Unity is the key to the progress of mankind — Dr Mahendra Singh, Minister for Jal Shakti, UP

 Lucknow, February 3 : The two-day Inter-Faith Harmony Conference organized virtually by City Montessori School, Asharfabad, was inaugurated here today by the Chief Guest, Dr Mahendra Singh, Minister for Jal Shakti, UP. Amidst a grand array of educational cultural items put up by the students of CMS Asharfabad Campus to welcome the guest speakers from various countries of the world, including, Russia, Brazil, USA, Switzerland, Egypt and India, the enlightened educationists and religious heads poured out their wisdom through their speeches and gave the message of religious unity and oneness of mankind. On the one hand, this international conference was made meaningful with renowned scholars of varous countries like Ms Nina Gonchorava from Russia, Ms Carmen Balhestero from Brazil, Prof Alexander Chumakov  from Russia, Hon Mr Justice Adel Omar Sherif from Egypt, Dr Hong Tao Tze from USA etc. delivering enlightening talks, while on the other hand, top religious leaders of India, representing different religions like Rev. Dr. Donald H.R. De Souza from Christianity, Mr. Bhikkhu Gyanalok from Buddhism, Shri Shailendra Jain from Jainism, Mr Harpal Singh Jaggi from Sikhism, Shri Madhu Smita Das from Hinduism, Maulana Khalid Rasheed Firangi Mahali from Islam (Sunni), Maulana Dr Kalbe Noori from Islam (Shia) and Mr Anil Sarwal, Baha'i etc. registering their gracious presence, adding to the gravity of the event.

            Inaugurating the Conference, the Chief Guest Dr Mahendra Singh, Minister for Jal Shakti, UP, said that the progress of mankind is possible only when there is an atmosphere of peace and unity around us. This is indeed a unique conference organized by CMS and its ripples of peace, love and unity will be felt far and wide. Further, he said that religion seeks to unite mankind and it is the greatest need of the hour to make the present generation aware of this need.

            In the first plenary session, the call for love and brotherhood of humanity drew the attention of all as the wise scholars and religious heads strongly advocated the need for these values to establish a Divine Civilization on Earth. Deputy Chief Justice of the Constitutional Court of Egypt, Mr Justice Adel Omar Sharief said that interfaith dialogue is the key to a New World Order based upon love, peace and unity. Renowned thinker and visionary from Russia, Ms Nina Gonchorava said that love holds a place of great importance in present day society and is necessary to establish peace and order in the world. Ms Carmen Balhestero of Brazil said that education is the only way to remove the maladies of society and a good wholesome education must be encouraged in schools. Prof Alexander Chumakov of Russia said that we must empower children and youth with good values and good conduct, only then will society progress in the right direction. Dr Hong Tao Tze of USA said that peace is not a destination but a continuous journey on which we must tread to attain progress. Mr. Bhikkhu Gyanalok while representing Buddhism opined that people of all religious faiths must work in complete harmony and brotherhood as our country needs the cooperation of all and our culture is based upon unity in diversity. Jain religious leader Shri Shailendra Jain advocated religious freedom and tolerance as all religions lead to the same goal of attaining spiritual happiness and oneness with the Creator. Rev. Dr. Donald H.R. De Souza from Christianity, Mr Harpal Singh Jaggi from Sikhism, Shri Madhu Smita Das from Hinduism, Maulana Khalid Rasheed Firangi Mahali from Islam (Sunni), Maulana Dr Kalbe Noori from Islam (Shia) and Mr Anil Sarwal, Baha'i etc. expressed their meaningful thoughts. In this plenary session, the learned scholars interacted with the students and teachers from various schools and satisfied their curiosities regarding various religious faith. The plenary session was conducted by Dr Sohaly Mohajer.