Tag: interfaith dialogue

#faith

Spiritual Leaders Unite for Interfaith Dialogue in Ponda

allycaralgoa

On September 12, 2025, the Jamaat-e-Islami Hind (Ponda unit) hosted an interfaith program titled “Spiritual Leaders: Guiding Lights to Humanity”, drawing participants from across Goa for an evening of reflection, dialogue, and spiritual enrichment.

The event began with a Quranic recitation by Mohammad Shah, President of SIO Ponda, and was convened by Simran Shaikh, President of GIO Ponda. In his inaugural remarks, Mr. Akbar Khan, President of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind Ponda, emphasized the need for spiritual initiatives to foster peace and harmony in today’s world.

Key Highlights of the Program:

  • 🕊️ Fr. Victor Ferrao, Parish Priest of St. Xavier’s Church, Borim, spoke on the Christian concept of Agape—selfless love—as a transformative force to overcome hatred and division.
  • 🕉️ Arjunpriya Das, ISKCON member from Ponda, stressed that spiritual leaders must embody good character, respect all religions, and promote dialogue as a pathway to understanding.
  • ☪️ Maulana Usman Qasmi, Imam of ICG Islamic Centre, Mapusa, underlined the centrality of service to humanity in Islam, citing prophetic teachings about compassion for family, neighbours, and the needy.

The program concluded with Mr. Asif Hussain, President of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind Goa Zone, who highlighted divine guidance through the Prophets, particularly Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), as the key to building lasting peace.

Around 160 participants from diverse faith backgrounds attended the event, which ended with a prayer by Ms. Ruksana.

By bringing together different faith perspectives, the program succeeded in underscoring a universal truth: that spirituality, compassion, and service are guiding lights to humanity.

International

Padma Shri Sadguru Brahmeshanand Acharya Swamiji Addresses Global Faith Leaders at Malaysia Summit

Tanisha Cardozo

In a significant moment for interfaith collaboration, Padma Shri Sadguru Brahmeshanand Acharya Swamiji delivered an inspiring address at the 2nd International Summit of Religious Leaders 2025, held in Malaysia 🇲🇾. The summit brought together spiritual leaders, global policymakers, and religious scholars with the collective goal of building pathways to peace, conflict resolution, and harmonious coexistence.

The event was graced by the esteemed presence of His Excellency Dato’ Sri Anwar bin Ibrahim, Prime Minister of Malaysia, who reiterated Malaysia’s commitment to interreligious unity and dialogue. Also present were His Excellency Sheikh Dr. Mohammad bin Abdul Karim Al-Issa, Secretary-General of the Muslim World League, and His Excellency Senator Dato’ Sri Dr. Mohammad Naim bin Haji Mokhtar, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office (Religious Affairs).

Representing the Indian spiritual tradition, Sadguru Brahmeshanand Acharya Swamiji emphasized the ancient yet ever-relevant values of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam — the belief that the world is one family. His speech highlighted the necessity of nurturing compassion, dialogue, and shared responsibility among all faiths to counter the divisive forces threatening global peace.

Swamiji’s presence at the summit underlined the vital role that India’s Sanatan Dharma plays in the global discourse on peace and spirituality. His call for practical action over rhetoric, and mutual respect over division, struck a chord with religious leaders and policymakers from around the world.

As conflict, intolerance, and polarization continue to challenge global societies, the summit served as a beacon of hope — showing that when spiritual leaders unite with sincerity and purpose, meaningful progress is not just possible, but inevitable.

The 2nd International Summit of Religious Leaders 2025 concluded with a renewed collective pledge to promote faith-based cooperation, preserve cultural heritage, and uphold human dignity worldwide.