Written by Atharva Mehendale, Community Project Manager, URI - North India & Afghanistan
Nature and religion are indispensable parts of human life. They’re however seldom discussed under the same umbrella. Sarva Dharm Samvaad (SDS), a civil society organization based in Delhi has been working since its inception in 2004 to initiate a dialogue in order to make the above discussion possible. SDS aims to reduce religious violence, casteism, intolerance, bigotry and the associated emotional harm through creating and providing forums for interfaith dialogue and shared experience. It is a youth centric organisation that uses religion as a tool for the betterment of the society. Samvaad, which is an arm of SDS; is a Cooperation Circle of United Religions Initiative – North India & Afghanistan. Samvaad has actively collaborated with URI in organising and addressing several of the latter’s programs and activities. URI’s work in interfaith peace and community building, and its grassroots connect has helped Samvaad build a sustainable network.
Sarva Dharm Samvaad opts for a three-pronged approach to achieve its goals: 'Research and Networking', 'Programmes', and 'Advocacy and Communication'. SDS aims to promote interfaith dialogue by conducting rigorous, explorative and analytical research. SDS has initiated the pioneering work in providing theoretical understanding and expertise to interfaith dialogue. It involves policy makers, religious leaders and politicians to discuss and create a positive discourse on religious and communal issues. It organises capacity building trainings, workshops, youth camps, discussions and talks involving the youth, religious leaders, interfaith practitioners and experts to form a larger spiritual network.
Mr. Manu Singh, who is a part of SDS believes that the framework through which religion is looked at is usually narrow and confined to understanding the differences between two given religions. The more spiritual framework – which promotes nonviolence, compassion, justice is usually ignored. SDS’ area of work is centered around ‘eco-spirituality’ – which is a decantation of spiritual traditions from across the world – Hinduism, Islam, Christianity, Judaism, Sikhism, Jainism, and also various tribal religions. The society tries to use this spiritual framework to address the youth in order to explain the need to have a cordial relationship with Planet Earth. It focuses on the need to decode this web for the youth through sessions and awareness building programs.
Samvaad has a very unique take on social inclusion. Mr. Manu talks about how love and compassion have been highly commodified, and how one needs to wake up and stop taking the planet for granted. It is also important to ensure that there is equal access to resources and equal opportunities to all; which can be made possible only through social and economic empowerment. A spiritual mindset of inclusion would go a long way in making this possible.
