Harmony in Pluralistic Religious Indian Society : Lessons from Vivekananda’s Principles of Inter-religious Dialogue

In Indian society today, there are many instances of division, dissension, discord, and bloodshed in the name of religion.However, the believers of all religions are convinced that true religion does not preach violence, but peace and harmony.In order to establish peace and harmony among the people of different religions, inter-religious dialogue is the key to build a harmonious and peaceful Indian society.One of the eminent thinkers and religious leaders of India, Vivekananda, has contributed valuable ideas toward the realization of this dialogue.This paper deals with the contributions of Vivekananda toward inter-religious dialogue and harmony with specific reference to the World's Parliament of Religions, 1893, in Chicago.