-Mohd Naushad Khan
Maharishi Goswami Sushil Maharaj, National Convener of Bhartiya Sarva Dharma Sansad, unveiled the souvenir Pursuing Harmony and Peace, edited by M.D. Thomas, at an event by the Institute of Harmony and Peace Studies (IHPS) at the India Islamic Cultural Centre, New Delhi, on Saturday evening.
The bi-lingual souvenir (English and Hindi) marks IHPS’s ten-year journey of fostering interfaith relations and social harmony since its launch on October 17, 2014.
Dr. M.D. Thomas, Founder-Director of IHPS and Editor of the souvenir, highlighted that it documents seminars, webinars, and conferences conducted by IHPS. It showcases seven research-based books, two music albums, and around 250 articles published in esteemed books, journals, and newspapers. It also presents keynote addresses, lectures, and interactions with dignitaries, fostering interfaith dialogue and fraternity.
Additionally, the souvenir features 60 TV channel interviews and 120 YouTube messages on religious festivals, national days, and historical figures. It lists membership in over 20 organizations and acknowledges 25 awards, honors, and numerous mementos received for contributions to interfaith harmony.
Thomas emphasized that IHPS has played a key role in engaging both elites and civil society in interfaith dialogue, working alongside religious leaders fostering collaboration across generations, disciplines, and communities, making its decade-long mission a journey of goodwill, peace, and harmony.
Professor Salim Engineer, Vice President of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind, praised Dr. Thomas for spreading positivity and fostering peace. He stated that strengthening one’s relationship with the Creator enhances peace, compassion, and tolerance. If even atheists are not disliked by the Almighty, hatred towards people of other faiths is unjustified.
Goswami Sushil Maharaj, presiding over the event, condemned violence in the name of religion, stressing that people have coexisted peacefully in the past. He called for mutual respect among all faiths.
Senior Supreme Court Advocate Adv. Dr. M.P. Raju highlighted the constitutional value of fraternity in promoting peace.
Dhyanacharya Dr. Ajay Jain, Founder of Jain World Mission, called for unity to build a tolerant society.
Mr. Yash Dhamija delivered the vote of thanks.
