HWPL-ISI Interfaith Dialogue Meeting
The Interfaith Dialogue meeting of World Alliance of Religions for Peace (WARP) on “Religious Interfaith Harmony for Peace: Uniting Faiths, Healing Nations” jointly organised by the South Korea based Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL) and Indian Social Institute, Bangalore was held on 11th August 2025 in the premises of ISI Bangalore. The meeting began with an introduction of HWPL, an international peace organisation promoting peace education, interfaith dialogue, peace programmes, peace agreements in conflict regions and global advocacy for the adoption of the Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW) in different countries in the world. This was followed by messages by various inter-faith leaders sharing relevant verses or teaching from their religious scriptures on ways in which their faith can guide a person to maintain harmonious relationships with people of other religions or beliefs. They also shared scripture-based guidance and examples of spiritual teachings from their faith that encourage individuals to take practical actions that contribute to peace in their communities. Quoting extensively biblical verses and documents of the Catholic Church, Dr. Denzil Fernandes SJ spoke about the teachings of the Church on the importance of inter-faith dialogue and the role of religions in promoting peaceful co-existence and harmony among all peoples and nature. Mr. Abdulrahman Auf C.H. and Khurshid Imam quoted Quranic verses that showed respect to all prophets from all religions. Mrs. Sudha Reddy quoted texts from the Vedas and the Puranas on treating all men and women as one family termed as Vasudaiva Kutumbakam. Mr. Jagtar Singh Multani, an army veteran from Punjab, spoke of the inclusive nature of the Guru Granth Sahib and teachings of Guru Nanak. Mr S. Mariaswamy, former Assistant Commissioner of Police in Bangalore, provided insights on the eight fold path and the teachings of Buddha that help any person attain enlightenment. Dr. Trapti Jain spoke about the importance of non-violence and respect for all life forms in Janism. Finally, Rev. Lunmang Haokip, the Protestant pastor quoted passages from the Bible to convey the Christian message of universal love for all men and women. The meeting was moderated by Ms. Elly Yoon, General Director of the Department of Religion, HWPL. The programme concluded with the recitation and signing of the Peace Commitment Declaration by all participating religious leaders. This HWPL-ISI Interfaith Dialogue meeting has heralded greater networking and collaboration between the Department of Peace and Reconciliation at ISI Bangalore and international peace organisations.