Message from the Secretary

It gives me great pleasure to extend a warm welcome to all friends, partners, supporters and patrons of the National Foundation for Communal Harmony to the latest edition of our

quarterly newsletter Sadbhavana Sandesh.

� I am pleased to report that the last few months have seen intense and fruitful activities by the Foundation.

� The highlight of this period was the celebration of the National Communal Harmony th thCampaign Week from 19 to 25 November, 2013. A group of five children, two each from

Assam and J & K and one from Maharashtra were invited to New Delhi to expose them to the culture and life in the Capital city. During their visit, the children called upon the Hon'ble President of India; Vice President; Prime Minister; Speaker, Lok Sabha; Home Minister, Home Secretary and other dignitaries to symbolically pin flags of communal harmony on their persons. They also visited several religious, historical and cultural sites including Hanuman Mandir, Jama Masjid, Sacred Heart Church, Bangla Sahib Gurudwara, Rashtrapati Bhavan, Rajghat, Nehru Planetarium, India Gate, Qutub Minar, Rail Museum and other land marks of the city. The visit proved to be a memorable experience for the children, none of whom had stepped out of their respective States before this visit to Delhi.

� Under the Communal Harmony Campaign Week, the Foundation contacted around 100,000 organizations including 70,000 schools to arrange special programmes and events to promote the theme of peaceful co-existence, mutual respect for all religions, unity and brotherhood amongst different segments of our society. In addition to taking the message of Communal Harmony and National Integration to the farthest corners of the country, this initiative helps the Foundation to generate financial resources to carry out its programmes and activities, particularly in the area of providing financial support and assistance to around 10,000 children in 21 States of the country. Assistance is provided to those children who have been rendered destitute or orphan as a result of incidents of communal, terrorist, ethnic or caste violence.

� Another major development of this period was the announcement of the National Communal Harmony Awards for the year 2013. A high-powered Jury under the Chairmanship of the Hon'ble Vice-President of India decided to recognize the contribution of Dr. N. Radhakrishnan, Working Chairman, Kerala Gandhi Smarak Nidhi and Dr. Mohinder Singh, Member, National Commission for Minority Educational Institutions, with this Award in the “Individual” category and Centre for Study of Society and Secularism, Maharashtra under the “Organisation” category. On behalf of the Foundation and on my own behalf, I extend our warmest congratulations and felicitations to the winners of the Awards. The winners will be conferred these Awards at an appropriate ceremony in future.

� The Foundation launched several new initiatives and activities over the last few months. It has been frequently brought to my attention by several eminent and learned activists and scholars during our interaction with them that there is inadequate appreciation and understanding of different religions amongst the people of our country and the world. To address this lacuna, the Foundation launched a programme under the rubric 'Role of Religion in Promotion of Peace & Communal Harmony'. Under this programme, the Foundation proposes to organise seminars and conferences on all major religions of the world including Hinduism, Islam, Sikhism, Christianity, Buddhism, Jainism, Zoroastrianism, Bahai

~lnHkkouk lUns‘kPeace, Harmony, Shared Security & Prosperity

No. 001/2014 FEBRUARY 2014

Sadbhavana SandeshSadbhavana Sandesh

jk"Vªh; lkEiznkf;d ln~Hkko izfr"BkuNATIONAL FOUNDATION FOR COMMUNAL HARMONY

2

thand others. The first seminar under this initiative was held at the Guru Nanak Dev University (GNDU), Amritsar on 29 November, 2013. We were privileged to have the presence of Jathedar of Sri Akal Thakt, Vice Chancellor of Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar and several eminent scholars, academics, thinkers, authors as well as teachers and students. You will read a brief report on the proceedings and outcome of this seminar in the following pages.

� The other initiative that the Foundation has embarked upon is our collaboration with the Academic Staff Colleges established by the University Grants Commission in several prominent universities of the country. The Academic Staff Colleges regularly organise Orientation Programmes and Refresher Courses for Professors, Associate Professors etc. from different universities at their campuses. The Foundation has proactively initiated collaboration with Academic Staff Colleges so that the theme of communal harmony and national integration is woven integrally into courses conducted by them. The first Conference under this programme was organised in collaboration with the Academic Staff College,

thAligarh Muslim University on 15 December, 2013. More than 150 educators and teachers at different levels attended the programme and engaged actively in writing essays, stories and creative slogans, and making paintings to focus on this vital theme. The Foundation is in the process of expanding this outreach and collaborating with other Academic Staff Colleges in the country.

