Interfaith Harmony Week reflections at Interfaith Advocacy Day 2024 By Dr Jasmit Singh, FAN Board Member, from Khalsa Gurmat Center My friends, brothers and sisters, We gather here today, not bound by the walls of any one faith, but by the shared hope for a better world. We come from different spiritual paths, guided by different traditions, yet we share one common purpose: a yearning for compassion, justice, and peace in this world. Look around you. See all the eyes shining with this shared hope. Hope, that whispers in the face of despair, that ignites the flame of possibility when darkness threatens to consume. It is the bridge that spans divides, the language that transcends words, the force that compels us to rise above our differences and reach for a common good. We may each follow different religions, speak different languages of prayer, but beneath it all, there beats a single, powerful heart, that yearns for a better world – a world where love conquers hate, where justice prevails, and where hope blooms eternal. Let us not be divided by the labels that separate us. Let us instead focus on the values that unite us: compassion, forgiveness, kindness, and the unwavering belief in the potential of each human being. We are interconnected, bound by the invisible threads of humanity. And within each of us lies the power to contribute to a brighter future. The world around us often throws shadows of despair – conflict, injustice, inequality, environment, healthcare, hunger, hate and fear. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed, to retreat into our individual beliefs, seeking solace within familiar walls. But remember, the light of a single candle may be small, yet when countless flames come together, they can illuminate even the darkest corners. That is the power of you all being here today! Together, let us identify the values that bind us – love, compassion, justice, and the inherent dignity of every human being. This is the universal language of the soul. Imagine a society Where the wisdom of countless traditions converges to address the challenges we face. That is the society we can build, together, united in hope. This is not a dream, my friends. It is a possibility that lies within our grasp. It is a world we can build, brick by brick, act by act, hand in hand. Let us start today, let us start here today at this advocacy day. Let us pledge to use our faith, not to divide, but to unite. Let us be the change we wish to see in the world. So let us go forth, my friends, not as isolated pilgrims, but as a united caravan, carrying the torch of hope. Let us show the world the power of faith united playing a symphony of shared purpose. Together, we can build a society where the melody of hope resonates loud and clear, a testament to the boundless potential of humankind. Let us be known not for the prayers we whisper in solitude, but for the actions we take together. Let us be the generation that bridges the gaps, that dismantles the walls, and builds a society where hope thrives. Remember, the greatest miracles are not wrought by singular feats, but by the collective power of countless hearts beating as one. Let us be the miracle workers, the architects of a future where faith becomes the bridge to a more just and compassionate world. Let us start today, let us start now, and together, let us build a society worthy of our shared dreams. May the light of hope guide our steps, and may the spirit of unity forever bind us together. Thank you.