Faith leaders have urged themselves to spread peace and harmony

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ew Delhi, Oct. 28, 2019: Mgr. Theodore Mascarenhas, Secretary-General of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India, called on the representatives of various religions in India to lead the country and the world toward peace and harmony.

“Nation and world need people who bring healing and who work for peace and harmony. We have had enough of hate, discord and injury, “said Bishop Mascarenhas at a meeting to mark Sikh social reformer Bhai Kanhaiya’s 400th anniversary of his death (1648–1718).

The Catholic prelate warned the people to guard against those sowing hate, and then invited them to spread peace and harmony.

People from various faiths attended the interfaith meeting at the India Habitat Centre , New Delhi, on October 27. The program was jointly organized by Red Cross International Committee, Delhi Sikh Gurudwara Management Committee, Center for Advanced Studies in International Humanitarian Law and Rajeev Gandhi National Law University.

Msgr. Mascarenhas pointed out that the Sikh leader was known to pour water into the battlefield for the wounded, whether they were Sikhs or fighting against the Sikhs.

Speaking on the theme, “Refreshing Humanitarian Action: Role of Interfaith Organizations in Evolving Humanitarian Landscape,” Msgr. Mascaren praised the Sikh community for its humanitarian work expressed in language organisation, providing free medical assistance, providing relief in disaster zones, providing relief in flood and earthquake.

He told the audience that Guru Nanak had exhorted that “only kings and emperors with heaps of riches and vast power can not compare to an ant full of God’s affection.”

Remembering that Guru Gobindji had thanked Bhai Kanhaiya for his service without prejudice and without any desire to be compensated, the official of the Church urged spiritual leaders to unite in the service of humanity.

Recounting the passage of the Gospel on the last judgment, Bishop Mascarenhas told his audience that one’s humanitarian efforts are what ultimately defines salvation.

Others were Swami Chitananda Saraswati, Acharya Lokesh Muni, Binny Sareen, Jaspal Singh, A.K. Merchant, Bikkhu Sanghasena and Goswami Sushilji Maharaj, who spoke on the occasion.

A panel discussion was moderated by the president of Maulana Azad University, Prof. Akhtarul Wasey. The system was initiated by Earlier Sardar Surinder Singh Oberoi, a political adviser to the International Red Cross Society.