Mumbai (AsiaNews) - “I spoke about many episodes of violence in India in the past few years, and sought to understand why this violence occurred, because we know – that this is not India, India is a beautiful country rich in tolerance, religion and culture and we needed some kind of understanding from our counter-parts”. This is how Card. Jean Louis Tauran President of the Pontifical Council for Inter-religious Dialogue commented on the meeting between Catholic and Hindu leaders that took place in Mumbai yesterday in the aftermath of months of attacks against Christians in Orissa and other Indian States to AsiaNews.

 The Catholic delegation led by the prelate included 7 people among them card. Oswald Gracias, archbishop of the host city,  msgr. Pedro Lopez Quintana, Apostolic Nuncio in India, msgr. Felix Machado, archbishop of Nashik, and Msgr Thomas Dabre, newly appointed bishop of Pune. 12 spiritual leaders of the Hindu community in India were present led by swami Sankaracharya Kanchi Kamakoti Mutt.

 “This was a very positive dialogue with very positive outcome – said card. Tauran -, however, this was the beginning – a kind of orientation which will definitely lead to something larger”. The prelate added that he was “very impressed by the beauty of India, the people are very open-minded and tolerant and people in India are a welcoming”

 The Mumbai meeting was the brainchild of  card. Gracias in answer to a wish expressed by swami Sankaracharya for an occasion for dialogue and discussion between representatives of the two religious communities.

 In a meeting with the media addressed by Sankaracharya and Cardinal Oswald Gracias, Sankaracharya stated that there should be no proselytism and conversion in India.  Card. Gracias agreed that there all religions should categorically denounce forced conversions, but added that in accordance with India’s  rich spiritual patrimony, religious freedom and the individual’s freedom to choose his/her faith must be safeguarded and protected.

 The path of dialogue indicated by the Mumbai meeting is one of mutual understanding and collaboration between Hindu’s and Christians for the well being of society. “Inter religious dialogue is a very practical, - added Card. Tauran – in fostering peace and development for the benefit of the entire society”.

 Sankaracharya and Gracias both underlined the importance of charity and education.  For both men they are the tools that will build mutual under standing between religions, particularly among ordinary people and younger generations.  According to the Cardinal and the Swami, schools and works of charity are also a privileged means with which to build common good and reaffirm the centrality of the religious dimension in the life of every individual.