On August 31, 2024, Professor Mohammed Salim Engineer, Vice President of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind, presided over the inaugural meeting of Dharmika Satsanga Vedika in Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh. The event, held at Swarna Palace on Eluru Road, Governorpet, Vijayawada, gathered esteemed religious leaders from various faiths, highlighting the essential role of interfaith dialogue in fostering peace, harmony, and social reform.
In his keynote address, Professor Salim Engineer spoke passionately about the pressing need for initiatives like the Dharmika Satsanga Vedika in today’s social and religious landscape. He emphasized that in a diverse country like India, fostering mutual respect and understanding among different religious communities is not just important but crucial for national unity and progress. He called for religious leaders to guide their communities toward compassion, justice, and mutual respect, underscoring the power of collective action in addressing social challenges.
The program featured speeches from several prominent religious leaders who echoed these sentiments and emphasized the importance of interfaith cooperation:
– Gyani Harpaal Singh Ragi Ji from Gurudwara, Vijayawada, highlighted the rich history of interfaith harmony in India and the need to continue this legacy.
– Father A.X.J. Bosco, S.J., Advisor to the CT Bishop Council, spoke on the role of religious leaders in promoting peace and moral values in society.
– Sri Yagna Purushananda Swamiji of Ramakrishna Mission, Vijayawada, discussed the spiritual and ethical values that all religions share and how these can be used to combat social issues.
– Moulana Hussain Ahmed Mazhari, State Convenor of Jamiatul Ulama, AP, emphasized the importance of dialogue and understanding in maintaining social cohesion.
– Sri Borra Govardhan, Editor of Buddha Bhumi Monthly, stressed the need for unity among different religious communities to address the moral decay in society.
– Moulana Naseer Ahmed Umri, City President of Jamiatul Ahle Hadees, Vijayawada, spoke about the responsibility of religious leaders in guiding their followers toward peace and justice.
– Md Rafeeq, State President of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind, AP, reinforced the necessity of interfaith dialogue for fostering a peaceful and just society.
– Moulana Mastan Shareef of Noori Kamali Jamia Nizamia, Vijayawada, shared insights on how religious teachings can inspire social reform.
– Bishop AJS Shoban Babu,Chairman of the V.M.C.A Program Centre, Kurnool, discussed the importance of collaboration among religious communities in promoting moral values.
– Dr. Mallela Alfred Raju, General Secretary of All India Christian Council, highlighted the role of faith in addressing contemporary social issues.
Each speaker underscored the importance of collaborative efforts to address social challenges and promote moral values, reflecting a shared commitment to fostering peace, harmony, and coexistence.
The Dharmika Satsanga Vedika, as envisioned by Professor Salim Engineer, aims to be a platform for ongoing interfaith dialogue, bringing together leaders from diverse religious backgrounds to work towards common goals. The inaugural meeting marked a significant step towards building stronger relationships among various communities in Andhra Pradesh and beyond. The program not only celebrated the spirit of unity but also set the stage for continued efforts to strengthen the social fabric of the nation through interfaith collaboration.
