By Matters India Reporter
Jalandhar, Nov 14, 2024: Representatives of various religions from around the world attended an inter-faith conference to honor the 555th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev, the founder of Sikh religion.
The November 13 event at Gurdwara Sahib Buland Pur, Jalandhar, in India’s Punjab state, brought together the Five Ordained Leaders of the Five Sacred Thrones of the Sikh community, alongside prominent religious figures from around the world.
The Gobind Marg Charitable Trust organized the program on the theme, “A Wave of Kindness and Love for Each Other in Humanity.”
The Catholic Church was represented by Bishop Agnelo Ruffino of Jalandhar, Divine Word Father Norbert Herman, the director of Interfaith Relations of Northern India, Father John Grewal, secretary of the interreligious commission of Jalandhar diocese.
Sahib Baldev Singh and Sahib Raghbir Singh represented Sikhism, Rabbi Yakov Nagen from Israel, Judaism; Imam Umer Ahmed Ilyasi, chief Muslim cleric in India; Ling Rinpoche, Buddism; Acharya Lokesh Muni, Jainism, and B K Hussain, head of the Brahmakumari Meditation Centre Gurgaon, Haryana.
Parampal Singh, who coordinated the conference with Gur Sahib Singh, said the presence of the religious leaders underscored a shared commitment to the welfare of humanity.
Throughout the conference, the religious leaders unanimously sought ways to collectively sow seeds of hope through courage, conviction, and dedication, and work together to cultivate a harvest of peace, the organizers added.
The participants highlighted the need for individuals and communities of hope to promote through actions, love, and harmony in a spirit of fraternity and solidarity.
Father Herman read the message from Pope Francis that assured the world that united efforts of religions can revive hope, especially for those who feel helpless or hopeless.
Whether through small or large efforts, in accordance with each community’s unique circumstances, their members are called to contribute to sowing seeds of hope, “so that together, we may reap a harvest of peace,” the message said.
The participants paid their respect at Harmandir Sahib, or the Golden Temple), Sikhism’s top place of worship at Amritsar, more than 80 km northwest of Jalandhar..