Coimbatore: As part of the Coimbatore Festival, school students participated in an interfaith harmony journey emphasising unity among diverse communities.
A group of 100 students from 17 schools visited various religious places of worship, including Koniamman Temple, St. Michael’s Church, Athar Jamath Mosque, Gurudwara Singh Sabha, and Jain temples.
At each location, the students were warmly welcomed according to the traditions of the respective faiths. Spiritual leaders at these places introduced the students to their principles, beliefs, and modes of worship, fostering an understanding of different religious practices.
The journey concluded at the Mahatma Gandhi Memorial in Pothanur with a community prayer meeting attended by representatives of all faiths.
The closing ceremony of the unity journey, held at the Mahatma Gandhi Memorial in Pothanur, saw the participation of Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan Chairman Krishnaraj Vanavarayar, Siravai Aadheenam Kumaragurupara Swamigal, and various interfaith leaders along with students.
Speaking as the chief guest, Krishnaraj Vanavarayar remarked, “India continues to show the world that people of different languages, religions, and cultures can live in harmony. This journey provides students with an opportunity to appreciate diversity while understanding the values and practices of all religions.”
The event also featured speeches by Siravai Aadheenam Kumaragurupara Swamigal, poet Sivasangari, Father Mani Arokiasamy of St. Michael’s Church, Imam Ibrahim Bagavi, Athar Jamath President Amanullah, and Secretary Peer Mohammed, as well as Gurudwara Singh Sabha Secretary Gurpreet Singh and Jain Temple President Gulab Chand Mehta.
As part of the Coimbatore Festival, the fourth edition of the Special and Para Sports was held at the NGP College Grounds.
The event was inaugurated by Coimbatore’s Anti-Terrorism Squad SP, Bhadrinarayanan. It witnessed participation from 100 children, including those with intellectual and learning disabilities and children with special needs.
Festival Chairman Arun Senthilnathan, Vice-Chairpersons Sowmya Gayathri and Saritha Lakshmi, and Coordinator Pratham were also present. Gurudwara Singh Sabha Secretary Gurpreet Singh and Jain Temple President Gulab Chand Mehta participated in the celebrations.
