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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Elephant calf brought from Bijnor kept under care at Pilibhit Tiger Reserve
Pilibhit (PTI): A 19-day-old elephant calf, brought from Bijnor, was placed under care at the Pilibhit Tiger Reserve (PTR) on Sunday, an official said and added that the calf got separated from its mother in the forest area of Bijnor.
The calf was born on December 2 in the Bijnor forest area and got separated from its mother shortly after birth, the official said.
The forest department made several attempts to reunite it with its mother, but without any success. To ensure the calf's safety and better care, it was decided to transfer it to the Pilibhit Tiger Reserve on the instructions of senior officials.
On Saturday, Deputy Director Manish Singh received the calf. Special arrangements have been made in the reserve for its care. It has been kept in a safe and clean environment to provide it with a natural setting and protect it from external noise and disturbances.
Singh told reporters that raising an 19-day-old calf is challenging.
It requires a special diet as a substitute for mother's milk and constant monitoring.
He said a special team has been formed to provide 24-hour care. Since the calf is very young, it is being cared for like a newborn baby.
According to Singh, the primary responsibility for monitoring the calf's health has been entrusted to PTR's veterinarian, Dr Daksh Gangwar. Under his supervision, a complete record of the calf's health checkups, diet, and body temperature is being maintained. The team is ensuring that the calf does not contract any infection.
