Although over 80 countries have either an “official religion” or “preferred religion”, but Hinduism is not an official or preferred religion in any country of the world, according to a Pew Research Center report published on October three.
Islam, Christianity, Buddhism is the “official state religion” in 27, 13 and two countries; and “preferred/favored religion” in three, 28 and four countries respectively. Judaism is “official state religion” in one country, while five countries prefer/favor multiple religions. Ten countries are “hostile to religious institutions”, while 106 countries have no “official or preferred religion”, report adds.
“Countries with an official or preferred religion are more likely than those without to have government restrictions on religion”, report points out.
Meanwhile, distinguished Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, in a statement in Nevada today, commending the Hindu community for their contributions to the society and the nation where they live despite the “official” or “preferred” status; urged them to continue with the traditional values of hard work, higher morals, stress on education, sanctity of marriage, etc.; amidst so many distractions.
Rajan Zed, who is President of Universal Society of Hinduism, advised Hindus to focus on inner search, stay pure, explore the vast wisdom of scriptures, make spirituality more attractive to youth and children, stay away from the greed, and always keep God in the life.
Hinduism is oldest and third largest religion of the world with about 1.1 billion adherents and moksh (liberation) is its ultimate goal.
Pew Research Center is a nonpartisan fact tank headquartered in Washington DC.