First India Indonesia Interfaith Dialogue
October 05, 2018
The First India Indonesia Interfaith Dialogue (IIID) was held in Yogyakarta, Indonesia on 3-5 October 2018. A seven member delegation from India led by Hon’ble M.J. Akbar, Minister of State of External Affairs (MOS MJA) participated in the dialogue. The Indonesian delegation was led by Hon’ble A.M. Fachir, Vice Foreign Minister of Foreign Affairs.
During the visit of the Prime Minister of India to Indonesia on 29-31 May 2018, both Leaders agreed to organize an Interfaith Dialogue in order to reiterate the importance of promoting pluralism, civilizational harmony and moderation. Pursuant to that commitment, the First IIID was held to provide a platform for Indian and Indonesian religious scholars, youth and civil society leaders to join hands in promoting dialogue across religions and cultures, combat prejudice, tackle radicalism and promote an environment of peace.
The IIID in Yogyakarta comprised of a Forum Discussion, visits to places of worship, and dialogues between Hindu, Islamic, Christian, and Buddhist religious scholars of both countries. A Joint Statement was also released on the completion of the IIID.
During the discussions, delegates shared their common commitment to ancient philosophies of ‘Bhinneka Tinggal Eka’ or ‘Unity in Diversity’ and ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ or ‘The world is one family’.
In his keynote address at the IIID, MOS MJA welcomed the timing of the dialogue to coincide with the 150th Birth Anniversary celebrations of Mahatma Gandhi and stated that there could be no better symbol for Interfaith Dialogue than Mahatma Gandhi. He thanked the Indonesian side for supporting this dialogue and extended an invitation for Indonesia to attend the 2nd India Indonesia Interfaith Dialogue in India in 2019.
On 3rd October, MOS MJA delivered a memorial lecture at the prestigious Gajamadah University on Gandhiji@150, where he also unveiled a Photo Exhibit on Gandhiji and inaugurated a Film Festival on movies and documentaries showcasing the life of Gandhiji.
On 4th October, MOS MJA also delivered a public lecture at the Sunan Kalijaga State Islamic University on “Faith, Politics and Polity: The Crisis of Distortion”, which was attended by more than 300 students.
SOURCE : https://www.mea.gov.in
