National Seminar

National Seminar

“Journeying Together to the Destination: Scope and Challenges – In the Light of Respective Religious Tradition and Faith”

12 October 2022 | India International Centre (IIC), New Delhi

Organised by Chavara Cultural Centre, Delhi

The seminar was enriched by vibrant cultural performances by students, celebrating India’s artistic heritage and reinforcing the spirit of communal harmony.

The inaugural address was delivered by His Grace Most Reverend Archbishop Leopoldo Girelli, Apostolic Nuncio to India, who quoted Pope Francis on the Synodal vision of planting dreams, inspiring hope, and weaving relationships that foster lasting peace. He expressed hope that the seminar would deepen interreligious fellowship and strengthen the guardianship of authentic peace.

The Chavara Cultural Centre, Delhi organized a National Seminar at the India International Centre (IIC), New Delhi, on the theme “Journeying Together to the Destination: Scope and Challenges – In the Light of Respective Religious Tradition and Faith.” The seminar brought together eminent scholars, diplomats, and religious leaders representing diverse faith traditions to reflect on interreligious harmony, peace, and national integration.

The panel discussion, moderated by Ambassador K.P. Fabian, reflected on India’s historic tradition of welcoming diverse communities and nurturing unity in plurality. Representatives of Hinduism, Islam, Sikhism, Jainism, the Baha’i Faith, and Zoroastrianism offered prayers and shared insights from their respective traditions. Core teachings such as ahimsa, anekantavada, compassion, unity of humanity, and the principle of “good thoughts, good words, good deeds” were presented as universal foundations for peaceful coexistence.

The programme began by recalling the inspiring legacy of St. Kuriakose Elias Chavara, whose vision of universal brotherhood and social harmony continues to guide the mission of the Centre. An opening prayer, rendered in a Sanskrit version of the Lord’s Prayer, symbolically expressed unity in diversity.

Rev. Fr. Dr. Roby Kannamchirayil CMI, Director of the Chavara Cultural Centre, delivered the welcome address, greeting distinguished guests including Ambassador K.P. Fabian, Swami Chandra Dev Ji Maharaj (Hinduism), Shrimati Nusrat Jumanji (Islam), Shrimati Sharon Lowen (Judaism), Dr. A.K. Merchant (Baha’i Faith), and Shri Sanjay Jain (Jainism). A ceremonial lighting of the lamp followed, invoking peace and harmony for the nation and the world.

Subsequent addresses by Archbishop Anil Joseph Thomas Couto, Rev. Dr. Jose Tamashiri CMI, and Nancy Barlow highlighted themes of love, forgiveness, service, dialogue, and shared responsibility in building a harmonious society.