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The Indian sub-continent has been witnessing the interfaith harmony dialogue from the time of Ashoka ( 270 BC circa) and Akbar ( 1580 AD circa). Later, Swami Vivekananda made a mark at the Parliament of World Religions in Chicago in 1893. Mahatma Gandhi always supported the idea of learning good teachings from different religions through constructive conversations for peaceful coexistence among people of different faiths.
Our world has experienced profound changes in the last few decades. We are at a turning point in the history of civilization and are witnessing increasing integration across all aspects of life. At the same time the forces of disintegration are sweeping over society threatening the very fabric of collective life. One of the forces of disintegration that humanity is grappling with is prejudice. Vast numbers of people continue to endure the effects of ingrained prejudices of ethnicity, gender, nation, religion, caste and class. India is no exception. One of the most perfidious forms of prejudice that we have experienced in our country and people in the world still continue to experience is that of religious prejudice.
This round table aims to create a space to discuss the religious coexistence and respect for diversity in the context of its role in promoting social integration. The principles underlying this context include the freedom to question and investigate systems of knowledge (whether religious or scientific), the role of universal values in promoting a vibrant democracy that respects and learns from diversity.
The objective of the seminar is to raise awareness on the imperative need of respecting the fundamental freedom of conscience, religion and belief towards nurturing the roots of sustainable and equitable societies.
Program
Registration & Tea
9.30 - 10 am |
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Welcome & Opening Remarks
10:00-10:15am |
Nilakshi Rajkhowa, Director, Baha’i Office of Public Affairs |
ChairSpeakers 10:25-12:00 noon |
Prof. M M Verma, President, Interfaith Foundation, IndiaProf. Tahir Mahmood, Former Chairman, National Minority Commission, GOI
Prof. R P Singh, Jawaharlal Nehru University
R Venkataramani, Member, Law Commission of India
Prof. Anekant Kumar Jain, Presidential Awardee
Prof. Madhu Khanna, Jamia Millia
Gulam Rasool Dehlvi, Research Scholar
Dr Maya Joshi, LSR College
Padmashri Dr JS Rajput , Former Director, NCERT, Delhi
Dr Markandey Rai, Senior Advisor, UN-Habitat
Prof. Deepali Bhanot, Delhi University
S N Sahu, Joint Secretary, Rajya Sabha |
Discussants |
Prof. VK Goswami, Former VC, Sangam Un.
Balraj Singh Malik, Advocate, Supreme Court
Rajiv Choudhary
Prof. Poonam Batra, Delhi University
MP Lele, Former Additional Director AIR |
TEA BREAK
12.00 -12:15 |
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Chair Speakers 12.15 – 2:20 p.m. |
Prof. M M Verma, President, Interfaith Foundation, IndiaMaj Gen PK Saighal (Retd.)
Dr John Dayal, Member, National Integration Council of India
Prof. Hema Raghavan, Delhi University
Vivek Goyal, Advocate, Supreme Court
Prof. Jagbir Singh, Delhi University
Dr A K Merchant , Trustee, National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’is of India
Dr M D Thomas, Director, Institute of Harmony and Peace Studies
Rabbi Ezekiel Issac Malekar
Prof. Surendra Pathak IASE University |
Discussants |
Chand Bharadwaj, Spiritual Leader
Naghama Siddiqui, Hamdard University
Bilal Acikgoz, President, Indialouge Foundation
LP Pontsang, President, Himalayan Cultural Centre
Col. Surinder Singh Retd.
Subba Rao |
Vote of thanks and Concluding Remarks 2.20 -2.30 p.m. |
Mahnaz Merchant, Baha’i Office of Public Affairs |
LUNCH
2.30 p.m. |
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Photo Gallery
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