SURREY – The UNO passed the resolution in October 2010 to celebrate the World Interfaith Harmony Week in the first week of February every year. Since 2011 the interfaith , peace and religious organizations have been celebrating it all around the world.
However, the Global Clergy Association of Canada provided the leadership in Greater Vancouver by organizing it regularly since 2011. This year, in collaboration with Vedic Hindu Cultural Society, it was organized on February 3,2015 in Laxminarayan Temple.
Celebration commenced with the welcoming address of the President of Laxminarayan Temple – Satish Kumar at 7.00PM who focussed on the need of creating respect for each others. He said, as a Hindu I believe in universal brotherhood, love and compassion.”
Dr Jagesar Das, President of GCAOC pointed out that unless we concoqr our ego, greed, selfishness and pracitice religiously- ‘love for all and hatred for none” only then harmony can be attained.
Acharya S.P.Dwivedi, who acted as MC, in his opening remark said that this WIHW celebration is an appeal for active and ongoing dialogue, for the creation of a just, peaceful and sustainable future. It is an endorsement by religious leaders for creating harmony and fostering peaceful environment. He further said that this celebration in Laxminarayan Mandir sets the stage for further interfaith collaboration and cooperation to cultivating harmony in diverse religious communities of Greater Vancouver.
He alphabetically invited the spiritual leaders of faith to reflect on harmony based upon their conviction and tradition. Connie Waterman of Bahai faith recited prayer and said we all are branches of one tree created by God thus we have the internal unity and we have to promote this fellowship.
The young Sukha Dorje of Buddhism recited prayers and found that the true practice of non-violence and truth can only create peace and harmony.
Edith Baird of Christian religion accepted that all religions of the world promote love, brotherhood, kindness but still so much violence, war and hatred around the world because we talk but not practice sincerely.
Peace and harmony can be cultivated by following these principles. Anand Jain of Jain religion declared that the concept of non-violence was introduced by jain Tirthankars. If people follow the Jain principle of non -violence, non-possession and rational behaviour then harmony and peace can be achieved.
Avinash Maniram a known musician sang the favorite bhajan of Mahatma Gandhi-Raghupati raaghava rajaram and created spiritual atmosphere with his melodious voice. Rabbi David MMivasar of Judaism emphasized on nthe unity of all living beings because all are the part of manifestation of one Creator. This concept of oneness is the foundation of humanity.
Gian Singh Kotli of Sikh religion quoted a couple of songs from holy Gurugranth Sahib which described the unity, love, respect and equality of all living beings.
Homi Italia of Zoroastrianism recited the prayer and Firdosh Mehta focussed on oneness of God and oneness of human race and for harmony we have to create mutual respect .
Dr. Suresh Kurl, Mahesh Gupta, Rabbi David, Firdosh Mehta, Prameya Chaitanya and Acharya Dwivedi took active part in question and answer session. Behalf of the Multifaith Action Society, Acharya Dwivedi gave small gift
, as a token of appreciation, to all speakers.
