Srinagar, June 27 ( KNS) Asserting that the world today stands divided by religion, language, and race, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday made a strong case for India’s ancient civilisational ethos, terming it the “unique power” to bridge global divides. Addressing an ‘Interfaith Dialogue’ here, the LG underscored that the core spirit of Sanatana Dharma and Indian philosophy offers a potent antidote to the intolerance and conflicts plaguing the modern world.
“The world recognizes that Hinduism- Sanatana Dharma, the world’s oldest living religion, never imposed itself. Instead, it embraced diversity and coexistence,” Sinha said at the event organised by the National Council for Promotion of Urdu Language and Inter-Faith Harmony Foundation of India.
In a forceful articulation of India’s cultural identity, the LG stated that ancient India built a “foundation of respect,” providing Christianity, Islam, Judaism, and Zoroastrianism the freedom to not just exist but to flourish. “In a world facing conflicts and intolerance, the core spirit of Sanatana Dharma and Indian philosophy can serve as a guiding light,” he maintained, adding that this vision of equal respect for all faiths is what he termed as ‘Indianness’ or ‘Bhartiyata’.
Highlighting the inseparable link between this philosophy and the Union Territory, Sinha noted that the famed ‘Kashmiriyat’ is not an isolated concept but springs directly from the broader ‘Bhartiyata’. “People often use the word ‘Kashmiriyat’, which actually springs from the philosophy of ‘Indianness’ and symbolizes the fundamental sentiment India has taught the world since the Vedic age—equal respect for all religions, cultures, and traditions,” he observed.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel
The Lieutenant Governor traced the historical arc of India’s syncretic tradition, pointing out that when Islam arrived in the 12th and 13th centuries, Sufi saints and scholars were drawn to the subcontinent’s unique culture rooted in love, spirituality, and equality. “Sufi saints were inspired by the vision of Vedas, Upanishads, Buddhism, and Jainism and they learnt the ideals of co-existence from Indian scriptures,” he said, while also noting the translation of Sanskrit knowledge into Arabic.
Reaffirming India’s civilisational mantra, Sinha stressed that the country has never asked anyone to abandon their faith. “India has always said to the people to bring your faith with you, bring your traditions, and live with us in harmony. That is India’s distinctiveness,” he declared.
The event, held in the crown jewel of India’s composite culture, was attended by former Union Minister Dr. Karan Singh, University of Kashmir VC Prof. Nilofer Khan, and other prominent citizens, literary personalities, and senior officials. The LG concluded by urging the young generation to carry forward the vision of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’—the world as one family—to remind the world that peace is achievable through mutual respect. (KNS)
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