Hindus have welcomed reports of Oklahoma Statewide Virtual Charter School Board approving the first publicly funded religious school in the nation, and hope that the Board will be receptive to such proposals from ‘other’ religions also.
Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, who has written to the Board for application form and process to start a religious Virtual Charter School and has not yet received a response, in a statement in Nevada today, commended the Board for this step, pointing out that religion was important in the lives of Americans and Oklahomans and it spreads the message of peace.
Zed, who is President of Universal Society of Hinduism, said that Board should be welcoming to other religious groups of Buddhists, Muslims, Christians, Hindus, Jews, Sikhs, Bahai’s, etc.; when they present such projects to the Board in the future.
Rajan Zed emphasizes that religion is highly important and beneficial for the overall wellbeing of the society as a whole. It advocates forgiveness; brings deep positive changes; contributes to meaningful, healthier and happier lives; creates a sense of community; develops relationship with each other and God/supernatural-other; encourages selfless service, helping the helpless and caring of the community; helps cultivate positive emotions; improves our capacity to deal with life’s stresses; promotes ethics, good morals and charity; provides positive strength and courage; reduces anxiety about dying; teaches goodwill and self-control; etc.
Religion provides a unique service to the community and tax dollars on religion was money well spent if all the major religions are represented, Zed adds.