After it was reported that Russia would be introducing religion in its schools, a call has been made by Hindus to include Hinduism, one of the oldest religions in the world, in the curriculum in Russia.

Zed, who is President of Universal Society of Hinduism, hoped that religion curriculum in Russian schools would includeteaching of basics of major world religions, including Hinduism. Rajan Zed argued that opening-up the Russian pupils to major world religions and non-believers’ viewpoint would make them well-nurtured, well-balanced, and enlightened citizens of tomorrow. It also made a good business sense to know the beliefs of “others” in a global community. Moreover, students should have knowledge of the entire society to become full participants in the society.

Zed pointed out that religion was a complex and powerful component of human life, so we must take religion seriously. Moreover, existence of varying faiths was a positive sign of God’s generosity. Andrei Fursenko is the Minister of Education and Science of the Russian Federation. Hinduism, oldest and third largest religion of the world, has about one billion adherents and moksh (liberation) is its ultimate goal.