Interfaith Peacebuilding Initiative by India Islamic Academy Deoband & Deoband Educational And Research Foundation 

World Interfaith

Harmony Week

  In observance of United Nations World Interfaith Harmony Week, India Islamic Academy Deoband undertook a structured interfaith engagement initiative aimed at strengthening dialogue, cooperation, and social cohesion among religious communities in India. Under the leadership of Maulana Mehdi Hasan Aini Qasmi, high-level meetings were conducted with Sikh religious leadership at two major spiritual centers: Golden Temple, Amritsar Gurudwara Bangla Sahib,New Delhi These engagements reaffirmed shared commitments to peacebuilding,constitutional values, youth empowerment, and collaborative social reform. 

2. Institutional Background

India Islamic Academy Deoband & Deoband Educational and Research Foundation is an educational and reform-oriented institution committed to promoting ethical leadership, religious scholarship, interfaith cooperation, and community development. The Academy integrates traditional Islamic scholarship with contemporary civic responsibility, emphasizing dialogue and coexistence.

 3. Description of Interfaith Engagements 

A. Engagement at Sri Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple), Amritsar A formal meeting was held with: Giani Raghbir Singh Head Granthi, Sri Harmandir Sahib Key themes discussed: Faith as a foundation for peace and justicee Rjection of extremism and hate narratives Youth character-building initiatives Social reform including anti-substance awareness and ethical family practices   Strengthening interreligious academic dialogue The symbolic setting of Sri Harmandir Sahib, globally recognized for its openness and Langar tradition, reinforced the message of inclusive service to humanity.   

B. Engagement at Gurudwara Bangla Sahib,New Delhi A parallel interfaith dialogue was conducted with: Giani Ranjit Singh Head Granthi, Gurudwara Bangla Sahib Discussion themes included: Strengthening national unity through faith-based leadership Promoting interfaith youth exchanges Collaboration in community welfare initiatives Encouraging peaceful coexistence within constitutional frameworks Expanding structured interreligious forums at institutional level The meeting highlighted the importance of sustained dialogue beyond symbolic engagement and called for measurable, community-based cooperation. 4 Key Outcomes 

1. Agreement in principle to continue structured interfaith dialogue.

 2. Proposal for joint seminars and youth engagement programs. 

3. Mutual commitment to promote harmony and reject communal polarization. 

4. Shared recognition of religious institutions as stakeholders in national stability and global peace. 5. Strategic Significance The initiative reflects a proactive model of faith-based diplomacy rooted in respect, shared moral values, and civic responsibility. 

Conducted during World Interfaith Harmony Week, the engagements demonstrate how religious leadership can contribute meaningfully to conflict prevention, social reform, and sustainable peacebuilding.  India’s pluralistic fabric provides a strong foundation for such cooperation, and this initiative seeks to institutionalize dialogue as an ongoing process rather than a one-time event. 

 Conclusion

 The Interfaith Initiative undertaken by India Islamic Academy Deoband under the leadership of Maulana Mehdi Hasan Aini Qasmi stands as a constructive contribution to the objectives of United Nations World Interfaith Harmony Week.   By engaging respectfully with Sikh religious leadership at both Sri Harmandir Sahib (Amritsar) and Gurudwara Bangla Sahib (New Delhi), the initiative reinforces the principle that interfaith collaboration, when grounded in sincerity and shared servic Maulana Mehdi Hasan Aini Qasmi Meet With Giani Raghbir Singh Ji Head Granthi Golden Temple Amritsar,becomes a transformative force for social cohesion and global peace.