SRINAGAR, JUNE 27 : Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday said India embodies the philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam—the world is one family—and remains a beacon of peace, mutual respect and harmony among diverse faiths.
Addressing an Interfaith Dialogue organised by the National Council for Promotion of Urdu Language (NCPUL) and the Inter-Faith Harmony Foundation of India at SKICC, Srinagar, Sinha said the younger generation must carry forward India’s civilisational values of unity, coexistence and respect for all religions.
He described “Bhartiyata” or Indianness as an ethos rooted in equal respect for all faiths, the pursuit of truth and unity in diversity, adding that these principles have guided Indian civilisation for centuries.
The Lieutenant Governor said Hinduism, or Sanatana Dharma, has historically embraced diversity and allowed other religions, including Christianity, Islam, Judaism and Zoroastrianism, to flourish in India. He added that the country’s ancient traditions have always promoted peaceful coexistence rather than imposing any single belief system.
Referring to Jammu and Kashmir, Sinha said the spirit of Kashmiriyat reflects the broader philosophy of Bhartiyata and has long symbolised communal harmony and mutual respect.
He also highlighted the influence of Indian spiritual traditions on Sufi saints and Islamic scholars, saying India’s ancient scriptures have consistently promoted compassion, equality and coexistence. Emphasising that India’s identity lies in embracing diversity, Sinha said the country’s spiritual heritage encourages people of all faiths to live together in harmony.
