Former Jammu and Kashmir ‘Sadr-e-Riyasat’ and Governor Karan Singh highlighted the importance of preserving Kashmir’s tradition of coexistence rooted in Kashmiriyat, Sufism, and shared cultural values. He stressed the need for sustained interfaith dialogue to maintain this centuries-old tradition. Singh emphasized that humanity should always be prioritized over religious differences.
Addressing an Interfaith Dialogue event in Srinagar, Singh commended the organizers for bringing together themes of interfaith dialogue, Urdu, Kashmiriyat, and shared cultural traditions. He mentioned that these topics are significant and can be discussed at length individually. Singh also recalled the historic Parliament of the World’s Religions in 1893, where the message of universal acceptance was presented to the world.
Singh explained that interfaith dialogue is about understanding each other’s beliefs rather than proving one religion superior to another. He quoted the Rig Veda’s verse emphasizing that all religions lead to the same truth through different paths. Singh highlighted Kashmir’s rich heritage, mentioning the influence of Vedic traditions, Buddhism, Shaivism, and Sufism in promoting a culture of love, tolerance, and coexistence.
The former Governor expressed the importance of promoting Urdu, rejecting the notion that it is a foreign language. Singh stated that Urdu has deep roots in India and has been integral to the country’s cultural and literary heritage. He emphasized the need to protect and promote Urdu, as it has historically connected people speaking various mother tongues in the region.
