• Says “Diversity has been India’s natural way of life for millennia”
• Calls for strengthening social harmony, collective commitment to humanity
• Lauds public participation in NashaMukt J&K campaign, Vande Mataram initiative
Srinagar: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Thursday said India’s civilisational strength lies in its centuries-old tradition of respecting all faiths and embracing diversity, asserting that coexistence has been a natural way of life in the country while many nations continue to grapple with challenges of social and religious harmony.
Addressing the ‘Rishiwar’ Inter-Faith Conference 2026 in Srinagar, Sinha said the principle of equal respect for all religions has been deeply embedded in India’s philosophical and cultural foundations for thousands of years.
“The idea of honouring all faiths equally has been woven into the fabric of India’s philosophy for millennia. While many nations today struggle with the challenge of coexistence, diversity has been our natural rhythm of life,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
He noted that while several societies have developed mechanisms to preserve unity amid differences, India had embraced the ethos of coexistence long before, making it an integral part of its social and cultural identity.
The Lieutenant Governor said respect for diverse ideas, beliefs and traditions has always been a defining feature of Sanatan Dharma and that India has consistently upheld the principle of unity in diversity by extending respect to all faiths and spiritual traditions.
Referring to ancient Indian scriptures, Sinha said the Rigveda advocates harmony in thought, purpose and action, emphasizing the need for collective progress and shared aspirations.
“Scholars and researchers across the world agree that the spirit of equal regard for all religions finds its philosophical roots in the ancient traditions of our country. Through our Vedas, Upanishads, saints and seers, India has offered humanity a pathway towards peace and mutual understanding,” he said.
Calling for greater efforts to strengthen social cohesion, the Lieutenant Governor said every section of society must work together with a common commitment to the welfare of humanity.
“Every thread of society must be woven together. The ethos of equal respect for all religions is India’s most precious gift to the world and it must be nurtured continuously so that all communities can progress together in peace and prosperity,” he said.
The conference also provided a platform for the Lieutenant Governor to highlight ongoing social and nation-building initiatives in Jammu and Kashmir.
Referring to the VandeMataram initiative, Sinha described Jammu and Kashmir’s performance during its three phases as exceptional and said the response reflected the deep-rooted patriotic spirit of the people.
He also praised the widespread public participation in the NashaMukt Jammu and Kashmir Abhiyaan, saying the anti-drug campaign had evolved into a community-driven movement with support from all sections of society.
“The participation of people in the campaign has been organic and inspiring. Citizens, institutions and community leaders must continue to work together to transform it into a mass movement aimed at building a drug-free and healthier society,” he said.
The conference was attended by Justice Sanjay Dhar of the High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, J&K Waqf Board Chairperson Dr. Syed Darakhshan Andrabi, Kashmir University Vice-Chancellor Prof. Nilofer Khan, organiser Prof. Meena Sharma, besides saints, academics, senior officers from the judiciary, police and civil administration, students and members of the public.
The event focused on promoting inter-faith dialogue, mutual understanding and the values of coexistence, bringing together scholars, religious leaders and representatives from different walks of life.
