LG Manoj Sinha Calls for Interfaith Harmony, Says India’s Ancient Ethos Offers Path to Global Peace
Srinagar, June 27 (KNC): Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday said that India’s ancient civilization, founded on the principles of mutual respect, coexistence, and harmony, continues to offer the world a timeless message of peace and unity. He asserted that Sanatana Dharma has never imposed itself on others but has always embraced diversity, allowing different faiths to flourish with dignity.
Addressing an Interfaith Dialogue organised by the National Council for Promotion of Urdu Language in collaboration with the Inter-Faith Harmony Foundation of India in Srinagar, the Lieutenant Governor said India’s philosophical traditions remain a guiding light at a time when the world is witnessing growing conflicts, intolerance, and divisions based on religion, language, and race.
He said Hinduism, regarded as the world’s oldest living religion, has historically promoted coexistence rather than domination. According to him, ancient India created an environment where Christianity, Islam, Judaism, and Zoroastrianism freely prospered while preserving their distinct identities.
LG Sinha stressed that India represents the idea of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam”—the belief that the entire world is one family—and urged the younger generation to uphold this vision by promoting peace, tolerance, and mutual respect among all communities.
Describing “Bhartiyata” (Indianness) as the essence of India’s intellectual, cultural, and spiritual heritage, he said it reflects equal respect for all religions, unity in diversity, and the continuous pursuit of truth. He noted that India’s ancient scriptures, including the Vedas and Upanishads, have always advocated harmonious coexistence among people of different faiths.
The Lieutenant Governor said that India has never viewed diversity as a source of division but as a strength that enriches society. Referring to Jammu and Kashmir, he observed that the region has for centuries symbolised communal harmony and peaceful coexistence.
Speaking on the concept of Kashmiriyat, LG Sinha said it draws its strength from the broader philosophy of Bhartiyata and embodies India’s age-old tradition of respecting all religions, cultures, and traditions equally.
He further observed that when Islam reached India during the 12th and 13th centuries, Sufi saints and Islamic scholars encountered a civilization deeply rooted in spirituality, compassion, and equality. Many of them, he said, were inspired by the teachings of the Vedas, Upanishads, Buddhism, and Jainism, while several Sanskrit works were translated into Arabic, reflecting India’s long tradition of intellectual and cultural exchange.
Quoting the ancient prayer “Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah, Sarve Santu Niramayah”, the Lieutenant Governor said India’s civilizational message seeks the welfare of all humanity without distinction of religion or sect.
He reaffirmed that India has never asked anyone to abandon their faith, but has always welcomed people to preserve their beliefs and traditions while living together in harmony, describing this inclusive approach as the defining strength of India’s spiritual and cultural heritage.
The event was attended by former Union Minister Dr. Karan Singh, University of Kashmir Vice Chancellor Prof. Nilofer Khan, Inter-Faith Harmony Foundation of India President Dr. Khwaja Iftikhar Ahmed, National Council for Promotion of Urdu Language Director Dr. Md. Shams Equbal, Dara Shikoh Centre Founder Director Dr. Jyotsna Singh, Director Operations of the Inter-Faith Harmony Foundation Dr. Nasreen Shama, Kashmir Writers Association President Fida Firdous, National Coordinator Navaid-ul-Islam Khan, SSP Srinagar Dr. G.V. Sundeep Chakravarthy, Deputy Commissioner Srinagar Akshay Labroo, besides senior officials, prominent citizens, writers, and literary personalities.(KNC)
About The Author
