Foundation for Unity of Religions and Enlightenment of Citizenship (FUREC)
The society combines the objectives of the Surat Spiritual Declaration and President Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam's Vision 2020.
FUREC is a Non-profit organization set up by 15 spiritual leaders to sustain human spirit on the basis of acceptance of, and respect for, all religions, spirituality, economic well being and on the practice of Non-Violence (Ahimsa).
Launch:FUREC was launched by Hon'ble President Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam on the birthday of H.H. Acharya Mahaprajna, the 15th June 2004 at Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi.Genesis:
FUREC was registered as Society with Registrar of Societies, Delhi Government on 21 October 2004.
The Hon'ble President, Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam has always been perturbed by divisive forces and religious fundamentalism disturbing the Unity and bonhomie among our countrymen as well as state of 'underprivileged segment' of our society. His vision for a fully developed beautiful India with prosperous and harmonious life for its citizens, especially the youth, motivated enlightened spiritual and religious leaders who organized a Conclave under the aegis of H.H. Acharya Mahaprajna the spiritual leader of Jain Community at Surat on 15th October 2003 also the birthday of Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, President of India. The Action Plan discussed during the Conclave was documented and is known as 'Surat Spiritual Declaration' (SSD).Signatories:
The SSD Action Plan envisages Five Garland Projects. The emphasis of four projects was on celebration of inter religious festivals, multi religious projects, healthcare and employment, imbibing value based education in schools and encouraging interfaith dialogue among religious/spiritual heads. In order to pursue the above in sustained manner and to coordinate all activities, a national level independent and autonomous organization managed by religious/ spiritual leaders as well as scholars and Enlightened Citizens was set up. This organization was named "Foundation for Unity of Religious and Enlightened Citizenship' (FUREC).
15 Spiritual/Religious Leaders belonging to nine religions followed in India:Activities:
- Archbishop Stanislaus Fernandez
- Bishop Dr. Thomas Dabre
- Brahma Kumari Sudesh Didi
- Dr. Homi B. Dhalla
- Dr. J.S. Neki
- Jagadguru Sri Sri Shivaratri Deshikendra Mahaswamji
- Mahathero Rahul Bodhi
- Maulana Wahiduddin Khan
- Prince Husaifa Moyiduddin
- Rev. Ezekiel Isaac Malekar
- Sadhvi Kanakprabha
- Sri Sri Balagangadharanatha Swamiji
- Swami Jitatmananda Ji
- Syed Jilani Ashraf
- Yuvacharya Mahashraman
FUREC functions at three levels of Human Existence. At the level of the individual, it seeks to develop a common agenda for the development of a violence free individual or the Enlightened Citizen; at the level of the Society, it seeks to eradicate poverty through economic upliftment, harnessing the teachings of spirituality; at the collective level, it seeks to bring about better understanding between the different faiths/religions and bring about amity between them.Location:
The Registered Office of the FUREC is situated at 2nd Floor, Nehru House 4 Bahadurshah Zafar Marg, New Delhi 110002. Regional chapters ofFUREC are launched by the Signatories.Assistance / Participation:
FUREC invites all like minded people to join the Support Group to start a Project especially in rural and underdeveloped areas anywhere in India, and offer their support in terms of their ideas, their time and their influence. Every Project for alleviating poverty requires a Patron. FUREC values its PROJECT PATRONs and hails them for its effective working.