The Institute of Harmony and Peace Studies (IHPS), New Delhi, organized the launch of the book Towards Social Harmony and an accompanying seminar at the India Islamic Cultural Centre, Lodhi Road. The event, held on Saturday afternoon, brought together scholars, journalists, and interfaith leaders to deliberate on the meaning and challenges of building a peaceful and inclusive society.
Authored by Dr M. D. Thomas, Director of IHPS, the book is a compilation of over a hundred journalistic essays addressing contemporary social, religious, ethical, and political themes. This marks Dr Thomas’s tenth publication, reflecting his long-standing engagement with interfaith dialogue and peacebuilding.
The programme was chaired by Dr Sunil Dang, Editor-in-Chief of The Day After and former Board Member of Prasar Bharati. Other distinguished speakers included Dr John Dayal, noted journalist and former Member of the National Integration Council; Prof. Arvinder A. Ansari, sociologist from Jamia Millia Islamia; Maulana Ejaz Ahmed Aslam, Editor-in-Chief of Radiance Views-Weekly; and Dr John Philipose, museologist, artist, and advisor to the Museum Association of India. The session was anchored by interfaith activist Mr Yash Dhamija, who also proposed the vote of thanks.
Welcoming the guests, Dr Thomas described Towards Social Harmony as a vision for coexistence in a diverse society. He stressed that harmony is not the absence of difference but the ability to live peacefully amid diversity. True harmony, he said, rests on democratic values, justice, equality, dignity, and fraternity, and can be threatened by polarization and fanaticism. Education, dialogue, inclusion, and cultural literacy, he added, are essential tools for building bridges among communities.
Dr Sunil Dang, in his opening address, congratulated Dr Thomas and reflected on how conflict often overshadows stories of peace. He emphasized the need for a “conscious shift” in public discourse, from glorifying division to celebrating reconciliation. He urged media and civil society to highlight voices of understanding, observing that “dialogue deserves as much space as disagreement.”
Dr John Dayal lauded the book’s moral and intellectual depth. He argued that peace cannot exist without justice and truth, reminding the audience that reconciliation begins with acknowledging pain and injustice. Drawing from incidents in Chhattisgarh and Kandhamal, he stressed that genuine harmony requires honesty, empathy, and institutional accountability.
Prof. Arvinder Ansari, in her review, praised the book’s academic rigor and social relevance. She described India’s essence as one of dialogue and coexistence and warned against growing alienation among marginalized groups. She called for the revival of empathy and moral courage through everyday engagement and mutual respect.
Maulana Ejaz Ahmed Aslam reflected on the role of media and communication in shaping perceptions. He cautioned against the misuse of words and imagery that deepen divides, emphasizing the power of responsible storytelling to promote unity.
Concluding the discussion, Dr John Philipose spoke of three forms of pollution, environmental, political, and religious, that corrode social wellbeing. He linked social harmony to inner peace, urging individuals to cultivate self-awareness and empathy as prerequisites for community harmony.
The event concluded with refreshments and informal interactions among participants. Over fifty attendees from various faiths, academic disciplines, and civic backgrounds joined in what became a vibrant celebration of dialogue, diversity, and the shared aspiration for peace.
 launched Dr M. D. Thomas’s book Towards Social Harmony at the India Islamic Cultural Centre, New Delhi, bringing together scholars, journalists, and faith leaders to discuss peace, coexistence, and dialogue in a diverse society.){kind=link}