NEW YORK: A capacity crowd gathered at the Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Institute of Indian Culture, in Manhattan for “Many Paths… One Destination! — A Sacred Dialogue Across Faiths & Traditions”, a landmark interfaith gathering jointly organised by Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan USA and the Chishty Foundation of Ajmer Sharif, India.
Convened by author Yakub Mathew, the event brought together faith leaders, scholars, diplomats, academics and cultural figures representing diverse traditions, including Hinduism, Islam, Christianity, Judaism, Sikhism, Jainism and Buddhism. The auditorium on the 17th floor of the Bhavan’s Seventh Avenue premises was filled to capacity, with additional guests standing along the aisles.
Among the distinguished attendees were Barbara Winston, founder of the Peace Innovation Initiative; Lyndsay C. Howard of Bloomberg Philanthropies; Prince Dimitri; Carole Bellidora; and David M. Hayes, along with members of the Indian-American and wider South Asian diaspora.
The keynote address was delivered by Haji Syed Salman Chishty, Gaddi Nashin of Dargah Ajmer Sharif and chairman of the Chishty Foundation. Drawing on the shrine’s centuries-old tradition of welcoming pilgrims irrespective of faith, caste or nationality, he presented generosity, affection and hospitality as practical foundations for interfaith harmony.
“Empires that built walls are dust. A doorway that stayed open is still receiving guests,” Chishty said, highlighting the inclusive tradition associated with Khwaja Moinuddin Chishty, popularly known as Khwaja Gharib Nawaz.
Michelin-starred chef, restaurateur and filmmaker Vikas Khanna spoke about food as a universal language, recalling his efforts to distribute millions of meals across India during the pandemic without distinction based on faith or background.
“Hunger does not carry a religion, and neither should the hand that feeds it,” Khanna said, drawing parallels with the traditions of langar associated with Ajmer Sharif and Punjab.
The dialogue was moderated by Jonathan Granoff, president of the Global Security Institute, UN representative of the World Summit of Nobel Peace Laureates and a 2014 Nobel Peace Prize nominee. He stressed that trust and human connection were essential to meaningful diplomacy.
Author Yakub Mathew, whose work “Seeking the Infinite” explores the spiritual significance of the Kumbh, spoke about common themes of longing and spiritual seeking across different religious traditions.
Dr Navin Mehta, chairman of Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan USA and an Ellis Island Medal of Honor recipient, said the institution’s founding philosophy was based on the belief that culture could build bridges between civilisations.
The programme concluded with a full vegetarian dinner served to all participants in the spirit of langar. The meal was hosted through the generosity of entrepreneur and restaurateur Jimmy Rizvi, who operates several establishments in New York.
Organisers said the gathering was part of the Chishty Foundation’s wider global interfaith initiatives. Since 2007, the foundation has represented the Chishti Sufi tradition at international platforms including the United Nations, G20, R20, ASEAN and BRICS forums across more than 90 countries.
Organisers also cited the daily footfall at Ajmer Sharif, which they said can reach around 40,000 pilgrims and rise to more than one million during the annual Urs, as an example of pluralism being practised on a daily basis.
Discussions are underway for further editions of the dialogue, with possible future gatherings in New York and at Ajmer Sharif.
