New Delhi: Jamaat-e-Islami Hind (JIH) has launched a national drive aimed at fostering interfaith connections and promoting communal harmony in response to the growing communal tensions in the country. During a two-day national coordinators conference held at the organization’s headquarters, comprehensive plans were developed to combat communalism, strengthen democratic ideals, and promote social justice.
Prof. Mohammad Salim Engineer, JIH Vice President, introduced the newly formed Community Harmony Department at the meeting, outlining its objectives. The department aims to combat social evils such as casteism, prejudice, moral decay, and the marginalization of women, while promoting social justice in India.
Operating at both federal and state levels, the Communal Harmony Department will focus on maintaining peace and eradicating prejudice, bigotry, and communal violence. Prof. Salim emphasized the importance of strengthening civil society networks to jointly advance justice, fairness, and peace among all societal groups.
A key component of the initiative is the creation of Sadbhavna Manch at the local level, aimed at fostering a culture of love, peace, and cooperation among communities. “Sadbhavna Manch will facilitate dialogue and understanding among people from diverse backgrounds, addressing shared concerns,” explained the JIH leader.
Sadbhavna Manch aims to combat social evils by promoting harmony, eradicating misconceptions about various communities, aiding marginalized groups, and educating people about constitutional guarantees of cultural and religious freedom. By collaborating with different social groups, the project seeks to advance tolerance and address community crises or conflicts.
JIH also formed the Dharmik Jan Morcha at federal and state levels to support these initiatives. This interfaith coalition brings together religious authorities and academics to promote social cohesion and address shared societal issues. Additionally, the Forum for Democracy and Communal Amity (FDCA) has been operating in partnership with cultural organizations nationwide to advance democratic values and foster a values-driven society.
Prominent Christian scholar and director of the Institute of Harmony and Peace Studies, Dr. M.D. Thomas, delivered a powerful speech on the value of interfaith communication. He refuted the myth that such discussions erode faith, arguing instead that they deepen one’s understanding of religion and humanity. Drawing on his significant involvement in interfaith dialogue, Dr. Thomas emphasized the need for a broader perspective on faith and life, highlighting the divine purpose of human diversity in promoting harmony and understanding among nations and tribes.
“Communal harmony is a fundamental human need and an essential Islamic teaching, transcending regional, communal, and religious boundaries,” stated JIH Vice President Malik Moatasim Khan, underscoring the global significance of communal harmony.
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