By Mujahid.Md.
In a world often marked by divisions, a quiet yet powerful message of unity emerged from the Amruthavani Communications Centre on March 16. The Telugu Catholic Bishops’ Council (TCBC) hosted an interfaith Iftar that brought together voices from different religions – not just to share a meal, but to share meaning.
As dusk approached, the gathering unfolded with a universal prayer for peace – a moment that set the tone for what would become an evening of reflection and connection. The recitation from the Qur’an followed, its verses resonating beyond faith, echoing a shared longing for compassion and harmony.
The event saw participation from Hindu, Muslim and Christian scholars, each contributing to a dialogue that felt both timely and timeless. Dr. Atif Ismail, Secretary of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind, Telangana, spoke about Ramadan as more than ritual, describing it as a period of inner cleansing, empathy and social responsibility. “Fasting teaches restraint, but more importantly, it teaches us to feel for others,” he noted.
Among the attendees was Baba Mohiuddin of the Dharmika Janamorcha, who emphasised that humanity remains the common thread binding all religions. His words found resonance in a room where differences seemed secondary to shared values.
Organised under the coordination of TCBC Secretary K. Anthaiah, the evening moved seamlessly between prayer, dialogue and fellowship. Religious and civil leaders exchanged greetings, not as representatives of separate identities, but as participants in a collective human experience.
At precisely 6:30 pm, the fast was broken. What followed was perhaps the most symbolic moment of the evening – people from different faiths sitting side by side, sharing food, conversation and a sense of belonging. In that simple act, barriers dissolved, replaced by warmth and quiet understanding.
More than an event, the interfaith Iftar stood as a reminder: unity is not built through grand declarations, but through small, meaningful gestures like breaking bread together.
