Dr. Thoudam Damodara Singh, Ph.D.
A Tribute to the Life of a Pilgrim of Peace
Dr. T. D. Singh, also known as His Holiness Bhaktisvarupa Damodara Swami Sripada Maharaj, was an outstanding exponent of the science-spirituality dialogue and in world peace-building initiatives. His tireless efforts within the past thirty years were revolutionary and have sown the seeds of introspection in the fields of science and spirituality, bringing together some of the best minds in the world - scientists as well as spiritualists - to a common platform of constructive dialogue.
As a scientist in Physical Organic Chemistry, from the University of California, Irvine, USA, and as a spiritualist in the Bhakti-Vedanta tradition, Dr. Singh authored and edited over a dozen renowned books on science and spirituality while traveling extensively the globe over, building bridges between communities, cultures and ideologies. Everywhere he went, he sought to cultivate the human spirit of inquiry, love and peace. Primarily, he emphasized the need for a new paradigm of life beyond the mechanistic model of atoms and molecules, to include that of consciousness, meaning and purpose.
Universal Brotherhood
Constantly paying tribute to his divine master, Srila A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, Dr. T. D. Singh organized numerous seminars and conferences on the synthesis of science and religion, conducted arts and cultural performances, and established close relationships with religious leaders and scientists in all parts of the world.
Through his meetings and discussions, he highlighted the unifying elements of the different philosophical, cultural and religious paradigms as the basis for world peace. This, he felt, could be achieved by cultivating the finer qualities of life such as nobility, honesty, objectivity, sincerity, compassion, forgiveness and humility among others, while at the same time searching for the ultimate reality and purpose of life.
In addition, Dr. Singh was a key member of the United Religions
Initiative (URI) founded by Bishop E. Swing under the auspices of the
United Nations. Through the URI, Dr. Singh played a very active role in
getting leaders of the world’s religions in several parts of the globe
to meet and work towards greater understanding of each other. In fact,
in honour of Dr. Singh, the URI held its Global Assembly 2008 at the
world headquarters of the International Society of Krishna
Consciousness in Sridham Mayapur, where religious leaders of all faiths
from the globe over gathered for dialogue on peace, understanding and
cooperation.
Despite
his
stature
as
a
world
figure,
Dr.
Singh
was
personal
in
his
dealings
with
whomever
he
met.
Indeed,
it
appeared
that
the
Divine
had
treasured
in
him
a stunning combination of exceptionally unique
qualities. Dr. Singh’s life, works and teachings mark a new chapter in
humanity’s quest for the Ultimate Reality. 
