We need to strive to protect interfaith respect: Ganesh Naik

The international conference on 'Interfaith Dialogue' organised by the Supreme Council Navi Mumbai Gurudwaras on Sunday saw many distinguished speakers convey their views and thoughts on the importance of interfaith today.

Since it was in relevance to Guru Granth Sahib, the holy book of Sikhs, many of the speakers drew references from it.

The conference, held at Imperial Banquet conference hall at Raghuleela Mall in Vashi, was attended by around 500 people, most belonging to the Sikh community. It was inaugurated by governor K Sankaranarayanan and was attended by Thane guardian minister Ganesh Naik, among others.

Referring to Maharashtra and Punjab as spiritual brothers, Sankaranarayanan said, "At a time when India is on the path to becoming a superpower, peace and unity are of utmost importance. As it is the largest democracy and multicultural, multi-religious in identity, such initiatives to spread the interfaith message are essential." He also commended the Supreme Council's efforts to establish an Interfaith Study Centre.

Acknowledging Navi Mumbai's cosmopolitan identity, Naik said, "Residents of the city respect each others faith and this is the city's strength. The aim of today's conference to put across the message of equality of all faiths so as to make the country more united, is indeed laudable."

Scholars representing various faiths and professors presented their research work, stressing on the validity of interfaith dialogue in present times. Dr Jaspal Singh, vice chancellor of Punjab University, Patiala, outlined Guru Nanak's efforts to go to different countries and propagate interfaith dialogue. "Dialogue in the true sense is not possible without believing and respecting in plurality and diversity. We should thus strive to protect interfaith respect," he added.

The speakers illustrated how the Guru Granth Sahib propagates interfaith and illustrated with examples of values of saints of other religions being included in the holy book. Dr Mohinder Singh, a member of National Commission for Minority Educational Institutions, stressed on "learning to transcend differences" that is one of the messages of Guru Granth Sahib.

Dr Rawail Singh from New Delhi, Satya P Gautam, chairperson, School of Philosophy in Jawaharlal Nehru University, Dr Deepak Manmohan Singh, director of World Punjabi Centre, were other speakers.
The Supreme Council also published a souvenir containing articles in Punjabi and English written by the visiting scholars that was launched at the hands of the governor and Naik.

One of the articles titled 'Guru Granth Sahib: An epitome of Interfaith Dialogue' written by Dr Manmohan Singh, IPS delves into the "multilateral and multifaceted perceptibility" of the Guru Granth and the various virtues it propagates.

Religious representatives such as Dr Homi B Dhalla, founder chairman of Zoroastrian Cultural Foundation, Mumbai, Swami Sura Das of ISKCON, Kharghar, among others, further elaborated how every religion preaches virtues thus respecting others' faith is as important as following one's.

The Supreme Council that has decided to establish Guru Gobind Singh Educational Complex and Interfaith Study Centre at Nadode, Khalapur in Raigad district that will focus not only imparting technical education of engineering and management, but will also initiate students into interfaith study. This international conference thus was to be a launchpad for their interfaith activities and setting up of the study centre in Nadode.