The Chishty Foundation Punjab Chapter recently hosted a remarkable interfaith summit, “Harmony of Hearts (Sina Ba Sina),” at the Wyndham The Mohali Club in Chandigarh. This spiritually enriching event, which focused on celebrating unity in diversity, featured a distinguished lineup of speakers and guests dedicated to fostering mutual respect and understanding among diverse religious communities.
The summit’s atmosphere was charged with a profound sense of purpose as prominent figures from various spiritual traditions came together to share their insights. The keynote speakers included:
- Haji Syed Salman Chishty, Gaddi Nashin of Dargah Ajmer Sharif and Chairman of the Chishty Foundation
- Goswami Sushil Ji Maharaj, National Convener of Bhartiya Sarv Dharm Sansad, Delhi
- Karma Yeshe Rabgye (Lama Ji), Buddhist Interfaith Speaker
- Shri Gurbhej Singh Guraya, Namdhari Sant Samaj, Bhaini Saheb
- Rama Didi, Brahmakumaris Interfaith Speaker
- Anil Sarawal, Representative of the Bahá’í Faith
- Shri Gurlal Singh, Namdhari Sant Samaj Youth Interfaith Speaker
- Adv. Gurdeepinder Singh Dhillon, Chandigarh Interfaith Speaker
The Chief Guest for the evening was Shri Satnam Singh Sandhu, Founder Chancellor of Chandigarh University and Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha, who praised the initiative for its role in bridging gaps between different faiths.
Haji Syed Salman Chishty, in his spiritually profound address, emphasized the essence of Sufism, saying, “The sacred path of Sufism is one of love and compassion. It teaches us to see beyond our differences and recognize the divine light in every soul.” He highlighted the importance of unity amidst diversity, a theme echoed throughout the evening.
Goswami Sushil Ji Maharaj spoke about the importance of inclusiveness, stating, “True spirituality lies in the recognition of the divine presence in all beings. By fostering a culture of inclusiveness and mutual respect, we can build a society rooted in peace and harmony.” His words resonated deeply with the audience, setting a tone of collective reflection.
Karma Yeshe Rabgye (Lama Ji) shared Buddhist perspectives on compassion and inner peace, noting, “Through the teachings of Buddhism, we learn that by cultivating these qualities within ourselves, we can contribute to the greater good of humanity.” His emphasis on personal growth as a path to societal harmony was particularly inspiring.
Shri Gurbhej Singh Guraya of the Namdhari Sant Samaj underscored the principle of universal brotherhood, stating, “Our commitment to universal brotherhood drives us to engage in dialogues like these. It is through understanding and cooperation that we can achieve lasting peace.”
Anil Sarawal, representing the Bahá’í Faith, reinforced the vision of a united world, saying, “The vision of a world united by peace and justice is not just a dream; it is a reality we can create together through our shared spiritual values and collective efforts.”
Rama Didi from the Brahma Kumaris Center highlighted the importance of spiritual consciousness, reflecting, “By elevating our thoughts and actions, we can create a more peaceful and compassionate society.” Her words served as a call to action for all present to contribute to a harmonious world.
Chief Guest Shri Satnam Singh Sandhu lauded the Chishty Foundation’s initiative, stating, “Events like ‘Harmony of Hearts’ are vital in today’s world. Understanding and cooperation among different faiths are essential for societal progress. The teachings of spiritual unity and respect for diversity are the pillars upon which we must build our future.”
The event also included an engaging question-and-answer session, especially involving the youth, who expressed keen interest in the themes of spiritual unity and interfaith understanding. This interactive segment highlighted the crucial role of young people in fostering peace and promoting mutual respect.
The evening concluded with a Mehfil-e-Sama, featuring Chishty Sufi Qawwali renditions by the Aftab Qadri Gharana SufiWadi Ensemble. Their soulful music beautifully echoed the event’s theme of unity through spiritual expression. The program ended with heartfelt prayers and Dua’s led by Haji Syed Salman Chishty, leaving attendees with a deep sense of spiritual fulfillment.
“Harmony of Hearts” is set to be the first of a series of monthly interfaith events organized by the Chishty Foundation across India. The next event is scheduled for September in Pune, organized by the Chishty Foundation Maharashtra Chapter, promising to continue the journey of promoting unity and understanding across diverse spiritual paths.
