We held a potluck as a "festival of sharing." The event was organized by six URI Cooperation Circles (listed above) and Empowering India, a local partner organization. Members from Christian, Hindu, Muslim, Sikh, and Tribal communities participated in a half-day event to celebrate interfaith harmony. They celebrated by sharing food and playing a game based on the theme of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This event was very important in connecting people of different faiths and traditions through a common thread of hospitality, particularly at a time of tremendous conflict and exploitative situations in the country. See more in the Facebook post. During the three-hour event, we went back to our enriched traditions of profound connection and hospitality irrespective of caste and creed. We have experienced that, in respect to our uniqueness, members experienced deep and profound bonding by feeding each other.

It is absolutely proven that, unless there is enough provocation and exploitation, people do not participate in conflicts and violence, and everyone wants to live in peace and happiness.

The inaugural speech was delivered by Govinda JI Maharaj of Ramakrishna Mission and Rev. Kalyan Kumar Kisku, Global Trustee URI. Hafiz Mohammad Khatibur Rehman and Sayed Tashhirul Islam from Empowering India addressed the gathering and invited people to join hands in social cohesive programs with several organizations. The Sustainable Development Goals game was very productive. Each Cooperation Circle standing in the circle had to pass the SDG ball while music played in the background. Once the music stopped, whoever had the ball had the chance to pick up a token from a lucky draw-box and read the Sustainable Development Goal written on the paper to further to talk about how they will promote this goal among their members and in the areas where they work. At the end, each Cooperation Circle got a prize. We also distributed jute bags to participants in order to reduce plastic use, and we are continuously running a campaign against plastic use. We offer solutions, ideas, and responsibilities to people to aim for a plastic-free environment.