Religions have torn the world asunder! When one’s faith transcends from being a source of spiritual strength to one of assumed dominance over other religious beliefs, it indicates a move away from humility and openness towards a rigid ego-driven perspective that can lead to dogmatism and conflict.
The risks of such assumptions are being felt across the globe with religious bias as a direct consequence creating a sense of distrust among communities.
The irrational fear, hatred, or hostility towards other faiths, manifesting as discrimination, prejudice, and violence, has led to a climate of intolerance which has come to consume the religious and social landscape in a devastating manner.
No country is free from this blight as events of the past few decades have sufficiently demonstrated.
However, promoting mutual respect for diverse religions and cultures these days comes with its own share of challenges.
The manipulation of religious and cultural differences for political gain has been a major stumbling block. In fact religion and politics are the most widely debated subjects in the modern age.
The politicisation of religion as that process by which religious beliefs, practices and institutions are used for political ends to gain power is not something unheard of. In fact the heady cocktail of religion and politics is undoubtedly potent.
The intrusion of politics into religious matters can compromise individual freedoms and create an environment where different religious practices are not tolerated.
In the face of increasing religious intolerance, cultivating a non-judgmental attitude towards various faiths and beliefs hence gains top priority for any civilized society. Such intimidating situations call for effective measures to quell the threat.
Interfaith dialogues which involve constructive, positive interaction between people of different religious and spiritual traditions to foster mutual understanding, respect, and cooperation, has been thought of as the best way to promote peaceful societies and counter intolerance.
The relevance of interfaith dialogues in today’s world marred by religious extremism and assertions of religious superiority by certain faiths can only be discerned by the fact that the majority of the world’s population identifies with a religion or belief, making interfaith understanding crucial for global harmony.
While exploring shared values and priorities, interfaith dialogue also provides a platform to respectfully discuss differences and disagreements.
But the routine nature of these interfaith dialogues which conveys a feeling that they are being carried out as a mere formality rather than a meaningful exchange robs the whole exercise of the nobility that should have been associated with them.
Moreover the commemorative aspect of the interfaith dialogues where their role in remembering, honouring, and reflecting on shared human and spiritual values -- and often tied to specific events and historic efforts -- seem to extend such attempts a formality that the organizers could well do without.
Yes, the dialogues can serve as a reminder of past interfaith efforts, building on the legacy of previous initiatives to promote understanding and reduce conflict.
Occasions like the ‘World Interfaith Harmony Week’ which is an annual observance designated by the UN, provides a formal occasion to commemorate the importance of interfaith dialogue and to encourage its practice worldwide.
Numerous associations and religious institutions in India organize interfaith dialogues on select occasions to reinforce the nation’s inherent tradition of religious coexistence.
However, the predictable mundaneness of such events where religious scholars from diverse faiths come together to eulogise the virtues of peace and universal brotherhood as hallmarks of their beliefs fails to capture the attention of the audience.
Without the necessary depth in the discussions, the dialogues meander more towards differences rather than focusing on commonalities amongst various faiths.
When these dialogues are not supported by openness, respect, and a commitment towards building trust and relationships which is necessary for transforming superficial discussions into impactful, cooperative interactions, they will not bear fruit.
Hence it becomes necessary that these noble thoughts are inculcated in young minds through their formative years to adolescence. For, it is during this period that individuals undergo critical physical, cognitive, emotional, and social changes that shape their future health, behaviour, and character.
The virtues of interfaith respect cultivates compassion and humility, enabling diverse communities to work together for the common good and a more just, harmonious world.
Looking at the growing intolerance where a lack of willingness to accept differences in beliefs and cultures is becoming more prevalent, the role of education in contributing towards communal harmony and peaceful co-existence in society plays a very crucial role.
Students must be taught the values of respecting each other's faith by incorporating values of tolerance and diversity into education.
As a nation with different faiths exemplifying the secularism that it is famous for, students must learn and accept diversity in all its manifestations.
Dr Shalini Yadava, Assistant Professor, University School of Education, GGSIP University, Dwarka, New Delhi, writes in one of her articles:
“It is high time that students are introduced to values in different religions in the schools itself such that they are able to appreciate the commonality of all religions in totality.”
Students can foster interfaith harmony and tolerance by engaging in educational initiatives that integrate religious tolerance into curricula and extra-curricular activities.
Educational institutions can strengthen these attitudes by developing campus policies that promote religious moderation and active student participation in interfaith activities.
Students are the primary force building and shaping India’s future, embodying the energy, ambition, and potential to drive national progress and transformation.
Through education and participation, they can develop empathy and build bridges across cultures and faiths, making them ideal drivers for a more harmonious and tolerant society.
But first and foremost, our youngsters need to be taught that it is not about being a Hindu, a Christian, a Muslim or a Buddhist… It’s all about being an Indian!
