We live in an age where the scientific view of the world becomes more important every day and where religious interpretations are more and more contested, often because of what the modern science teaches us.  The religious ways of understanding the world has become old-fashioned, outdated, outmoded. The stressful relationship between, on one hand religious knowledge and, on the other hand, scientific knowledge is one of the most important issues in the world today. We have to understand how scientific knowledge slowly but surely emerged out of pre-existing religious knowledge. Scientists do not develop their ideas in a fight against religious philosophies, but by extending and amending and thoroughly testing ideas that come into the world as religious revelations.

As early as humans expanded beyond hunter- gatherer groups, religion was the glue that held societies together. Religion created civilizations. There is a need to understand religion in its real sense and make the masses understand the essence of religion. Religion should be studied as social science.

From the Christian Crusades to the Paris attacks, countless conflicts and acts of violence have been claimed to be result of differing religious beliefs. On the name of religions, caste and community innocent people are killed in counties like Syria, Pakistan, Afganistan, Iran, Iraq, Bangladesh, France, and Russia every day. There is a need for interfaith dialogue in such situations, as violence and terrorism cannot solve any problem. Violence gives rise to counter violence.

It was said that violence first takes place in mind and then in action. Mahatma Gandhi said that that an eye for an eye can end the world. Only love for hatred, compassion for culprits, care for destitute, support for scheduled will make this world more happy and prosperous. I remember Mother Teresa and Sufi Saints of India, who made us proud by their open mind and heart to make the society a platform for everyone. India is a melting pot for all challenges in one voice.

I am proud to belong to a religion which has taught the world both tolerance and universal acceptance. I had the privilege to study and live Jain Philosophy. Jain philosophy of Non-Violence, Peace and Harmony is more contemporary for humanity when people are faced with many problems like violence, global warming, income inequality and many more. Jain principles are recognised by science also. Following lifestyle shown by Jainism we can build healthy, prosperous and happy society.

Religion brings us together, it does not create difference. There is no place for violence and hatred on the path of religion. We can solve every problem through dialogue. It is necessary that we respect others existence and view point as we respect our own others existence and view point. There can be difference of opinions but not difference in hearts. Discussions and dialogue lead to development. We have to reach people to believe in universal tolerance and accept all religions as true.