Hindu statesman hails Vatican's Diwali greetings

Vatican's Diwali greetings imploring "commitment to integral human development" was welcomed by Hindu statesman Rajan Zed who invited the Pope to visit a Hindu temple to promote mutual understanding.

Zed, who is president of Universal Society of Hinduism, hailed the Vatican's greetings to Hindus on the Festival of Lights calling for unity and greater co-operation for human development.

The Vatican message urged Hindus to join together to "dispel darkness that hinders a true vision of co-existence, religious harmony and integral development for each and every person."

"May Deepavali be an occasion to celebrate our friendship and boldly proclaim the victory of good over evil, light over darkness, and work together to bring about an era of true freedom 'for all' and integral human development 'of all'," the message stated.

Zed agrees that it is vital for Hindus and Christians to join together and engage in collaborative action. He also feels it necessary to have Pope visit a Hindu temple in near future to promote understanding and respect between both the faiths.

In shared pursuit for the truth, both faiths can learn from one another and thus can reach closer to the truth, he says.

Zed, who is active in interfaith dialogue, also showered praises on Pope for including a Hindu scripture in the Good Friday Meditations and Prayers led by him at Roman Colosseum sometime back.