Srinagar, Aug 10 (KNS) : In a landmark conference in Delhi has called for reviving Kashmir’s centuries-old tradition of harmony between Shaivism and Sufism, reaffirming the Valley’s rich legacy of peaceful coexistence and cultural syncretism.

The event, titled “Reviving Sacred Syncretism: Shaivism & Sufism in Kashmir”, was held at the India International Centre and brought together eminent scholars, spiritual leaders, political figures, and students in a powerful display of interfaith unity.

Presiding over the conference as Chief Guest was former Union Minister and noted scholar Dr. Karan Singh, whose deep and longstanding association with Kashmir’s spiritual history lent profound gravitas to the proceedings.

Jointly organised by Shri Rakesh Sapru of the National Mission for Unity & Brotherhood and Haji Syed Salman Chishty, Chairman of the Chishty Foundation, Ajmer Sharif, the gathering aimed to promote peace, cultural understanding, and lasting interfaith harmony in the region.

Speakers included Swami Sushil Goswami Maharaj, Acharya Vivek Muni, Sardar Paramjit Singh Chandok, Marazban Nariman Zaiwala, Dr. A.K. Merchant, Awami National Conference Senior Vice President Muzaffar Shah, and Kashmiri students.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

Each speaker shared unique perspectives from their respective faith traditions, highlighting universal values such as love, non-violence, truth, and unity. Haji Syed Salman Chishty spoke of Kashmir’s mystics — both Shaivite yogis and Sufi dervishes — as timeless symbols of love and divine remembrance.

Acharya Vivek Muni stressed dialogue over conversion, while Sardar Chandok underlined the unifying power of music to bridge divides.

Muzaffar Shah, in his address, hailed the conference as a beacon of hope for restoring Kashmir’s composite culture. He emphasised that the syncretic spirit of Shaivism and Sufism was not just a chapter of history but a living ethos that must be protected against forces of division.

He called for sustained dialogue, grassroots cultural revival, and community engagement as the foundation for a peaceful, inclusive, and harmonious future in Jammu and Kashmir.

The conference concluded with a joint declaration committing to continued interfaith dialogue, cultural exchange, and unity-focused initiatives in Kashmir, with Kashmiri students actively expressing hope for an enduring peace.(KNS)