Almost all speakers at a peace symposium on Saturday stated that there is need for education across all religions for better understanding and peaceful relations among followers.

They were speaking at the ‘World Peace — The Critical Need of the Time’ symposium held at the Russian Centre for Science and Culture, Peddar Road.

Among the speakers were Dr Ram Punyani, Fr SM Micheal, Dr Homi B Dhalla, Swami Muktidayananda, Justice BG Kolshe Patil (retd), and Massarat Mundsagar, president of Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat in Mumbai.

“Ecology plays an important role in defining culture. Each place develops its own culture accordingly. No culture is completely perfect, but all need to be open themselves in order to celebrate openness in others. Religions have their own limitations. It is important that we learn truth and holiness in all,” said Fr SM Micheal.

“There are countries that teach seven religions in school. Since our education system is secular, there is a spiritual vacuum due to that. We need to learn basic things about all faiths to help us respect other religions,” said Dhalla on the need of educating students on different religions.

Swami Muktidayanandji said that real time knowledge of religion can give people peace. Justice Patil added that it is important to view things without religion.

Commenting on the reason for the symposium, Massarat Mundsagar said, “The World is in a turbulent mode, on the brink of World War III. There is potential for brotherhood. We look forward to more symposiums for the same reason.”