The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee received a copy of the Encyclopedia of Hinduism today (June 23, 2014) at a function at the Rashtrapati Bhavan Auditorium.

Speaking on the occasion, the President complimented Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji of the Parmarth Niketan, who is the founder chairman of India Heritage Research Foundation, for undertaking the massive effort of bringing out the Encyclopedia of Hinduism.

The President said that Hindu religious philosophy identifies Dharma, Artha, Kama, and Moksh, as the foremost objectives of a human being. Striking a balance in human behaviour in working towards these objectives has been prescribed as a key aim of human existence. Quoting, Dr. Sarvapalli Radhakrishnan, he said that Hinduism is not just a faith. It is the union of reason and intuition that cannot be defined but is only to be experienced.

The President stated that the basic tenet of Hinduism is happiness, health and enlightenment for everyone and suffering, pain and agony for none. He quoted Mahatma Gandhi and said "If I were asked to define the Hindu creed, I should simply say: Search after truth through non-violent means. A man may not believe in God and still call himself a Hindu. Hinduism is a relentless pursuit after truth… Hinduism is the religion of truth. Truth is God. Denial of God we have known. Denial of truth we have not known.”

Among the dignitaries present on the occasion were Shri L.K. Advani, Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha), Shri Ravi Shankar Prasad, Union Minister Law & Justice and Communications & Technology, Sushri Uma Bharti, Union Minister of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, Dr. Karan Singh, Chairman, Auroville Foundation, Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji and Dr. R.K. Pachauri, Director General, TERI.

Among the religious leaders present on the occasion were Dr. Acharya Lokesh Muni, Father Anil Jose Tomas Couto, Archbishop of Delhi, Maulana Dr. Kable Sadiq Sahib, Vice President of Muslim Personal Law Board, Giani Gurubachan Singh, Chief Jathedar Akal Takht, Golden Temple and Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswati.

This release issued at 1445 hrs