Personality Development - City Montessori School

INTERFAITH CONFERENCE
The 3-day International Conference on 'Promoting
Inter-faith Dialogue in Multi-religious Communities'
organized by CMS Asharfabad campus was
inaugurated on 12 July 2012 at CMS Kanpur Road
auditorium. Protocol Minister of UP, Hon’ble
Mr Abhishek Mishra graced the occasion as the Chief
Guest and lit the lamp of learning to ceremoniously
inaugurate this mega event. Scintillating educationalcultural
items and the presence of eminent thinkers,
philosophers, religious gurus, educators and jurists
from various countries viz., UK, USA, Egypt, Canada,
Bangladesh, Nepal and various states of India added
glory to the opening ceremony. Eminent personalities
of Lucknow were also present at the inauguration to
support this significant conference. Students of CMS
Asharfabad presented a variety of attractive
educational-cultural items depicting all-religions unity,
divine feeling and spirituality and captivated one and
all. Principal of CMS Asharfabad, Ms Archanaa Pande
was the convener of International Interfaith
Conference.
Discussions between scholars of various religions
began on the second day after the Mayor of Lucknow,
Dr Dinesh Sharma formally inaugurated the second
day’s proceedings. President and Chief Operating
Officer of CMS, Prof. Geeta Kingdon conducted a
question-answer session titled 'People's Voices and
Choices.' Religious leaders representing the world's
greatest religions like Bhikshu Suman Ratan Ji from
Buddhist faith, Maulana Kalbe Sadiq and Mohd. Khalid
Rashid Firangi Mahali from Muslim faith, Swami
Parirupa Nand Ji from Hindu religion, Bishop Gerald
John Mathias from Catholic faith and Mr Shatrughan
Jiwnani from Baha’i faith participated in the plenary
session.
Special guest, former Acting Chief Justice of Allahabad
High Court and Member of Human Rights Commission,
UP, Mr Justice Vishnu Sahai presided over the
afternoon session. The main themes discussed in
plenary sessions were Religion and Spirituality,
Freedom of Religion: a boon or bane, Role of media in
promoting inter-faith conference and religion:
common man's perspective.
Dr Adel Omer Sharif, Dy Chief Justice, Supreme
Constitutional Court of Egypt said that India is a land of
unity amidst diversity and it spreads the message of
unity and brotherhood in the whole world. Dr Mark S.
Ellis J.D., Executive Director, International Bar
Association, said that Religion, in fact, binds humans
with love and truth and teaches brotherhood. Ms Zena
Sorabjee, Vice Chairperson, National Spiritual
Assembly, New Delhi said that no religion preaches us
to fight with each other. We all must live peacefully.
Prof Mohammad Shahat El Gendy, Secretary-General
of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs and Member
of Islamic Research Academy of Al-Azhar, Cairo, Egypt,
said that humanity is the sole religion of God, but we
humans have evolved several religions to suit our
needs, still the aim of all religions is the same. Similarly,
renowned personalities from Nepal, Bangladesh, USA
and various states of India also put forth their views as
no incarnation or religion preaches bloodshed in its
name.
On the third and final day of the conference in the first
plenary session, Mr Michel D. Salaberry, former
Ambassador, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Canada,
presided over as Chairperson. Speaking on 'The Role of
Interfaith Dialogue in Supporting Religious Freedom'
Prof Mohammad Shahat El Gendy, Secretary-General
of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs and Member
AUGUST 2012 (4)
International Conference on Inter-Faith Dialogue in Multi Religious Communities
organised by CMS Asharfabad Campus from 12 - 14 July 2012
of Islamic Research Academy of Al-Azhar, Cairo, Egypt,
emphasized the importance of enlightening global
education in promoting religious harmony and religious
unity.
Mr Gamal Zayda, Managing Editor, Al-Ahram
Newspaper, Egypt spoke on 'The Reflection of Media on
Interfaith Dialogue in Egypt after the Revolution.' Mr
Mukesh Sharma, Deputy Director, Doordarshan, New
Delhi spoke on the 'Role of Media in Promoting
Interfaith Dialogue.' Raavee Tripathi, Asst. Prof.,
Pranveer Singh Institute of Technology, Kanpur, spoke
on 'Role of women in creating interfaith community';
Mr Mohan A. Hoskote, Incharge of manufacturing
industry, Goa, spoke on 'Evolution of Religions - Critical
Role of Jesus'; Mr Abu Sayem, Asst. Prof., University of
Dhaka, Bangladesh, spoke on 'Some pertinent Rules
and Pre-conditions for a meaningful Interfaith
Dialogue'; Mr Sanjay Adhikari, teacher, Malpi
International School, Nepal spoke on 'Situation Analysis
of Religious Interfaith in the curriculum of schools in
Nepal'; Mr N S Gautam, Director-Founder, True Living
Organization spoke on 'Developing Interfaith Dialogues
in Multi-Religious Community' and Mr Saad Ullah Khan,
Researcher, Aligarh Muslim University spoke on 'Islam
& Human Rights : A Critical Approach.' Ms Simi Kher
from Tony Blair Foundation presented her case study
'Face to Faith' and students of CMS Asharfabad campus
made a presentation 'Interfaith Harmony Week' while
the Principal of CMS Asharfabad, Ms Archanaa Pande
presented a multimedia in which she had taken
interviews of people on their religious views from all
walks of life. Mr Adel Omar Sharief was the Chief Guest
on the final day of the conference.
The conference concluded on 14 July with firm resolve
by participants to promote religious unity in the world.
Inaugural Speech
Discussions, Consultations & Opinions
Where Religions Unite Song of Unity Dance of oneness of God
Scholars & Leaders of various religions unite on a Global Platform
The man who has confidence in himself gains the confidence of others.
—Hasidic Saying