New Delhi, July 28: In a significant move to foster communal harmony, Prof. Dr. Furqan Qamar of Jamia Millia Islamia University unveiled a new book, Mission Religious Harmony, authored by Dr. M.D. Thomas, Director of the Institute of Harmony and Peace Studies, at an event held here on Saturday.
The book, spanning 17 chapters, delves into the intricacies and dimensions of religious harmony in an innovative and scholarly manner. It examines the dynamics of religious coexistence and discusses various facets of harmony among different faiths and sectors of social life. Furthermore, it compares different religious branches of knowledge, aiming to weave together the nuances of peace and harmony for a better society.
Introducing his work, Dr. Thomas remarked, “The book navigates the pathways of all religions and faiths, committed to uncovering the universal values that underpin human culture. Inclusive thinking and harmonious living among people of all affiliations is the ultimate goal of Mission Religious Harmony. The logic of life within this mission is clear: ‘I have a mission to you,’ ‘you have a mission to me,’ and ‘we have a collective mission towards our country and society.’”
Chief guest Dr. Furqan Qamar praised the book’s mission, stating, “Promoting harmony is a noble endeavor. We must strive to live in peace and unity, addressing anything that divides us. Though it is a challenging task, requiring persistent efforts and perseverance, it is essential for all working towards peace and harmony to continue in this direction.”
Dr. Qamar added, “Understanding the root causes of division and addressing them honestly is crucial. While nearly all religions convey a unifying message, it is the rituals that often divide. When rituals overshadow the core values, creating divisions, we find ourselves in a chaotic situation. This is where our efforts must focus.”
Prof. Dr. B.S. Butola of JNU also commended Dr. Thomas’s initiative, offering an in-depth review of the book’s chapters and highlighting the key areas for promoting communal harmony and peace.
Prof. Dr. Archana Kaushik from DU emphasized the need to instill these values from childhood. She noted that even during tumultuous times, there are positive stories of mutual support between communities, underscoring the potential for unity and protection.
The release of Mission Religious Harmony marks a significant step towards fostering a more peaceful and harmonious society, encouraging a collective mission for communal unity.
