Srinagar, March 3 (KNS): The Voice for Peace and Justice, a Non-Governmental Organization, hosted a second International Conference on "Towards the Transformation: The Sufi Message of Brotherhood, Harmony, and Peace" at the Khaliqa Town Square Conference Hall in Duderhama, Ganderbal, Kashmir. This event, the second international Sufi conference in Jammu and Kashmir, India, witnessed the gathering of scholars and religious experts from over sixteen countries, showcasing a vibrant tapestry of cultures and beliefs.
President Voice for Peace and Justice, renowned Social Activist and organizer Farooq Ganderbali set the tone for the conference, emphasizing its role as a beacon of peace and brotherhood in the Kashmir Valley. The conference aimed to dispel misconceptions about radicalism and reaffirm Kashmir's deep-rooted Sufi heritage, known for its message of tolerance and inclusivity.
A key highlight of the conference was the diverse participation of religious scholars representing various faiths, including Sikhism, Buddhism, Christianity, and Hinduism. This inclusive approach underscored the cultural richness and pluralistic ethos of Kashmir, with Kashmiri Pandits also taking part, symbolizing the region's unity in diversity.
The event's chief guests, Sheikh Esref Efendi, Global Peace Ambassador of Turkey, and Syeed Javed Ali Naqashbandi, Director of Darbar Ahli Sunnet Delhi, emphasized the pivotal role of interfaith dialogue in fostering lasting peace and understanding.
Satish Mahaldar, a prominent Kashmiri Pandit, expressed optimism about the conference's potential to promote harmony, while Islamic scholars from nine countries, including Germany, Turkey, and France, emphasized the importance of multiculturalism and tolerance in today's world.
The conference concluded with speakers and religious leaders outlining a roadmap for peaceful co-existence and inclusive societies. Shaheryar Majid, President of JKYDF, highlighted the significance of multiculturalism in nurturing peace, while Mr. Chinshu, a Buddhist law student, underscored the historical legacy of Ladakh and Jammu and Kashmir in promoting interfaith tolerance.
Ghulam Rasool Dehlvi, Prof Manzoor Tantary, Advocate Mohd Altaf, and Advocate Jatinder Singh also contributed to the conference, advocating for peace and inclusivity in the region.
All the participants of this beautiful conference from different countries and different religions will jointly work against extremism, radicalism, terrorism and narco terrorism and collectedly work for peace and revival of Sufism in whole world especially in terrorism affected jammu and kashmir. participants also highly appreciative of the successive governments in India which have ensured religious freedom for all faiths , including Islam ; unlike in our neighborhood being an islamic country where Shia and Ahmediya communities are not considered as part of islamic country and where other minorities are persecuted.
The International Sufi Conference stands as a testament to the efforts towards promoting peace, harmony, and cultural exchange in Jammu and Kashmir. It highlights the region's rich history of interfaith tolerance and inclusivity, offering a glimmer of hope for a more united and peaceful future.(KNS)