Chandigarh, November 20, 2008: Today, as part of ongoing Quami Ekta Week (National Integration Week) YUVSATTA & Peace Club of KB DAV-7 organized a trip for 40 young students for ‘Building Interfaith Trust & Brotherhood’, with visits to a Church, Gurdwara, Temple and Mosque.
Prominent amongst those who addressed the students at these religious places includes at Catholic Church, Sector 19, Father Thomas, Administrator, Simla Chandigarh Diocese, who told them about fundamentals of Christianity and teachings of Jesus Christ, who emphasized to do good to others and love thy neighbour to make this world a better place to live in. Harjinder Kaur, Ex-Mayor & present Councillor received the students alongwith S. Baldev Singh, Manager of the Gurdwara and management members of Sri Guru Teg Bahadur Gurdwara Sahib in Sector 34 and after a brief round of the Gurdwara students learned from them about Sikh way of life where in Sikhs were asked ‘Kirat Karo’ (Earn Your Livelihood), ‘Naam Japo’ (Remember the Lord) and Vand Chako "Share and Consume together".
After learning about Christianity and Sikhism, now, it was the turn of Prof. Shyam Sunder, Vice Principal of Government College, Sector 46 and an expert on Hinduism to talk to young students at Sanatam Dharam Mandir, Sector 46. He told them that Hinduism believe in karma, the law of cause and effect by which each individual creates his own destiny by his thoughts, words and deeds. Prof. Shyam Sunder also said that all religions are genuine paths and facets of God’s Light, deserving tolerance and understanding. The tour ended with a visit to Jama Masjid, Sector 20 where students were greeted by Mulana Ajmal Khan, Imam of the mosque, from whom children learnt that ‘Islam’ means peace and teachings of Islam inculcate rightful living in its followers. He also informed students about important rituals and festivals for Muslims.
For most of the students like Apra, Nitish, Ishita, Radhika, Ameet etc. it was their first chance to visit any Church or mosque and learn about religions other then their own.
Later In her address to students Mrs. Madhu Bahl, Principal of the School said that the degree of similarity among the religions at the fundamental level provides evidence for the unity of religions. There is no religion in the world which negates values of Peace, equality, justice, truth, compassion, human dignity and love.
Concluding the programme Mr. Parmod Sharma, Coordinator, Yuvsatta shared that for happier and harmonious relationships, programmes building Interfaith trust and interpersonal dialogues, especially for young ones, the generation next are must.