Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Feb 16: An inter-religious meet on the theme “Inter Faith – The Soul of Indian Constitution Values” was organized at Gandhi Nagar Church Hall, here today, bringing together prominent religious leaders, legal experts, social activists and civil society members to deliberate on the role of interfaith harmony in strengthening the core principles of justice, liberty, equality and fraternity.
The programme was hosted by the Commission of Inter Religious Dialogues in collaboration with the All J&K Christian Sabha. In welcome address, president of All J&K Christian Sabha, Ashu Peter Mattoo, underlined the need for sustained dialogue and mutual respect among diverse faith communities.
Ivan Pereira, Bishop of Jammu-Srinagar Diocese and chief guest on the occasion, said that interfaith dialogue was not only a social necessity but also a moral and constitutional responsibility to preserve the unity and integrity of the nation.
The panel discussion was moderated by Fr Dominic T, Director of the Commission of Inter Religious Dialogues, who steered the interaction and facilitated an engaging exchange of ideas.
Maulana Mohd Ajmal Kohli, Principal of Anwaria Madarsa, Digiana and working coordinator (J&K) of All India Payame Insaniyat, spoke on the Islamic perspective of peace and shared humanity, while Fr Robert Yesudeep Sandhu IMS, General Councilor of the Indian Missionary Society, Varanasi, Principal of Little Flower Convent High School Udhampur and Professor of Theology, highlighted Christian teachings on love, service and constitutional values.
Narinder Singh Khalsa, president Shiromani Akali Dal (Amritsar), J&K and chairman Sikh Intellectual Forum J&K, emphasized the Sikh tradition of equality and universal brotherhood. International democrat and veteran activist I D Khajuria shared his experiences of promoting rational humanism and communal harmony.
Advocate Syed Jamil Kazmi, Senior Advocate (AAG), described the Constitution as the binding force safeguarding India’s pluralistic identity, while R K Kalsotra, State president, Dalit, OBC, Minority & Adivasi Association, spoke on social justice and Dr B R Ambedkar’s vision.
Among those present were Mir Shahid Saleem, Ramesh, Aji Eappen, S Harsis, Amirdin Kasna, Kuldeep Singh, Balwant Kataria, Dr Aksa Rao, Advocate Suena and Advocate Micheal.
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