� The Foundation collaborated with the University of Pondicherry to organise a one day workshop on 'Promoting thCommunal Harmony and Peace by Educating the Importance of Pluralism' on 19 December, 2013. The

Conference was inaugurated by the Vice-Chancellor of Pondicherry University. Several distinguished and eminent scholars, thinkers, leaders of different religions and faiths, academics and students took active part in the discussions.

� The Foundation has published two books during this period viz. 'Shanti Vriksha' and 'Women and Communal Harmony'. The Foundation is confident that extensive use of these books as well as of our earlier publications will go a long way in promoting peace and communal harmony in the country.

� The Foundation published a calendar for 2014 using the paintings that were received by us from children of different schools all over the country. This is the first attempt by the Foundation in this direction. The Foundation has received several messages of commendation and appreciation from several friends, patrons and partners. However, we realise that improvements are possible and the Foundation will take further measures and steps to produce an even better product next year.

� The Foundation has several more initiatives in the area of organizing outreach programmes and activities in the coming months to promote communal harmony and national integration in the country. We will keep our friends and partners informed of these initiatives.

� The conscience of the nation was shocked in early November, 2013 to witness the communal mayhem and carnage perpetrated at Muzaffarnagar in U.P. The Foundation condemns this incident of communal violence and destruction in strong, unequivocal terms. The Foundation is in active contact with the concerned authorities in the District as well as the State capital to extend all possible support to provide succour to the unfortunate victims of this tragedy.

� The period also saw the sad and sorrowful passing away of Dr. Nelson Mandela, the modern day apostle of peace and non violence, at the age of 95 years, after a brave battle with a protracted illness. His courageous fight against apartheid and discrimination in South Africa using the principle of Ahimsa, so well perfected by the Mahatma a hundred years ago in the same country, is an inspiration to and worthy of emulation by the whole humanity. Although his passing away has left a huge void which will be extremely difficult, if not impossible, to fill, his life and experience provide a shining message to the oppressed and under-privileged segments of society everywhere to use the path of non-violence and peaceful resistance to fight for their just demands.

� I would like to take this opportunity to thank all our patrons, friends and supporters for their valuable contribution, inputs, advice and guidance in strengthening and expanding the activities of the Foundation. I look forward to receiving similar support and co-operation as we go forward to achieve our objective of a stable, secure, inclusive and prosperous India.

Jai Hind !

Ashok SajjanharSecretary, NFCH

secy-nfch-mha@nic.in, asajjanhar@gmail.com

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Dr. Mohinder Singh, aged 72, is a renowned scholar and interfaith leader. In 1984, he along with other social activists, organized relief camps at Delhi and restored friendship between the Hindus and the Sikhs in the wake of anti-Sikh riots. In 1985, he set-up a Communal Harmony Forum along with Dr. Nirmala Deshpande, which worked for nearly four years and organized inter-faith meetings and visits to holy places by its members. As Executive Trustee of Delhi Peace Summit, he organized summits/ conferences to promote peace and harmony during 2003, 2004 & 2007. He held the post of Member, National Commission for Religious and Linguistic Minorities from 2005 to 2007. Dr. Singh is currently the Member of the National Commission for Minority Educational Institutions and Hony. Director of Bhai Vir Singh Sahitya Sadan, New Delhi.

Dr. N Radhakrishnan, aged 69 is a well known academic, a Gandhian scholar and a peace worker. He initiated the Shanti Sena programme at the Gandhigram University and extended this work to other parts of the country. He has been actively working to restore peace in communally tense areas of Tamilnadu and Kerala. Having served as Director of Gandhi Smriti & Darshan Samiti, New Delhi for more than a decade, he was instrumental in initiating and implementing many innovative activities in educational institutions by using Gandhian values and principles. His campaign 'Hinsamukt Bharat Andolan' motivates people to become foot soldiers in campaign for peace and sustainable development.

These Awards will be presented to the Award Winners later at an appropriate Award Presentation Ceremony at New Delhi.

