On 27th: A Significant Effort Towards Communal Harmony — Urdu, Kashmiriyat, and Shared Cultural Traditions at SKICC
When people like Dr. Karan Singh, Shri Manoj Sinha, Prof. Nilofer Khan, Dr. Jyotsna Singh, and Dr. Khawaja Iftikhar Ahmed grace the seminar on interfaith dialogue at SKICC, it speaks volumes about the level and efforts towards communal harmony, brotherhood, religious diversity, and fraternity among all religions of the nation. The basic aim of the seminar is to build an idea to spread the message of brotherhood among the religious leaders of different faiths at the grassroots level.
Interfaith dialogue is the way to create strong relationships among all faiths in a nation towards progress. It leads us to religious respect, dignity, and brotherhood. The message of interfaith dialogue is to convey to all people that we believe in humanity, religious freedom, and religious diversity. There must be no religious polarization or religious discrimination, as these lead to hate, destruction, and ultimately division in the country. Every religion teaches one basic principle: to respect other religions. These principles make every citizen responsible for their nation beyond religious differences.
The seminar on interfaith dialogue is the first of its kind in Kashmir. It is a message, idea, and warning to those who misuse religion and create conflict on a religious basis in the state and the country. It makes clear that besides every religion, there is a constitution, which is a noble document specifying every clause of life in a state. That constitution actually safeguards our rights and clearly states that there is freedom of religion.
The seminar is hosting by, The Inter Faith Harmony Foundation of India (IFHFI), established in 2005, aims to promote peace and coexistence through interfaith dialogue. India’s rich history of diverse cultures and faiths living together inspires the Foundation’s mission to strengthen harmony among communities. In a world marked by extremism, mistrust, and religious conflicts often justified in the name of faith, the Foundation fosters respectful engagement and mutual understanding.
IFHFI brings together religious leaders, scholars, and civil society members to encourage dialogue, respect for diversity, and shared ethical values that emphasize compassion, justice, and human dignity. It challenges negative stereotypes, particularly about Islam, highlighting its true teachings of peace and brotherhood.
The Foundation advocates that sustainable peace requires addressing root causes of violence and fostering a sense of belonging for all. It promotes social ethos based on moderation, empathy, and shared responsibility, condemning violence in all forms.
By creating platforms for constructive conversation and initiatives like “Harmony Compounds” and Peace and Harmony Awards, IFHFI seeks to build bridges between communities. Its core belief is that dialogue, harmony, and love must replace conflict, division, and hatred for a just and united society.
The Inter Faith Harmony Foundation of India (IFHFI), established in 2005 in New Delhi, is a national organization dedicated to promoting interfaith dialogue, mutual respect, and social harmony among India’s diverse religious communities. It emerged as a constructive response to challenges like radicalization and misunderstandings about Islam and Muslims.
Over nearly two decades, IFHFI has created platforms for religious leaders, scholars, and civil society members to engage in open dialogue through seminars, conferences, and public lectures. Notably, it hosted the First National Interfaith Harmony Conclave in 2005 and the South Asia Interfaith Harmony Conclave in 2007, which included delegates from SAARC countries.
The Foundation believes that many conflicts attributed to religion stem from ignorance and fear, not genuine theological differences. It emphasizes shared ethical values like compassion, justice, and service to humanity, which transcend religious boundaries. Dialogue, for IFHFI, is about active listening, humility, and mutual learning, fostering trust and empathy between communities.
IFHFI envisions a society where religious diversity strengthens social fabric rather than divides it. By encouraging cooperation and ethical engagement, the Foundation aims to build a more peaceful, just, and compassionate world where faith differences inspire respect and collective progress.
“Different paths, one humanity— bound together in dignity, respect, and peace”
IFHFI’s philosophy centres on the belief that peace within societies and nations is tied to harmony among religious traditions. It recognizes that many conflicts attributed to religion arise from ignorance, fear, and miscommunication rather than genuine theological differences. The Foundation promotes shared ethical values such as compassion, justice, humility, and service to humanity, which transcend religious boundaries and encourage social harmony.
Dialogue, for IFHFI, is not a superficial exchange but an active, respectful process of listening and learning aimed at building trust and empathy. It encourages sincere engagement where differences become opportunities for mutual growth rather than division. Through its work, the Foundation aims to transform misunderstanding into knowledge and hostility into friendship, fostering cooperation across faiths.
IFHFI has initiated landmark events like the National Interfaith Harmony Conclave (2005) and the South Asia Interfaith Harmony Conclave (2007), which brought together religious leaders and delegates from across South Asia to promote understanding and cooperation. Its ongoing programs include youth education, community dialogues, and peace-building initiatives designed to address social challenges and promote collective responsibility.
Relevance to the Seminar in Kashmir
The seminar on interfaith dialogue in Kashmir holds profound significance within the region’s unique social and political context. Kashmir, with its diverse religious traditions and history of conflict, presents both challenges and opportunities for fostering communal harmony. The IFHFI’s principles of dialogue, mutual respect, and cooperation are crucial in promoting peace and understanding among Kashmir’s varied communities.
Kashmir has witnessed periods of mistrust and polarisation that threaten social cohesion. The seminar, inspired by IFHFI’s mission, aims to create a platform where religious leaders, scholars, and community members can come together to build bridges, counter misinformation, and promote the shared values of brotherhood and respect. This effort aligns with the Foundation’s vision of replacing fear and suspicion with dialogue and empathy.
The participation of all stakeholders—religious leaders, government representatives, educators, youth, and civil society—is essential to the seminar’s success. Their collective engagement ensures that the message of interfaith harmony reaches grassroots levels, fostering a culture of peace that transcends religious differences.
By embracing IFHFI’s approach, Kashmir can move toward a future where its rich cultural and religious diversity is celebrated as a strength rather than a source of division. This will bridge the gap and ensure safety and security in the nation. “United we stand, divided we fall” is the message.
(The Author is a Columnist and can be reached at: [email protected])
