IARF-SACC participation at Delhi Peace Summit 2003

“Towards a Culture of Harmony and Peace”

Delhi Peace Summit, in partnership with Council for a Parliament of World’s Religions, Chicago, organised an International Summit with the theme “Towards a Culture of Harmony and Peace” from December 7 – 10, 2003 at New Delhi.

The summit was inaugurated by the President of India, H.E. Dr. APJ. Abdul Kalam. Dr. Jagmohan, Union Minister for Tourism and Dr. Karan Singh were also present. It was attended by about 70 international and 300 Indian delegates. IARF was represented by all the members of South Asia Co-ordinating Council (SACC) and its Co-ordinator.

SACC participation: On the first day, Dr. Prof. Mumtaz Ali Khan, SACC Chairman spoke on behalf of IARF on the theme “Building Culture of Peace through Interfaith Co-operation”. In a session on sharing stories of interfaith solidarity, Mr. Ranjit Mukherji, Member of IARF SACC spoke on the topic “Service through social work”. On the third day Dr. Kazi Nurul Islam, Chairman IARF Bangladesh Chapter acted as Moderator for a group discussion on the topic “Interfaith Education”. Mr. Mukherji, Mr. Thomas Mathew, SACC Member and Mr. Zulfikhar Akram, SACC Co-ordinator did facilitation for discussions on inter-religious and intra-religious solidarity in the circle groups.

His Holiness The Dalai Lama presided over the valedictory Function. It was organised at Gandhi Smriti. Dr. Mohinder Singh, the Organising Secretary of the Summit requested Dr. Khan to extend greetings to H.H. The Dalai Lama on behalf of IARF. After paying his respects to The Dalai Lama, Dr. Khan in his address said

“Your Holiness Dalai Lamaji, it is my pleasure and privilege to convey greetings to you on behalf of International Association for Religious Freedom. We seek your blessings to promote and sustain peace and harmony around the world”.

Ms. Ela Gandhi, the grand daughter of Mahatma Gandhi and one of the prominent participants, also spoke on the occasion.

During the Summit the SACC members met some of their old friends and also made new friends and had useful discussions with them. On the last day, an interfaith pilgrimage within Delhi was organised. The Co-ordinator took part in it.

Zulfikhar Akram
Co-ordinator, IARF SACC

Inter-Religious Students Movement (IRSM) launched by Tirunelveli branch

The Tirunelveli Branch of IARF India Chapter launched an Inter-Religious Students Movement (IRSM) in different schools of Tirunelveli Town recently. The objective of the movement is to inculcate in young minds respect for humanity, universal brotherhood and understanding of religions and to promote inter-religious harmony and peace. Students from class VI to class XII are eligible to join the Movement.

Under the auspices of IRSM, the Branch oganised a Students Seminar on 22nd November, 2003 at Christu Jyothi Higher Secondary School, Tirunelveli. Nearly 300 students and 30 teachers from 13 schools took part.

The Seminar started with a prayer song and readings from Bhagavat Gita, Bible and Quran by the students. There were four sessions in the Seminar on the following themes:

1. “Life and Religion” and “Unity in Diversity”
2. What can you do for the society?
3. What should the students do to develop religious harmony?
4. Friendship

In each of the sessions there were introductory talks on the themes by the teachers followed by discussion and interaction with and among the students. After these sessions, an evaluation and feedback session was conducted for the students.

Mr. M. Subramaniam, President of IARF India chapter presided over the Concluding Function. Members from surrounding IARF Chapter Branches like Tenkasi, Palayamkotai, Ambasamudram, etc. were the guests. The students presented songs and dances. One of the students spoke on the topic “Life and Religion”. Prizes were given away to students who had done well in the Fine Arts Competition conducted in different schools through IRSM in the run up to the Seminar.

Report Summary by Zulfikhar Akram 
Co-ordinator, IARF SACC

Interfaith Ramadan event, Mysore 2003

“RAMZAN ID-E-MILAN (IFTAR) CELEBRATION”

[IARF India Chapter member group] “Forum for Harmony and Peace, Mysore organised Ramzan Id -e- Milan (Iftar) function on 23rd November, 2003. Hindus, Muslims and Christians, about 125 in all participated. Ms. Hemalatha welcomed the gathering. The function started with the breaking of fast (Iftar) with fruits, followed by Namaz (prayer) led by Priest Ali Janab Moulana Altaf Hussain.

After Namaz, Moulana Altaf Hussain and Rev. John Paul spoke on the significance of holy month of Ramzan and fasting and how it helps a person in self-control. Mr. N.L. Bharathi Shankar, Member of Legislative Assembly from T. Narasipur, Mysore was the Chief Guest. He expressed happiness that Forum for Harmony and Peace has organised Iftar in a unique manner; this was the first time that he had seen Iftar arranged involving Muslims, Hindus and Christians…

Mr. Mohammed Shabeer Ahmed spoke about the activities of Forum for Harmony and Peace and IARF. The programme ended with dinner”.