The National Communal Harmony Awards 2013 announced

The National Communal Harmony Awards were instituted in 1996 by NFCH for promoting communal harmony and national integration with a view to demonstrating due appreciation and recognition of the efforts of individuals and Organizations for promotion of communal harmony and national integration in a sustained manner over a sufficiently long period of time. In addition to a citation in each category, the Award carries a cash award of Rupees Five Lakh for 'Individuals' and Rupees Ten Lakh for 'Organizations'. These prestigious Awards are decided by a high-powered Jury under the Chairmanship of Hon'ble Vice-President of India.

For the year 2013, the Centre for Study of Society and Secularism, Maharashtra has been selected for the National Communal Harmony Award in the Organization category by the Jury. The Jury selected two individuals viz. Dr. Mohinder Singh, Delhi and Dr. N. Radhakrishnan, Kerala for this Award in the individual category.

Established in 1996, the Centre for Study of Society and Secularism (CSSS) is a M u m b a i b a s e d organization working to promote peace, s e c u l a r i s m a n d communal harmony in the country. It has also been working on human rights issues and issues of the marginalized and deprived sections of the society. The Centre has published a number of books and literary material highlighting different facets of violence and communalism, peace, secularism and communal harmony which have a wide readership. The Centre has also been regularly publishing a quarterly journal 'Indian Journal of Secularism' which is popular amongst academics, scholars and the common people. The Centre is headed by Shri Irfan Engineer, who is the Director of the Organization.

Shri Irfan Engineer

Dr. N Radhakrishnan

Dr. Mohinder Singh

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Communal Harmony Campaign Week celebrated by NFCH from 19th to 25th

November 2013 with vigour & enthusiasm

The National Foundation for Communal Harmony celebrated the Communal Harmony Campaign and Fund Raising Week from 19th to 25th November 2013. The last working day i.e. 25th November of this week was observed as the Flag Day.

Children with Shri Pranab Mukherjee, Hon'ble President of India

Publicity material like Flag stickers, wrappers, posters, NFCH brochures etc. were despatched well in advance to about 1,00,000 units in all States / UTs, Ministries/Departments, Central Public Sector Undertakings, para-mi l i tary organizat ions, universities, selected educational institutions, and Indian embassies & missions abroad, etc. to celebrate the week and observe Flag Day to promote communal harmony in the country.

Amb. Ashok Sajjanhar, Shri Surinder Mohan, Shri Prabhakar Sharma and children with

Shri M. Hamid Ansari, Hon'ble Vice-President of India

An appeal was also made to all stakeholders to organize specific programmes in their organizations during the Week and observe 25th November as Flag Day to promote communal harmony and national

integration and raise funds for enhancing and expanding the activities of the Foundation.

Five children from three states viz. Assam, Maharashtra and Jammu & Kashmir were invited by the Foundation along with their mothers and escorts to participate in the Communal Harmony Campaign Week & Flag Day celebrations. These children were privileged to pin communal harmony flags on the persons of Shri Pranab Mukherjee, Hon'ble President; Shri M. Hamid Ansari, Vice-President; Dr. Manmohan Singh, Prime Minister; Ms. Meira Kumar, Speaker Lok Sabha; Shri Sushilkumar Shinde, Home Minister, Shri Anil Goswami, Home Secretary and other dignitaries.

Amb. Ashok Sajjanhar, Shri Surinder Mohan and children with Dr. Manmohan Singh, Hon'ble Prime Minister

The children were taken for local sight-seeing in Delhi and nearby places to historical, religious and cultural sites such as Rashtrapati Bhavan, Red Fort, Jama Masjid, Hanuman Mandir, Bangla Saheb Gurudwara, Sacred Heart Church, Nehru Planetarium, India Gate, Qutub Minar, Rail Museum etc. The children immensely enjoyed and valued this experience.

Amb. Ashok Sajjanhar and children with Ms. Meira Kumar, Hon'ble Speaker, Lok Sabha

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Amb. Ashok Sajjanhar, Secretary, NFCH spent considerable time with the children sharing views, experiences and anecdotes with them in an atmosphere of affection and warmth. He also presented gifts including chocolates, books and stationery items to the children.

Amb. Ashok Sajjanhar, Shri Surinder Mohan and children with Shri Sushilkumar Shinde, Hon'ble Home Minister

Amb. Ashok Sajjanhar, Shri Surinder Mohan,Shri Prabhakar Sharma and children with

Shri Anil Goswami, Home Secretary (MHA)

The children immensely enjoyed the sight-seeing in Delhi. They also visited nearby places which are of historical and cultural significance. The children loved to intermingle with their fellow friends coming from different states for this campaign. They also enjoyed ride of Delhi Metro and Children's train at the Rail Museum.

