhury, Nizara Deka and child artistes Adarshi Bharadwaj and Ragini Hazarika.
A cultural programme was also organised in the evening in the auditorium of the University of Science and Technology, Meghalaya.