in promoting religious harmony and social justice.

Rise of Engaged Buddhists in various parts of the world and particularly the Ambedkarite movements for social justice. Session-II Perpectives and teachings of the various religions promoting social harmony and justice. - Jainism - Saivism, Vaishnavism, Hinduism - Christianity - Islam - Sikhism and others Session-III Review of what has so far been done in the fields of religious harmony and co-operation of all to ensure social equity and justice. - Perspectives of the various religious groups. - Perspectives of atheists, agnostics, scientists and humanitarian organizations. Session-IV Review of Peace Army movements started in various parts of the world and experiences and lessons to be learnt from them. Views on what need to be done further to achieve the desired objectives of establishing a just and equitable society. - Perspectives of the various religious groups. - Perspectives of others. Presentation of Papers Those interested in presenting papers are requested to send the same (in MS-Word 12pt. Times New Roman- one soft copy and two hard

copies) in not exceeding 7-8 pages, on or before 31st December, 2011 to the Programme Co-ordinator: ( Email : priyadarshanajain@yahoo.in) (You may also mail copies to onkrishnan@yahoo. com; hemavathihelan@yahoo.in) Papers and presentations must be related to the overall theme or the specific themes of the technical sessions proposed. Papers will be screened and only the authors of the selected ones will be invited to make the presentations at the Seminar. Originality of the content and authenticity of the points discussed in the paper are important considerations for the acceptance of the paper. Organizers, Venue and Dates: Dr. Priyadarshana Jain, Director i/c Centre for Buddhist Studies, University of Madras, is the Chief Co-ordinator. The Seminar is proposed to be held in January/ February 2012 at The University of Madras, Tholkappiar Valaagam, Chepauk, Chennai 600 005. Formal invitation will reach you in due course. Thanks May all sentient beings be well and happy! Programme Co-ordinator: Dr. Priyadarshana Jain Head i/c Department of Jainology, Director i/c Centre for Buddhist Studies, University of Madras, Tholkapiar Campus, Chepauk, Chennai 600-005 Ph: 098403-68851 Email: priyadarshanajain@yahoo.in www.unom.ac.in

International Seminar

Religious Harmony and Co-operation for Ensuring Social Justice Role of Buddhism

Organized by

Centre for Buddhist Studies Department Of Jainology University Of Madras

Chennai - 05.

About the University Established in the year 1857, the University of Madras is the mother of almost all the old Universities of Southern India. In the last 154 years, this University has been growing from strength to strength while widening its teaching and research activities. In recent years, the University by its quality education has been accredited by National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) with A grade. The UGC has recognized the University as the first centre for potential of excellence in the country. About the Jainology Department The Department of Jainology was established in the University of Madras in the Year 1983 (20.09.1983) at its 125th year of establishment. It was inaugurated by the then President of India, His Excellency Sri Giani Zail, Singh and declared open by the then Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, Honble Dr. M.G. Ramachandran. The Department which was started as an Endowment Department by the efforts of the University and Research Foundation for Jainology is now a main stream Department from 2003 and offers. M.A. in Comparative Religion & Philosophy with specialization in Jainology and Ph.D Program. The Head i/c of the Department is the Director i/c for the Centre for Buddhist Studies. About the Centre for Buddhist Studies The Centre for the Buddhist Studies was established in the University of Madras in the year 2008 under the Scheme of Epoch Making Social Thinkers of India by the UGC. The Centre proposes to create and promote awareness of the unique teachings, perspectives and techniques of Buddhism for transforming societies into non-killing, non-violent ones and establishing a peaceful harmonious world order, and to facilitate

deliberations and discussions on the same for wider application. The Centre for Buddhist Studies, University of Madras, proposes to conduct an International Seminar on Religious Harmony and Co-Coperation for ensuring Social Justice and Role of Buddhism in the same. Aims and Objectives In spite of doctrinal differences and varied approaches to philosophical questions exercising the minds of the people from time immemorial, we believe that all religions want peace and happiness in society and work for the same. At least, they profess so, even though many wars have been fought and much blood has been shed in human history on issues relating to religious beliefs. But, the world is moving on and continuously changing. Religions are also changing and with them the religious beliefs. There is now world - wide recognition that fighting on religious beliefs is meaningless, brutal, futile, unnecessary and avoidable. Immediate need of the hour is that all humanitarians and religious practitioners, who share this concern, should join together and work on a common platform of secular spirituality to make our societies more compassionate, just and equitable, and to achieve a world without injustice and violence in any form. The aims and objectives of this seminar are to initiate an informed and worthwhile debate on why religions professing noble ideals are not uniting on a common platform of universal secular spiritual values of love, compassion and ahimsa and doing their best to tackle the contentious issues besetting our society and in this respect what Buddhism representing the underprivileged and down-trodden as it is now in India at the present juncture should do.

The endeavour here is to bring together scholars and academicians from the various religious communities and universities and also cross - sections of agnostics, scientists and humanitarian organizations and to brain - storm and evolve some consensus on the issues involved. Participants Scholars deeply interested in the subject matter of the seminar will be invited to deliver the Inaugural, Key-note and Valedictory addresses and also to participate in the discussions. Some invitees will also present papers; Post graduate students and Research scholars are also welcome. All the proceedings may be published as a reference book so that our deliberations can reach others. There will be no participation fee and token honorarium will be paid as per the University norms. Working lunch, folders with reading materials etc, will be provided to all the participants. Programme The Seminar will be held for two days. Besides the Inaugural, Key-note and Valedictory addresses by distinguished guests, the Programme will include four technical sessions. The deliberations will be on the following themes, in four technical sessions: Session-I Life, time and message of Lord Buddha and relevance of Buddhist perspectives and techings for bringing in the desired social transformations in the country. Role of Buddhist Literatures, Art, Architecture, Stupas etc in promoting religious harmony. Role of Emperor Asokas missionary activities and Asokan edicts and inscriptions