IMPORTANCE OF RELIGIOUS TOLERANCE AND PLURALISM IN DIVERSE SOCIETIES

In by UbaidurRehman&Ziaulla

Introduction Interfaith Harmony is undoubtedly the need of the hour to make the world a better place. We are thankful to His Majesty King Abdullah II, Kingdom of Jordon, for proposing this initiative and to the United Nations for adopting and celebrating Interfaith Harmony Week in the first week of February. India is home to around 1.4 billion people and over 12 major religions. It must continue hosting such events regularly to foster harmonious coexistence among followers of various faiths. This second interfaith harmony conclave was hosted in Mumbai, the financial capital of India, a city known for its diversity and inclusion. Event Overview The event was conceptualized by Ubaidur Rehman Khan and Ziaulla Nomani as a support to the World Interfaith Harmony Week. The event was organized by Blossom Media at the historic Islam Gymkhana – a heritage structure with over 135 years of significance, on the 6th of February, 2025. Participation and Attendance The event witnessed distinguished religious scholars representing the 4 biggest world religions, Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, and Christianity, discussing the topic of the IMPORTANCE OF RELIGIOUS TOLERANCE AND PLURALISM IN DIVERSE SOCIETIES. The audience of over 200 attendees comprises leading businessmen, founders of social organizations, and influential figures who actively work for societal welfare. Their presence added great value to the discussions and the exchange of ideas promoting peace and harmony. Later, they all shared the event videos and helped it reach over 3500 people. Additionally, the Consul General of Malaysia in Mumbai, the Trade Consul of Indonesia in Mumbai, and the representative from the U.S. Consulate in Mumbai graced the occasion, further strengthening the international significance of the conclave. This conclave was divided into three parts: Panel Discussion: The panellists were not just religious scholars but also intellectuals in their own right: Islam – Mufti Sufiyan Vanu is an Islamic scholar of jurisprudence and a Hafiz of the Holy Quran and a Master in Business Administration. He is a Mumbai city Municipal Councillor. Buddhism – Dr. Bhadant Rahul Bodhi is a renowned Buddhist monk with a strong presence in India, Bangkok, and Thailand.  He holds a doctorate in History. Hinduism – Baba Satyanam Das from Udasin Ashram, one of the oldest hermitages of the Sanatan Hindu tradition.  He has a postgraduate degree in English Literature. Christianity – Father K.T. Emmanuel, Secretary to the Archbishop of Mumbai and Judge of the Metropolitan Tribunal of the Archdiocese of Bombay. The panellists shared insights on interfaith harmony, addressing challenges and solutions for fostering mutual respect and peaceful coexistence; they gave references from their traditions and religious scriptures. Honoring Champions of Interfaith Harmony: Individuals who have tirelessly worked for peace, harmony, and the betterment of society – regardless of caste and creed – were honored. The awards were presented to them by the august hands of the Consul General of Malaysia and the Trade Consul of Indonesia. Unity Dinner: The event concluded with a Unity Dinner, symbolizing solidarity and mutual respect among different faiths. People from other faiths dine together and make new friends from various communities. Extended Reach: Although 200 people attended in person, the event reached over 3,900 individuals across India through active sharing by religious leaders, business professionals, and social organization representatives. Conclusion The Second Edition of the Interfaith Harmony Conclave successfully reinforced the message of religious tolerance, unity, and peaceful coexistence. The conclave not only fostered meaningful discussions but also set a precedent for future initiatives to strengthen interfaith relations in India and beyond. With the continued efforts of thought leaders and social influencers, such gatherings will remain pivotal in promoting harmony and respect among diverse communities.