The Foundation's Communal Harmony Campaign Programme 2013 was covered by Doordarshan and telecast on two days on 29th and 30th November 2013. Doordarshan and AIR organized interviews and panel discussions on the theme of communal harmony during this period with participation of Secretary of the Foundation.

Children at Red Fort, Delhi

Secretary, officers & staff of NFCH along with children

Besides initiatives taken by NFCH, various Institutions & Organizations in the country also observed this week with great fervor and enthusiasm. Numerous outreach & promotional activities were organized by educational institutions, public sector enterprises, government departments/ agencies, NGOs and voluntary organizations, etc. Flag Day was specially utilized to generate financial support for destitute children affected by societal violence. Details of these activities and programmes would be covered in the next issue of Sadbhavana Sandesh.

AAROHAN and NFCH collaborate to promote communal harmony among young children

AAROHAN, a Non-Government Organization engaged in upliftment of under-privileged children and providing cultural and educational training to them, organized a one day programme in collaboration with the National Foundation for Communal Harmony to promote communal harmony and national integration on 4th January 2014. The programme was held near Lakshmi Narayan Mandir, Malviya Nagar, New Delhi.

6

Amb. Ashok Sajjanhar, Secretary NFCH and Shri Sourabh Dubey, Assistant Secretary participated in the programme. The event was graced by Shri Narendra Chitra, Laxmi Narayan Mandir; delegates from Delhi government; Maulana Sabre Alam Kadri and several other distinguished guests and participants.

A peace march was held from Aarohan Centre to the venue through the by-lanes of Malviya Nagar involving children from various schools, parents, community members and senior citizens representing different regions and religions and carrying the message of peace and communal harmony. A rainbow of cultural programs including folk dances, painting, skit on communal harmony and many more were organized on this occasion. Placards on communal harmony were displayed by the children. The best painting promoting the message 'Religion of Love' was adjudged by a panel headed by Amb. Ashok Sajjanhar, Secretary NFCH.

Performances by toddlers in the age group of three to five years were very endearing. Their central message was sense of Oneness. Volunteers from Lady Shri Ram College and other institutes helped in organizing the event. Special dance items on communal harmony were performed. Children

rendered patriotic songs like Raghupati Raghav Raja Ram, Desh Rangila etc. A skit was also enacted viz. Anek chidya with the central theme of Unity in Diversity.

The event was organized in the main market of Malviya Nagar, New Delhi to sensitize different segments of society on the significance and importance of communal harmony, unity and brotherhood amongst different segments of our society. It was a sincere initiative by AAROHAN with the support of NFCH to bring all the religions on one platform.

Amb. Ashok Sajjanhar honoured with Award of 'Ambassador for Peace' by

Universal Peace Federation, New York

We announce with happiness and satisfaction that Amb. Ashok Sajjanhar, Secretary, National Foundation for Communal Harmony was awarded the Title of 'Ambassador for Peace' by the Universal Peace

Federation, New York, an Organisation in Consultative Status with the United Nations on 4th January, 2014 at the United Nations Office, New Delhi for his contribution and initiatives in promoting communal

A view of programe organised by AAROHAN & NFCH

Amb. Ashok Sajjanhar addressing the gathering

Amb. Ashok Sajjanhar delivering a Talk on Interfaith Movement

Amb. Ashok Sajjanhar receiveing the Title “Ambassador for Peace”

7

harmony, peaceful co-existence and mutual respect for all religions. This prestigious Title was conferred on Amb. Sajjanhar by Dr. Thomas Walsh, International President of UPF and Dr. B. P. Singh, former Governor of Sikkim.

On this occasion, Amb. Ashok Sajjanhar delivered a Talk on the Relevance and Future of Interfaith Movement and the important role that India is playing in promoting societal harmony, unity, amity and brotherhood amongst the diverse segments of our society in the country and the world. He said that for the last several millennia, all major religions and faiths of the world have flourished and blossomed in India. India is a vibrant and outstanding example showing how different faiths and beliefs can co-exist in peace, mutual respect and harmony.

Symposium organized on 'Contribution of Sikhism in Promoting Peace and

Communal Harmony' at Amritsar

The National Foundation for Communal Harmony, New Delhi in collaboration with Guru Nanak Dev University (GNDU), Amritsar organized a Symposium on 'Contribution of Sikhism in Promoting Peace and Communal Harmony' at University Campus, Amritsar on Friday 29th November 2013.

