In the backdrop of Saharanpur and Muzaffarnagar’s tragic history of communal strife in 2017 and 2013, Caritas India and Meerut Seva Samaj joined hands in 2020 to launch the Samvaad Peace-building Program. This initiative sought to infuse these cities with the essential values of peace, love, and harmony, working towards healing the deep-rooted wounds caused by riots.

As the Samvaad Program progressed, it became evident that the effort to unite people of different religious backgrounds was reaching significant milestones. The impact of these endeavors became tangible, prompting the program to focus on strengthening the ownership of initiatives among stakeholders. A key step in this process was the organization of an Interfaith Dialogue in both cities, where religious leaders from diverse backgrounds actively participated in the peace-building journey.

The Interfaith Dialogue had a clear objective: to create a bond among faith leaders, fostering a common voice and understanding on the principles of peace and harmony. Recognizing the potential of this dialogue, the program envisioned it as a crucial step towards establishing a broader Interfaith Forum at the state level. The emphasis remained on transferring the ownership of initiatives for promoting peace and harmony to the stakeholders, ensuring the program’s sustainability.

Over a hundred participants, including thirty interfaith leaders and scholars, actively engaged in the dialogue, sharing valuable insights from their respective scriptures on peace and harmony. Caritas India representatives warmly welcomed the esteemed guests, shedding light on the organization’s vision and mission. They emphasized the relentless pursuit of creating a just society without discrimination, particularly for the poor and oppressed.

Participants received an update on the Samvaad Program, highlighting its efforts in uniting people and eliminating disparities of caste and religion. The program’s acceptance within communities and among various stakeholders became evident through community-led actions promoting peace and harmony.

Interfaith leaders expressed their support for the objectives of the conclave, confirming their commitment to being active members of the state Interfaith Forum. They pledged to continue dialogue on peace and harmony periodically within their communities. Prominent Islamic faith leaders and scholars, including Maulana Alam Sahab, Mohammod Tanveer Alam, Maulana Farid Mazaahir, and Dr. Nazmul Hasan, reflected on peace and harmony from the Holy Quran.

Sikh representatives Shri Harijit Singh and Shri Daljit Singh Kochar shared insights into Gurunanak Dev’s teachings of serving humanity and promoting love and harmony. Hindu religious leaders Mahamandeleshar Dhirjanand, Acharya Deepak, and Shri Jitendra Nath also emphasized teachings on love and peace from their holy books. They assured their commitment to promoting peace and harmony within their communities.

Father Jomon Jose, Director of Meerut Sewa Samaj, shared Christ’s teachings on sacrifice and love. Representatives from Brahm Kumari highlighted the importance of peace and harmony, expressing their privilege in being part of the peace promotion mission.

Several likeminded stakeholders, including Dr. Yogendra Dudhera, Dr. B P Singh, and other community representatives and Peace club representatives, added value to the conclave through their peace-promoting messages. The meeting concluded with a declaration by faith leaders, affirming their commitment to the ongoing effort of peace-building, vowing to extend its reach to every corner of the country. The Samvaad Program, through its Interfaith Dialogue, stands as a beacon of hope, fostering unity and lasting peace in Saharanpur and Muzaffarnagar.
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