In a thought-provoking address, National Security Advisor emphasized the significance of unchaining the mind and fostering innovative thinking to avoid societal stagnation. Speaking at the launch of a new book, he highlighted the persistent conflict between religion and state, urging for resolutions through dialogue.
The National Security Advisor asserted, “Our loyalty to religion or the state should remain steadfast. We must not let conventional thinking inhibit our progress. Without introspection, we risk wasting time and losing our way. Delayed reflection often leads to stagnation.”
He noted that conflicts rooted in religion are unavoidable, as competing ideologies drive change and innovation; without this competition, societies risk stagnation. “To facilitate change and advancement, we must analyze the reasons behind societal stagnation. Those that fail to cultivate new ideas and think critically are likely to become mired in history,” he remarked.
Discussing the relationship between state and religion, the National Security Advisor mentioned that this dynamic is not exclusively linked to any one faith. He cited insights from recent studies that illustrate fluctuations in this relationship, particularly during significant historical periods such as the Abbasid era.
He reiterated the inevitability of religion-based disputes and stressed the importance of addressing these tensions constructively. Drawing from Hinduism’s historical conflict resolution methods, he highlighted the value of open intellectual discourse in preventing the escalation of conflicts.
In his historical reflections, he cited the resistance to the printing press as an example, illustrating opposition from religious authorities who feared misinterpretation of their beliefs.
Former Union minister articulated a perspective on the need for Muslims to evolve into a knowledge-driven society, reminiscent of their golden era, stressing that the decline of past empires was linked to a failure in knowledge sharing and adaptation to modern concepts.