Prof Ajaib Singh Brar, Vice-Chancellor, welcomed the chief guests and distinguished participants. Giani Joginder Singh Vedanti, former Jathedar Akal Takht Sahib, Amritsar inaugurated the symposium. Dr Mohinder Singh, Member, National Commission for Minority Educational Institutions, New Delhi, delivered the keynote address. Ambassador Ashok Sajjanhar, IFS (retd), Secretary, National Foundation for Communal Harmony, New Delhi, presided over the inaugural session. Dr Shashi Bala,

Dr Gurcharan Singh, Dr Gurnam Singh Sanghera, Dr Gulzar Singh Kang, Dr Harjit Singh Dr. B.S Dhillon and Sardar Sukhpal Singh also presented their Research Papers on the occasion.

Brief highlights of speeches of some key speakers of the symposium are given below:

Giani Joginder Singh Vedanti - Today, world is distressed and humanity is suffering. Values and ethics are declining due to materialistic approach. Sikh religion since its inception advocated peace and harmony all over the world and always prayed for the well being of everyone (Sarbat da Bhala). It is, therefore important that one must respect all others' religions, customs and rituals of the world. Sri Guru Granth Sahib teaches its followers to love all creations as God's own manifestation and accept all faiths' interfaith tolerance and understanding.

Dr. Mohinder Singh - The politicians are dividing the people in the name of religion for their own benefit. Sri Guru Granth Sahib is not only for Sikhs but for the whole humanity. The divine teachings of Sri Guru Granth Sahib provide directions to lead a balanced life and be a good human being. Its divine teachings can play a vital and constructive role. The holy book seeks to unite people belonging to different faiths and holds that the object of religion is not to divide mankind but to unite it, not to act like scissors and tear asunder the social fabric, but to act like a needle and sew it together.

Amb. Ashok Sajjanhar briefed the audience about the aims and objectives and activities of NFCH. He stressed that the Foundation is determined to create an environment where people from all religions can live together with love, peace and mutual respect. On Sikhism, he said that it is a Panth which was founded on the principles of interfaith understanding, mutual respect and harmony. All religions of the world teach love and preach compassion, kindness and generosity towards others. No religion teaches hatred or violence.

From L to R Prof. B.S. Dhillon, Giani Joginder Singh Vedanti,Jathedar Sri Akal Takht ; Prof. Ajaib Singh Brar, Vice Chancellor ;

Amb. Ashok Sajjanhar, Dr. Mohinder Singh

Amb. Ashok Sajjanhar addressing the Symposium at Amritsar

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National Seminar organized on National Integration at Aligarh

The UGC Academic Staff College, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh in collaboration with the National Foundation for Communal Harmony, New Delhi organized a Seminar on National Integration at Academic Staff College Campus, Aligarh on Sunday 15th December 2013.

From L to R: Prof. Abdur Raheem Kidwai, Amb. Ashok Sajjanhar, Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Zameer Uddin Shah, Vice Chancellor; Mrs. Shah

Amb. Ashok Sajjanhar, Secretary NFCH delivered the Key note address in the Inaugural function and later addressed the gathering at the Valedictory function. He said that no religion teaches hate, violence and exclusion and with events like this, school and college students will be encouraged to understand each other and respect each other. He exhorted the gathering to take a national integration pledge because in order to make progress and generate global respect, India needs to actively and effectively combat communalism.

Amb. Ashok Sajjanhar addressing the gathering

The inaugural function was graced by AMU Pro Vice Chancellor Brig. Syed Ahmad Ali, who said that all of us should put 'I' behind 'We' and that is why the Preamble of the Constitution of India begins with 'We the People of India'. The Presidential address was delivered by the Vice Chancellor of Aligarh Muslim

University Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Zameer Uddin Shah, who attended the Valedictory function. He stated that all Indians should forget cultural and religious differences. He reiterated that by doing this we should not be afraid of losing our identity as this does not have any bearing on identity.

Professor Abdur Raheem Kidwai, Director, UGC Academic Staff College, said that AMU was established by Sir Syed Ahmad Khan who himself was a champion of secular values. He said that in the Muslim University people from all communities have always been welcome, both in the Staff and amongst the students.

