New Dehli :Haji Syed Salman Chishty, Gaddi Nashin of the Ajmer Sharif Dargah and Chairman of the Chishty Foundation, delivered a spiritually insightful address on Sufism and the inner journey of self-realisation at the international Voices of Faith dialogue held at the prestigious Barbican Centre in London.
The Voices of Faith gathering, organised by Teamwork Arts in collaboration with the Kamini and Vindi Banga Family Trust, brought together prominent thinkers, spiritual leaders, scholars and cultural voices from across the world to discuss spirituality, wisdom traditions and the role of faith in shaping a compassionate future.
The festival was curated under the leadership of Sanjoy K. Roy, alongside Kamini Banga and Vindi Banga.
The dialogue featured an eminent line-up of international speakers including Trevor Phillips, Marcus du Sautoy, Rohinton Fali Nariman, Jonathan Romain, Deborah Kahn-Harris, Lama Khyimsa Rinpoche, MehoolSanghrajka, Shaunaka Rishi Das and others.
During his interaction with acclaimed broadcaster Georgina Godwin, Haji Syed Salman Chishty highlighted the timeless message of the Chishty Sufi tradition associated with Ajmer Sharif — a spiritual path rooted in love, humility, service and the unity of humanity.
Speaking at the event, he said the essence of Sufism lies in the journey of self-realisation. Quoting a well-known Sufi teaching, he said: “Those who know themselves, know their Lord.” He explained that when individuals awaken to their inner truth, divisions of religion, race and nationality begin to dissolve, leaving compassion, service to humanity and recognition of the divine light within every soul.
Chishty emphasised that in an age marked by global tensions and social fragmentation, spiritual dialogue and interfaith engagement are essential to nurture peace, understanding and ethical responsibility.
He also highlighted the enduring spiritual legacy of Khwaja Moinuddin Hasan Chishti, popularly known as Gharib Nawaz, whose teachings from Ajmer Sharif continue to inspire millions around the world with the universal message of “love towards all and malice towards none.”
The Voices of Faith dialogue concluded with a renewed call for deeper collaboration among spiritual traditions, scholars and cultural leaders to promote mutual understanding, compassion and a shared moral vision for humanity’s future.
