PEGOGNAGA, ITALY, JUne 14, 2016 (Gazzetta di Mantova): The representatives of the great world religions (Hindu, Buddhist, Muslim, Jewish and Catholic) sat next to each other, without shoes in respect of the Hindu temple venue, and filled the day with meaningful interreligious dialogue. The meeting, whose subject was “A Culture of Peace,” was sponsored by the City of Pegognaga at the Shri Hari Om Mandir Hindu temple of Polesine. The initiative was promoted by the mayor Dimitri Melli to coincide with the annual festival of the Hindu community, which will take place today with a folkloric procession of the Mandir’s sacred statues along San Lorenzo Street up to the old town center. Melli stated the objectives of the meeting; discussion and promotion of the culture of peace, while Angelo Araldi, vice-prefect of Mantova province, shared his personal reflections on the issue.
The managing director of the local Gazzetta di Mantova newspaper, Paolo Boldrini, asked the participants for practical suggestions on how to promote a culture of peace. The religious leaders spoke on the need for knowledge, respect, dialogue, sharing and integration for a common path towards a culture of peace. Those participating were: Raphael Longo, president of the Italian Buddhist Union; Emanuele Colorni, president of the Jewish community of Mantua; Ismaila Mbengue, Muslim linguistic-cultural mediator; Swamini Hamsananda Giri, vice-president of the Italian Hindu Union and Father Flavio Savasi of the Pegognaga Catholic parish.