On July 20, 2024, over 500 attendees from across the Greater Toronto Area gathered at the Bombay Palace Banquet Hall in Brampton, Ontario, for the Interfaith Insights - Building Bridges of Humanity event, organized by the Namdhari Sikh Sangat Canada in the presence of Sri Satguru Uday Singh Ji.
This inspiring conference aimed to foster interfaith unity, harmony, and progress. It featured a distinguished panel of religious, spiritual, and community leaders and officials across various faiths and traditions. The event offered a unique platform for individuals of diverse backgrounds to connect, share perspectives, and learn from one another. The event highlighted the importance of nurturing harmony and understanding among different faith communities and showcased how religious institutions can champion sustainable practices that celebrate Canada’s rich multiculturalism.
Representing the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha, Pujya Gunsagardas Swami, Head Swami of the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Toronto, shared insights on interfaith cohesion, peace, and progress based on Vedic Sanatan Hindu philosophy and the teachings of His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj and His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj. He highlighted the 40-year close relationship between BAPS and the Namdhari Sangat, which His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj has praised as a pious and charitable organization. In February 2024, Sri Satguru Uday Singh Ji and His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj symbolized harmony and unity during the opening of the BAPS Hindu Mandir in UAE. Pujya Gunsagardas Swami also recited the Shanti Path, a Hindu Vedic prayer for peace.
The conference also featured contributions from esteemed religious and community leaders, including:
- Imam Nasim Butt, Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama'at of Canada
- Sant Yadvinder Singh Ji, Nirmalya Mahamandal
- Monk Bhante Jeevanda, Mahamevnawa Buddhist Monastery
- Vallabh Hari Das, Hare Krishna Temple
- Professor Joseph Chandrakanthan, University of Toronto
- Rakesh Goenka, Hindu Sabha Mandir
- Arun Kumar, Consulate General of India in Toronto
Sri Satguru Uday Singh Ji said, “If my house was on fire and someone rushed with a bucket of water, I would not stop them and ask what religion they are from.” This sentiment beautifully captured the essence of the conference.
The event was a powerful demonstration of how collective action can bring meaningful change and illustrated the pivotal role religious institutions can play in exemplifying unity and mutual understanding for future generations. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Namdhari Sikh Sangat for organizing the event.
On July 22, 2024, Sri Satguru Uday Singh Ji graced the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Toronto with his presence, fostering a spirit of peace and harmony throughout the community.