The J&K LG underlined India’s civilizational values and called for greater unity in a world increasingly affected by conflict and intolerance.
Jammu
Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday said that the essence of ancient Hinduism lies in its spirit of inclusiveness, coexistence, and respect for diversity rather than imposing itself on others. Addressing an Interfaith Dialogue organized by the National Council for Promotion of Urdu Language in collaboration with the Inter-Faith Harmony Foundation of India, Sinha underlined India’s civilizational values and called for greater unity in a world increasingly affected by conflict and intolerance.
Speaking before scholars, religious leaders, and participants from various faiths, the Lieutenant Governor described India as one of the world’s oldest civilizations built upon the principles of mutual respect and peaceful coexistence. He said that Sanatana Dharma, regarded as the world’s oldest living religion, has historically welcomed diversity and provided space for different religions to flourish freely.
According to Sinha, India’s ancient traditions created an environment where religions such as Christianity, Islam, Judaism, and Zoroastrianism found acceptance and freedom to practice their beliefs. He noted that this inclusive approach remains one of India’s greatest contributions to humanity.
Highlighting the relevance of Indian philosophy in the modern world, Sinha said the principles of Sanatana Dharma offer valuable guidance at a time when societies across the globe are witnessing growing divisions based on religion, language, ethnicity, and culture. He stressed that Indian thought possesses the unique ability to bridge these differences by promoting understanding, compassion, and peaceful coexistence.
The Lieutenant Governor further stated that India is more than a geographical entity and represents a living idea rooted in the belief that humanity forms one global family. He urged the younger generation to preserve and promote this vision, adding that lasting peace can only be achieved through mutual respect and acceptance of differing beliefs.
Describing the concept of Indianness as the nation’s defining cultural identity, Sinha said it embodies the ideals of equal respect for all religions, the search for truth, unity in diversity, and the timeless principle of viewing the world as one family. He noted that these values are reflected in India’s ancient scriptures, including the Vedas and Upanishads, which have encouraged harmonious living for thousands of years.
He observed that these sacred texts teach that truth is not confined to a single path and that different faiths can coexist while respecting one another’s traditions. According to him, India’s sages recognized centuries ago that multiple paths could lead to the same truth, making diversity a source of strength rather than division. Referring specifically to Jammu and Kashmir, Sinha said the region has historically represented the ideals of harmony and coexistence. He explained that the widely used term Kashmiriyat is deeply rooted in the broader philosophy of Indianness and reflects the enduring values of compassion, inclusiveness, and shared cultural heritage that have shaped Indian civilization for centuries.