The International Day of Friendship was proclaimed in 2011 by the UN General Assembly with the idea that friendship between peoples, countries, cultures and individuals can inspire peace efforts and build bridges between communities.

Our world faces many challenges, crises and forces of division — such as poverty, violence, and human rights abuses — among many others — that undermine peace, security, development and social harmony among the world's peoples. To confront those crises and challenges, their root causes must be addressed by promoting and defending a shared spirit of human solidarity that takes many forms — the simplest of which is friendship. Through friendship — by accumulating bonds of camaraderie and developing strong ties of trust — we can contribute to the fundamental shifts that are urgently needed to achieve lasting stability, weave a safety net that will protect us all, and generate passion for a better world where all are united for the greater good. West Bengal has always been the leader in maintaining the social fabric of the Country by binding people of all religions together like a bouquet of flower.

To mark this occasion United Interfaith Foundation – India celebrated International Friendship Day with the support of IHA Foundation and Sindhi Panchayat, where the theme - Building Bridges and Inspiring Peace. The programme was participated by all religious leaders, interfaith leaders and community heads along with Singh Sahib Giani Ranjeet Singh Ji Jathedar Takht Patna Sahib had come all the way from Patna Sahib, to commemorate this occasion in the city to attend a Seminar on Contribution of Sikhs to the Promotion of Persian Studies organized by Iran Society Kolkata. A song was sung to commemorate the occasion led by Fr Franklin Menezes, Pro Vicar of the Cathedral of the Most Holy Rosary along with the Missionaries of Charity Siters whose theme was ―Bind us together Lord‖, which resonated with the theme of the day.

The above programme was represented by Dr.Satnam Singh Ahluwalia (General Secretary Gurdwara Behala and United Interfaith Foundation – India and Chairman IHA Foundation), Moulana Shafique Qasmi, Imam of Nakhoda Masjid (Muslim), Moulana Qari Fazlur Rahman (Imam-E-Eidaan, Senior Imam West Bengal), Dr. Arunjyoti Bhikku, Director Tollygunge Sambodhi Buddhist Monastery (Buddhist), Munni Mani Kumar Maharaj (Jain Monk), S K Mudreka Jamali, Muavin Aamil of Dawoodi Bohra Jamaat (Bohra), Mouland Rizvi,Imam e Jumma(Shia Muslim), Ervard Jimmy Taraporwalla, Head Priest Parsi Fire Temple (Parsi), Murli Punjabi (General Secretary Sindhi Panchayat), Jb Zafar Ahmed (President of Ahhamidiya Muslim Jamaat Kolkata), Br. Divakar Chaitanya (Central Chinmaya Mission Trust), Swami Giri Surya Maharaj (President, Gangasagar Math), Missionaries of Charity,Kolkata, Chinese Association among others.

―I am delighted to be in Kolkata and celebrate this International Day of Friendship with all my brothers and sisters of various faiths and religions, Unity in Diversity is one of Humanity’s strength, the work that United Interfaith Foundation – India is undertaking its is very remarkable and I wish that they continue on achieving more through their valiant efforts to bring all faiths and religions under one umbrella of Peace , Harmony and Universal Brotherhood. I believe the world will develop better societies when people transcend race, nationalities and religion and, under a wide variety of opinions, they meet and discuss honestly about world peace‖, said Singh Sahib Giani Ranjeet Singh Ji Jathedar Takht Patna Sahib.

―Aas a society it has become essential that we understand each other religions which provides reasons for Unity and Brotherhood between believers of different religions and make us understand each others belief.‖, said Most Rev Thomas D'Souza, Archbishop of Kolkata,and President of United Interfaith Foundation – India.

―As religious leaders and community heads we all have an opportunity and moral obligation to recognize our spiritual common ground through the bonds of trust and friendship, so that we may rise above our differences and combat prejudice and intolerance‖, said ), Moulana Shafique Qasmi, Imam of Nakhoda Masjid.

―We thank the members of United Interfaith Foundation – India to celebrate this occasion in Sindhi Panchayat Hall and to allow us to host them and celebrating this bond of friendship this day‖, said Murli Punjabi, Hony Secretary of Sindhi Panchayat.

―The path towards peace involves friendship, and the path to friendship must involve sharing your space with the brother and sisters. Darkness cannot drive out Darkness only Light can do that, similarly true friendship and trust can only bring us all near to each other, if we start understanding each other, we shall always be living in harmony and peace. This is the fabric of our nation and Bengal when we are celebrating 75 years of our Independent Nation. We have to continuously engage in dialogue so that we know each other’s religion and if we know each other’s religion we shall always be together now and also in the future through these. This celebration of International Friendship Day with people of all faiths will certainly help in sending a cardinal message to the world that religious disharmony and disruption is made by man and not any super powers that we may believe in.‖, said Satnam Singh Ahluwalia, General Secretary of United Interfaith Foundation – India and Gurdwara Behala and Chairman IHA Foundation.

Regards
Dashmeshbir Singh
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