A Message of Hope from Kashmir: Swami Raghavendra Speaks After the Pahalgam Attack
In this moving message, Swami Raghavendra of Satya Dharam Samvad reflects from Srinagar, where he was attending an interfaith conference at Dal Gate on the day of the tragic terror attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir.
Rather than succumbing to despair or division, Swami Raghavendra offers a powerful reminder of Kashmir’s deep roots in interfaith harmony. Known for its centuries-old traditions of coexistence among Muslims, Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, and others, Kashmir remains—despite the pain and present day —a sacred space for unity and acceptance. This enduring spirit, often referred to as Kashmiriyat, exemplifies the region's commitment to communal harmony and resilience in the face of adversity.
Speaking in the aftermath of the violence, Swami Raghavendra contrasts the horror of the attack with a simple, touching moment from the streets of Srinagar:
As he walked to a temple to offer prayers, a Muslim man approached him and gently asked, "Please pray for me, too." This humble request—expressing both a deeply personal and profoundly symbolic feeling—captures the spirit of Kashmir far better than any headline.
Satya Dharam Samvad (SDS) is a spiritual and social platform that promotes dialogue, shared ethical values, and grassroots harmony across faiths in India. Under Swami Raghavendra’s guidance, SDS has held numerous interreligious gatherings and solidarity initiatives, especially in areas affected by polarization and violence.
In 2024, Swami Raghavendra was honored with the SAMA (Swami Agnivesh Memorial Award) by Hindus for Human Rights, in recognition of his unwavering commitment to peace, truth, and justice.
In a time when violence and division are not just abstract threats but ongoing realities, Swami Raghavendra’s message is a reminder that even in the face of fear and loss, people across traditions continue to choose unity and shared humanity. The road ahead is difficult—but it is not without courage, compassion, moral clarity, and community.