Uniting for Peace: The Role of World Interfaith Harmony Week

(IHW), observed during the first week of February since its inception in 2010, stands as a beacon of hope and unity. This initiative, proposed by King Abdullah II of Jordan and adopted by the United Nations General Assembly, serves as a reminder of the power of dialogue and understanding in fostering a culture of peace and nonviolence.

As we celebrate WIHW, it's crucial to reflect on its origins and ongoing relevance. The UN's designation of this week underlines the need for mutual understanding and interreligious dialogue as key components of a culture of peace. This celebration is not just a symbolic gesture but a call to action for states, institutions, and individuals to promote interfaith harmony and goodwill across diverse communities.

The mission of Hindus for Human Rights (HfHR) aligns seamlessly with the spirit of WIHW. At HfHR, our focus is on championing human rights and advocating for the underrepresented and marginalized within South Asia and its diaspora. This mission is more vital than ever in a global context where religious nationalism is gaining prominence.

The political landscape, both in South Asia and globally, has seen a worrying shift towards the right, with religious nationalism emerging as a powerful force. This trend is not limited to one region or faith; from Christian Nationalism in the USA to increasing intolerance towards Muslims, Christians, and Sikhs in South Asia, the pattern is disturbingly similar. The rise of such ideologies not only threatens the fabric of diverse societies but also undermines the principles of democracy and human rights.

HfHR stands in solidarity with communities facing the brunt of this political drift. Our work involves raising awareness and mobilizing support against injustices perpetrated in the name of religious nationalism. The recent actions by the government in India, involving transnational repression and credible accusations of assassination and assassination attempts on members of the diaspora in the US and Canada, are alarming. These incidents highlight the urgent need for a global response and the critical role organizations like HfHR play in safeguarding human rights and promoting interfaith harmony.

As we observe World Interfaith Harmony Week, it's essential to recognize the interconnectedness of our struggles. The fight against religious nationalism and for human rights is not confined to national borders; it is a global challenge that requires a united response. HfHR's mission resonates with the objectives of WIHW, emphasizing the importance of dialogue, understanding, and cooperation among different faiths and cultures.

World Interfaith Harmony Week is not just a time for reflection but a call to action. As HfHR, we reaffirm our commitment to standing with communities affected by religious nationalism and advocating for peace, understanding, and justice. We invite everyone to join us in this endeavor, to build bridges across faiths and borders, and to work towards a world where diversity is celebrated, and human rights are upheld for all.

Hindus for Human Rights interfaith initiatives and activities, some notable examples:

1. Interfaith Harmony Student Fellowship: A collaborative program between Hindus for Human Rights and the Indian American Muslim Council, this fellowship brings together Hindu and Muslim students from various U.S. universities to host interfaith events on their campuses: When it comes to defusing Hindu-Muslim tensions, college kids may know best (religionnews.com)

2. Dismantling Global Hindutva Conference: HfHR expressed their support for the University of Pennsylvania in a Title VI Civil Rights complaint filed against it for co-sponsoring the Dismantling Global Hindutva Conference. This conference aimed to examine the political philosophy of Hindutva and its impact on India and abroad. The organization highlighted its commitment to critical inquiry, academic freedom, pluralism, and open-minded inquiry in the context of this conference, emphasizing that the conference was not anti-Hindu but rather an academic exploration of a specific political ideology​​: Hindus for Human Rights | In support of the Dismantling Global Hindutva conference | The Daily Pennsylvanian (thedp.com)

3. Support for Faisal Khan: The case of Faisal Khan, a Muslim activist imprisoned in India, drew interfaith support, including that from HfHR. The movement to free Khan, known for his revival of the anti-imperial movement Khudai Khidmatgar (Servants of God), was taken up by Mahatma Gandhi’s grandson, Rajmohan Gandhi, and endorsed by prominent figures like the Rev. William Barber II, an African American Christian pastor. This situation highlighted the interfaith solidarity and the shared history of fighting racism and imperialism in both American civil rights and Indian freedom struggles​​: Why Indian activist Faisal Khan should matter to all Americans (religionnews.com)

4. Hindu and Jewish American Interactions: Hindu and Jewish organizations in the United States, including HfHR, have been recognizing their commonalities and engaging in interreligious dialogue. These interactions have not only focused on exploring shared traditions and connections to homeland but also on broader goals like allyship between India, Israel, and the United States. Such dialogues reflect the learning and understanding of each other's cultures, fostering an environment of mutual respect and cooperation​​: Hindu and Jewish Americans foster kinship through shared traditions, connections to homeland (religionnews.com)