The One Day Seminar was addressed by about 30 eminent thinkers, writers and leaders as guest speakers, judges and resource persons. A delegation from the British High Commission participated in this seminar to deliberate upon status of Muslim Women in UK. Interfaith leaders and AMU alumni in prominent positions in the nation also spoke at the seminar. The occasion was also utilized to organize a number of competitions and literary activities amongst the university and college teachers such as essay competition, group discussion, slogan and poster making competition, song and poem composition etc. all covering the theme of national integration. These competitions were open in any language preferred by the participants. Certificates of participation were given to all delegates and NFCH publications were distributed as prizes to winners of various competitions.

More than 150 educationists including University/ College teachers from all parts of India i.e. Andaman and Nicobar, Assam, Nagaland, Jammu and Kashmir, Rajasthan, Karnataka, Jharkhand, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, and Uttarakhand participated in the Seminar.

Audience at the Seminar

Dr. S Reshma Jamal, ASC Faculty thanked the guests and participants on behalf of UGC ASC, AMU. Shri Sourabh Dubey, Assistant Secretary, NFCH

9

delivered the vote of thanks on behalf of NFCH and said that such events will bring the two organisations closer. The programmes and the seminar proceedings were conducted by ASC Faculty Dr. Faiza Abbasi (also Seminar Convenor). She congratulated the delegates on their overwhelming response to the call for seminar participation and emphasized that goodwill between communities can be built by increasing mutual interactions and dialogue.

Workshop organized on 'PromotingCommunal Harmony and Peace by Educating

the Importance of Pluralism' at Puducherry

Department of Politics and International Studies, Pondicherry University in collaboration with the National Foundation for Communal Harmony, New Delhi organized a workshop on 'Promoting Communal Harmony and Peace by Educating the Importance of Pluralism' on 19th December 2013.

More than 250 participants from different affiliated institutions and Pondicherry University attended the workshop including Prof. Chandra Krishnamurthy, the Vice Chancellor of Pondicherry University; Amb. Ashok Sajjanhar, Secretary NFCH; Prof. P. Lazarus Samraj, Dr. Mumtaz Begum, Dr. Ayeesha Zawahir, Prof. N.K. Jha, Prof. P. Moorthy, Dr. Srinivas, Dr. K. Gulam Dasthagir, Prof. Samandhan, Mrs. Subha Mohan, Bhante D. Sumedho, Dr. Venkata Raghotham, Rev. Fr. Maria Joseph, Dr. Abraham Christdhas and several other distinguished scholars, experts, students and media personnel etc.

Amb. Ashok Sajjanhar addressing the workshop

Dr. P. Lazarus Samraj greeted the audience with his welcome address and gave a brief overview on the scope of the workshop. Amb. Ashok Sajjanhar, theChief Guest of the programme, delivered the keynote address. Prof. (Mrs.) Chandra Krishnamurthy gave the presidential address. Prof. N.K. Jha, Dean of Social Sciences and International Studies, Pondicherry University delivered felicitation address in

the inaugural session. Special vote of thanks was given by Prof. P. Moorthy, Head of Department, Department of Politics and International Studies, Pondicherry University.

The first session on 'Hinduism and Communal Harmony' was chaired by Prof. N.K Jha. Dr. A. V. Rangachari, one of the resource persons on Hinduism, talked about the basic Hindu belief and philosophy i.e. showing love to every fellow being and living in harmony with all without any discrimination of caste, creed and religion. Dr. Srinivas spoke about humanitarianism in Hinduism. He stressed on identifying Hinduism as a way of life rather than merely a religion.

The next session on Islam was chaired by Dr. Mumtaz Begum in which focus was mainly given towards teachings and principles of Islam towards communal harmony. Dr. Ayeesha Zawahir and Dr. K. Gulam Dasthagir spoke largely about how Islam as a religion encourages peaceful living with neighbours and other fellow beings. Dr. Ayeesha Zawahir particularly made an interesting split of the word PLURALISM to People Living United Radiating Almighty's Love Invoking Serenity and Magnanimity.

Prof. Samandhan chaired the third session on teachings of communal harmony in the Bahai faith and Buddhism. Mrs. Subha Mohan explicated how Bahai faith recognizes the unity of God and teaches tolerance and unity to its followers. Bhante D. Sumedho shared about the beliefs and practices of religious tolerance and pluralism in Buddhism.

