World Interfaith Harmony Week Webinar

World Interfaith Harmony Week Webinar

Chavara Cultural Centre, Delhi

1 February 2022

On 1st February 2022, the Chavara Cultural Centre, Delhi organized an international webinar as part of the global observance of World Interfaith Harmony Week. This annual initiative, proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in 2010, is observed during the first week of February to promote mutual understanding, inter-religious dialogue, and a culture of peace. The webinar formed part of a seven-day interfaith series focusing on nine major religions and their teachings on love, truth, justice, equality, and fraternity. The primary objective was to enhance religious tolerance, encourage peaceful coexistence, foster mutual respect, and help young people appreciate religious diversity while preserving their own unique identities. The programme was enriched by the presence of eminent dignitaries. A special video message was delivered by Bishop Brian Farrell, Secretary of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity. The webinar was inaugurated by Swami Sadashivananda, President of WFARC, who spoke on Hindu Dharma and emphasized its inherent orientation toward peace and harmony. He highlighted the timeless principle of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam — “the whole world is one family ” — underscoring that true transformation begins with the conversion of the mind toward unity and understanding. The keynote address by Dr. P. Nagaraj reflected on the relevance of interfaith dialogue in today’s context, especially in the aftermath of the pandemic. He stressed the urgent need to restore humanistic and spiritual values in a world increasingly shaped by virtual realities and social divisions. A lively panel discussion by young scholars from SRM Institute of Science and Technology explored Hindu perspectives on truth, justice, equality, and selfless love. The speakers emphasised truth as moral integrity and divine reality, justice through the principle of karma, equality in spiritual dignity, and love as unconditional and self-giving. These values, deeply rooted in sacred texts such as the Bhagavad Gita, Mahabharata, and Rigveda, were presented as universal foundations for harmony and fraternity. The session concluded with an interactive open discussion addressing contemporary questions of faith, followed by a vote of thanks expressing gratitude to all speakers and participants. The webinar successfully provided a meaningful platform for dialogue and reflection, reaffirming the Chavara Cultural Centre’s commitment to promoting peace, harmony, and unity through interfaith engagement and cultural interaction.