Hindus are urging for a permanent and dedicated “Hindu Prayer Room” in all publicly funded universities and colleges of Ireland, many of which usually house an exclusive Roman Catholic or ecumenical-Christian chapel.
Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, in a statement in Nevada (USA) today, said that all publicly funded universities and colleges of Ireland should respond to the requirements of Hindu students to provide a designated prayer-meditation hall for rituals, quiet reflection, festivals and spiritual exercise; which would help in their personal growth.
Publicly funded Ireland universities and colleges should uphold constitutional religious neutrality and may not establish or officially favor one religion over others; Ireland’s Constitution is explicit on this point. Article 44.2.2° clearly states that “The State guarantees not to endow any religion,” making religious neutrality a constitutional obligation, not an option; Zed, who is President of Universal Society of Hinduism, states.
Rajan Zed pointed out that “Hindu Prayer Room” in the university/college campuses would be a step in the positive direction in view of the reported presence of Hindu students in Ireland universities/colleges; as it was important to meet the spiritual needs of these students. Many universities/colleges in the USA now offer Hindu prayer rooms.
Zed suggested that the “Hindu Prayer Room” preferably should have a shrine containing murtis (statues) of popular Hindu deities like Shiva, Vishnu, Rama, Krishna, Durga, Venkateshwara, Ganesha, Murugan, Saraswati, Hanuman, Lakshmi, Kali, etc.; besides being equipped with ghanta (big metallic bell hanging from the ceiling), dholak (two-headed hand-drum), Shiva-linga, etc.
Rajan Zed urged Higher Education Minister James Lawless, Higher Education Secretary General Colm O’Reardon of Ireland and presidents of public universities/colleges of Ireland to seriously look into this issue and be more receptive to the needs of their diverse student bodies.
Ireland universities/colleges needed to recognize the intersection of spirituality and education, which was important in Hinduism; Zed added.
Moreover; although maintenance, operations, capital works, salary of non-clerical staff of public university/college chapels in Ireland were reportedly paid out of taxpayer money; but two Hindu students (bride and groom), if they chose to, were reportedly not allowed to use these beautiful chapels as their wedding venue; Rajan Zed indicated.
Hinduism, oldest and third largest religion of the world, has about 1.3 billion adherents and a rich philosophical thought; and moksh (liberation) is its ultimate goal.
According to reports; while Trinity College Dublin houses an ecumenical-Christian chapel; Roman Catholic chapels are housed in University College Dublin, University of Galway, University College Cork, Dublin City University (St. Patrick’s Campus), Dublin City University (All Hallows Campus), Mary Immaculate College Limerick, Mary Immaculate College Thurles, St Patrick’s Pontifical University Maynooth.