Participants of workshop

The last session of the day on Christianity and its relationship with other religions was chaired by Dr. Venkata Raghotham. Rev. Fr. Maria Joseph emphasized how Christians respect every religion by citing an example of the 'World day of prayer' in 1986, in which representatives from every religion were invited to pray together. Dr. Abraham Christdhas stressed on building communal harmony by considering pluralism as a God-given call to be co-pilgrims.

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NFCH released Rs.4.04 Crores to destitute children under Project Assist during 2013-14

As on 31.01.2014, a sum of Rs.4.04 Crores (approx.) has been released to 2,947 destitute/ orphan children belonging to States of Assam, Bihar, Gujarat, Jammu & Kashmir, Maharashtra, Manipur, Odisha, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh as given below :

State-wise release of assistance under Project Assist during 2013-14 (up to 31.01.2014)

State Children Amount Assisted sanctioned

Assam 452 6205500

Bihar 02 60000

Gujarat 71 1197600

J & K 1767 24618750

Maharashtra 06 113400

Manipur 631 8055000

Odisha 12 108000

Rajasthan 03 63000

Uttar Pradesh 03 51000

Total 2947 40472250

The participants were greatly enlightened and felt rejuvenated with the proceedings of the workshop. Each speaker spoke passionately and gave a clear message of how every religion accepts pluralism in promoting communal harmony and peace.

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11

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ladyu % Mk- js[kk f}osnhISBN 878-81-88772-13-1

laLdj.k & 2014] i`"B 48$4] CS, ewY; #- 200@&

Renowned PSEs & Corporate Houses render Rs.1.45 Crores as donation to NFCH to implement its flagship Project 'Assist'

Several PSEs came forward to provide donation to NFCH under CSR to implement its flagship Project 'Assist' for rendering help to the destitute / orphan children affected by different kinds of societal violence.

A view of MoU signed between GAIL and NFCH at New Delhi

� Several Public Sector Enterprises (PSEs) have contributed generously and handsomely to the Foundation under their CSR objectives to provide support for our flagship Project 'Assist' under which financial assistance is extended to orphans and destitute children who are victims of different kinds of societal violence. During the current financial year, the Foundation signed Memoranda of Understanding with two major PSEs viz. CONCOR and GAIL amounting to Rs. 1 Crore and Rs. 38 Lakh respectively. Several PSEs are actively considering providing financial help to the National Foundation for Communal Harmony under their CSR schemes.

So far the Foundation has received a sum of Rs. 1.45 Crores during the current financial year

(upto 31.01.2014) as per following details:

1. Container Corporation of India Ltd. - Rs. 71 lakh

2. Mishra Dhatu Nigam Ltd. – Rs.35 lakh

3. Gas Authority of India Ltd. (GAIL) – Rs. 30 lakh

4. Bharti Enterprises Ltd. – Rs. 5 lakh

5. Indian Oil Corporation Ltd. – Rs. 2 lakh

6. NMDC Ltd. – Rs. 2 lakh

The Foundation is immensely grateful to all its patrons and partners for their generous support and assistance which has enabled us to carry out and implement our projects all over the country. The support received by the Foundation from the Public Sector Enterprises is essentially utilised for effective rehabilitation, care, education and training of children affected by communal or terrorist violence.

A view of MoU signed between CONCOR & NFCH at New Delhi

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NATIONAL FOUNDATION FOR COMMUNAL HARMONY(Ministry of Home Affairs, Govt. of India)

th9 Floor, C-Wing, Lok Nayak Bhawan, Khan Market, New Delhi- 110003Tel.: 011-24633968, 24646139, Fax 011-24610524, Website: www.nfch.nic.in

Note : Please send your feedback and contributions to nfch@mha.nic.in or secy-nfch-mha@nic.in

Editor

SALAHUDDIN ANSARI Assistant Secretary

Chief Editor

ASHOK SAJJANHARSecretary

Advisors

SURINDER MOHANJoint Secretary cum FO

REKHA DWIVEDIEditor-Director (Documentation)

EDITORIAL BOARD

Printed at : CHAUHAN ART PRESS Tel : 011-47401321, 9711811511

Photographs of children who visited some religious places during Communal HarmonyCampaign Week to spread the message of peace, equality and religious harmony

At Jama Masjid, New Delhi

At Bangla Saheb Gurudwara, New Delhi

At Sacred Heart Church, Gole Market, New Delhi

One of the children praying at a Temple in New Delhi