Religion and belief are human’s natural and fundamental aspects. Every person’s religion and belief are distinct from each other. What’s more shocking is that the intensity of belief level for particular religion too is distinct from person to person. This factor gives distinction, uniqueness and personality to humans and ultimately this becomes their actual identity. That’s why religion and belief are not only sensitive in personal view but also with regard to the collective multitudes of people and community as a whole. Henceforth, not to respect, honor and give recognition to religion and belief is to disrespect, dishonor and disregard the identity of a person and community as a whole.
Standing firm on these issues and matters currently the book ‘Freedom of Religion and Belief’ penned by BP Khanal is out on the market and gaining
Divided into nine chapters the book is filled with main issues and concerns from fifth to ninth chapters which can also be taken as the cream of the book giving actual flavor and food for thought to readers with the nitty-gritty of religion, belief, identity, national welfare, development, spiritual harmony, sanatan dharma, relationship, social concerns, unity and freedom of religion and expression. Through out these chapters the author highlights to remind all the readers about the major populated Hindu religious multitudes have found favor, priorities and privileges since the ancient days and presents his advocacy and motivation by saying such specialties should be granted to other minor religious groups in par as well.
Though modern Nepal has majority of Hindu population, it’s actually multi-religious nation filled with presence and practice of Buddhism, Islam, Christianity, Bahai, Kirat, Jain and many more whose faith and belief has been ignored by Hindu extremists majority by playing foul in the name of religion. What’s even sad and gross is that extremist majority have tried to enforce laws forcefully on minority ones to obey and respect various political pressures, social traditions and customs in the name of Sanatan Dharma.
Khanal affirms that the extremist’s evil attempt upon other religious followers in the context of past and present is disadvantageous to the country of Nepal and he has shown this by digging in the researches worldwide. Truly speaking this book is dedicated for those back warded caste and religious group in the names of religion as stated by Khanal himself in Dedication section, ‘For the warriors of faith involved in helping the needy and weak people by standing firm in righteous attitude despite suffering for their own religious belief.’
Albeit, Khanal has prepared the book in such a way that wouldn’t harm and hurt the major Hindu citizens. Throughout the book it is expected that all the religious followers should accept other’s religion as religion too and not enforce their identity, belief and opinions on them because there is inclusion of right to religion and belief in human rights and it’s actually a fundamental right.
In it also contains the four supplements for readers after chapters conclude including Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Muluki Apradh Ain 2074, Example of suggestion letter to Criminal Crime Conduct by Janagagaran Party Nepal, 2073 and finally Nepal National Religious Commission, 2064 proposedby interfaith leaders and experts.
Book : The Freedom of Religion and Belief
Author : BP Khanal
Publisher : Religious Liberty Forum with Nepal Christian Society
Lalitpur, Nepal
Cover : Phil Rawlings
Phoolish Designs, Kathmandu, Nepal
Printed : Active Printing Press, Galkopakha, Kathmandu
Price : NRs 300 (USD 15.00)
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