Karnataka Assembly Speaker UT Khader addresses World Interfaith Conference at Vatican City
Vatican City: The Hon’ble Speaker of the Karnataka Legislative Assembly, Shri U.T. Khader, delivered a thought-provoking address at the three-day World Interfaith Conference titled "Religions Together for a Better Humanity" in Vatican City.
The event commemorated the centenary of the first International Interfaith Conference initiated by Brahmashri Narayana Guru in 1924. The conference brought together spiritual leaders, scholars, and advocates of peace from across the globe to reflect on interfaith dialogue and the role of religion in fostering unity and harmony.
Khader began his address by emphasizing the universal ideals of peace and brotherhood. He said, “I stand before you not as a representative of any single religion, but as a humble voice of humanity, carrying the collective hopes, struggles, and aspirations of billions who dream of a world united in peace, love, and harmony.”
Reflecting on the legacy of Brahmashri Narayana Guru, Shri Khader highlighted the social reformer’s groundbreaking efforts in promoting equality and unity during a time of significant social discrimination. “His revolutionary teaching of ‘One Caste, One Religion, One God for Mankind’ sparked a social movement in Kerala, advocating for social equality, harmony, and peaceful coexistence. He also underscored the transformative power of education in uplifting communities,” he remarked.
The Speaker acknowledged India’s spiritual heritage, drawing inspiration from visionaries such as Narayana Guru and Swami Vivekananda. “India, the land of great spiritual visionaries, has always been a beacon of human dignity and universal brotherhood. Their teachings continue to inspire us to strive for a world of unity, peace, and harmony,” he added.
Khader expressed his gratitude to Swami Sachidananda, President of Shri Narayana Dharma Sangham Trust, Cardinal Miguel Ángel Ayuso Guixot, Prefect of the Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue, and Cardinal-designate Monsignor George Koovakad for organizing the event. He also described meeting His Holiness Pope Francis as a deeply moving experience, calling the Pope a “remarkable ambassador of the 21st century, fostering interfaith dialogue and championing peace and justice.”
During his speech, Shri Khader stressed the urgent need to revisit and apply Narayana Guru’s teachings in today’s divided world. “While technology has brought us closer, paradoxically, it has also driven hearts further apart. The cries of the marginalized, the scars of conflict, and the silent suffering of our planet demand our urgent attention,” he stated.
Quoting the ancient Indian mantra “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” (The world is one family), he underlined its relevance in modern times. “In a fragmented world, where the loudest voices often speak of hate, we must rise as torchbearers of unity. Harmony does not demand that we erase our differences; it asks only that we embrace them,” he said.
Khader also called for actionable compassion. “The world does not need more ideologies—it needs compassion in action. True faith is not proven by verbal preaching, but by the hands we extend to lift the fallen and the courage we summon to stand against injustice,” he emphasized.
In his concluding remarks, Khader urged religious leaders to reject hatred and focus on fostering understanding. “Let us use our pulpits and platforms not to incite fear but to inspire hope. Let us invest in interfaith education, teaching our children the beauty of their own faiths and others’. As Shri Narayana Guru taught us—One God, One Religion, One God for Mankind,” he said.
The conference, held at one of the world’s most sacred sites, marked a step towards bridging divides between faiths. Khader concluded with a powerful message: “Let this gathering in Vatican City be remembered as the dawn of a new era, where humanity transcends all differences and embraces all philosophies and beliefs. May peace prevail on Earth!”
The event was attended by leaders and delegates from various countries, in a show of global effort to promote unity and understanding among diverse communities.
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Two held in UP's Bijnor for contact with Pakistan linked Dubai handler
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Bijnor (PTI): Two men were arrested in this Uttar Pradesh district on Friday for allegedly being in touch with a Pakistan-linked handler based in Dubai, police said.
Circle Officer, Najibabad, Anjani Kumar Chaturvedi said Uvaid Malik and Jalal Haider were arrested following inputs on their alleged links with Aqib, a resident of Meerut currently staying in Dubai.
According to police, Aqib had earlier come into the spotlight after a video surfaced on Instagram purportedly showing him displaying an AK-47 rifle and explosives.
During interrogation, the arrested men allegedly told police that Aqib used to incite youngsters against Hindus and encourage anti-national activities, the officer said, adding that detailed questioning of the accused is underway.
On April 6, Superintendent of Police (SP) Abhishek Jha said the video first surfaced in November last year. Aqib, a native of Sathla village in the Mawana area of Meerut, was allegedly seen in the video brandishing weapons.
Following the viral clip, a case was registered at the Nangal police station by sub-inspector Vinod Kumar. However, the then station house officer and investigating officer Satyendra Singh had recorded Aqib's statement and filed a final report, stating that the weapons seen in the video were toys, effectively giving him a clean chit.
Police said fresh developments have now revealed Aqib's suspicious links and the probe has been handed over to the Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS).
The SP said action has been taken against the officials concerned, with the then SHO and investigating officer suspended and Circle Officer Nitesh Pratap Singh removed from his post.
