5 /5 Rajkumar Karthikeyan: I had the honor of attending the Interreligious Conference organized by Chavara International Center, CA at St. Marys Parish Giovanni Hall in Sacramento, and I must say, it was a truly incredible and heartwarming experience. The event beautifully embodied its powerful motto: "The Bonds that Unite us are stronger than the barriers that separate us."
Leaders from various faiths came together to share the essence of their beliefs, each emphasizing how their faith is not in conflict with others but rather complements them. Easan Katir gave a profound explanation of Hinduism, focusing on its deep-seated teachings of tolerance and harmony. Mr. Narinderpal Hundal, representing the Sikh faith, shared the principles of equality and service and warmly invited everyone to visit Gurdwara Sant Sagar and partake in the langar, a beautiful tradition of communal sharing.
In addition to the enlightening discussions, the event was graced with artistic performances—singing, dancing, and visual art—all showcasing the idea that Art has the unique power to dissolve ego and foster unity across cultures and religions. The talent and passion displayed by the artists were truly inspiring.
A huge thank you to Roy and the leadership at St. Marys Parish for bringing together leaders from so many different faiths under one roof. The atmosphere of mutual respect and shared understanding was palpable. Special thanks also to Jitendar and Pardeep at Gurdwara Sant Sagar for treating everyone to delicious pakoras and fresh jalebis—a delightful addition to the fellowship dinner that followed.
The conference was flawlessly organized, with the support of dedicated volunteers who ensured the event ran smoothly. Congratulations to everyone involved! This gathering was not only a celebration of faith and unity but also a testament to the possibility of a world where we are more united than divided. I hope this is just the first of many such events!
