Inter-Religious Dialogue marks Gandhi Jayanti celebrations in Jammu

STATE TIMES NEWS

JAMMU: Commission for Inter-Religious Dialogue, Diocese of Jammu – Srinagar organized an Inter-Religious Meeting on the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti celebrating the 155th Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi at St. Peter’s High School, here on Wednesday. The year 2024 has been declared as “International Day of Non-Violence 2024”. Religious Heads of all Religions shared their viewpoints promoting the message of Peace and Brotherhood among all communities.
Ritu Singh was the chief guest and gave a motivational talk on the importance of celebrating diversity and differences and paying respect to the Father of the Nation quoting his invaluable contributions to serving humanity as one.
Programme began with Floral Tributes to Mahatma Gandhi. Fr. Dominic Theckanath, Director for Inter-Religious Dialogue, welcomed the guests. Most Rev. Ivan Pereira, Bishop of Jammu-Srinagar Diocese, addressed the Religious Heads and the learned gathering that as we gather here to celebrate Gandhi Jayanti and the year of Non-Violence 2024, we honour a visionary whose teachings transcend religion, culture, and Nationality. Gandhiji believed in the power of truth, non-violence, and compassion regardless of faith and stressed the need for Peace & Brotherhood among religions. He requested the Religious Heads and Social Activists to gear up guiding the YOUTH towards Peace, Non-Violence, Brotherhood respecting every human being, and tolerance towards others.
Bishop touched on the famous quote of Mahatma Gandhi ” An eye for an eye only ends up making the whole world blind”. Referring to this quote, he said this powerful reminder urges us to break the cycle of hatred and retaliation, instead let us choose the path of dialogue, empathy, and respect among communities. Bishop further urged the gathering to sow the seeds of compassion in our communities, ensuring that Gandhi ji’s dream of a harmonious society becomes a reality. The Religious Heads of Brahmakumaris, ISKCON, Rama Krishna Mission, Ravidas Samaj, Muslim, Sikhs, Christian, and Nirankari Mission delivered Messages on Love, Peace, Brotherhood and Non-Violence among the Communities. Pastor Shoukat Peter, President, of All J&K Joint Churches Fellowship stressed the need for Peace and Brotherhood among the communities. The Social Activist Raman Gupta prayed to all the Religious Heads to take the initiative to reach out to the youth for Peace. Mumtaz Kabir, Ravinder Singh and Arvinder Singh were also present. Managing Trustee of Sarvodaya International Trust, Dr. Renu Nanda, President Women Wing, GGF,Dr. Alka Sharma,Dr. Abu Adil, Director, Kelley Memorial Society, and many other dignitaries were also present. The programme was convened by R Robin Gill.