Srinagar, Jun 4: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Thursday said Jammu & Kashmir has for centuries represented the spirit of “Sarva Dharma Sambhav” and remains one of the finest examples of coexistence and communal harmony in the world.
Addressing the ‘Rishivar’ Inter-Faith Conference at SKICC Srinagar, the Lieutenant Governor said the essence of harmony and mutual respect has been deeply rooted in Indian civilisation since ancient times.
LG Sinha said the oldest scripture, Rigveda, mentions two Sanskrit words, “Justam” and “Devebhut,” symbolising harmony and the divine light present in all human beings.
He said the Rigveda teaches that the Almighty harmonised the virtues and light of every individual in society without discrimination.
“If one wants to witness the clearest glimpse of this philosophy, it can be seen in Jammu & Kashmir, which for centuries has remained home to almost all major religions,” he said.
The Lieutenant Governor said that while many nations across the world began speaking about coexistence much later, “Sarva Dharma Sambhav” has remained an integral part of India’s civilisational thought since ancient times.
He said coexistence was not merely an idea in India, but a way of life thousands of years ago, adding that Indian traditions have always respected diverse beliefs and schools of thought.
Referring to Sanatan Dharma, Sinha said it is among the world’s oldest faith traditions, with roots dating back over 8,000 years.
“Despite facing many struggles throughout history, Sanatan Dharma survived because it laid emphasis on coexistence, respect for all beliefs and acceptance of diversity,” he said.
The LG said scholars and researchers across the world agree that the philosophy of “Sarva Dharma Sambhav” emerged from the principles of Sanatan Dharma.
Quoting the Atharva Veda, he said ancient sages envisioned a society where people of different faiths, beliefs and consciousness lived together like members of one harmonious family.
He further said the Yajurveda, composed nearly 1,400 to 2,000 years before Christ, preached the idea of viewing every individual with friendship and mutual respect.
Sinha also quoted the Bhagavad Gita, saying Lord Krishna had declared that people approach the Almighty through different paths and the divine fulfils everyone according to their faith and devotion.
Highlighting Kashmir’s historical legacy, the Lieutenant Governor said historians and Rajatarangini mention that Srinagar was established by Emperor Ashoka, who strongly promoted the ideals of communal harmony and religious tolerance.
He said Ashoka had inscribed on stone edicts that a person who glorifies his own religion while insulting another religion actually harms his own faith the most.
“Respecting other religions enhances the dignity of one’s own religion as well,” he said, while referring to the teachings of Buddhism and Jainism.
The LG said India had shown the world the path of peace through its ideas and actions long before many modern civilisations emerged.
He said various faiths, including Christianity, Islam and Sufism, later influenced Indian philosophy, while Sanatan Dharma’s message of coexistence continued to inspire societies globally.
Quoting the Rigveda, he said: “Truth is one, but scholars interpret it in different ways.”
Sinha said Jammu & Kashmir stands as a living example of this inclusive philosophy.
He said before the arrival of Islam and Sufism in Kashmir, philosopher Vasugupta had propagated Shiv Sutras and spiritual teachings centred on universal consciousness.
Referring to Kalhana’s Rajatarangini, the LG said the text mentions that there is not even “a tiny piece of land in Jammu & Kashmir devoid of pilgrimage and sacredness.”
He also quoted mystic poet Lal Ded, saying she preached against divisions between Hindus and Muslims and urged people to recognise their true self and humanity.
Sinha said Sheikh Noor-ud-din Noorani (Nund Rishi) greatly strengthened social harmony and unity among different traditions in Kashmir.
“Different faiths have found their finest confluence in Jammu & Kashmir. Such a beautiful blend of traditions is rarely seen elsewhere in the world,” he said.
The LG referred to the Rishi-Sufi tradition and quoted Nund Rishi’s message of transforming swords into tools for cultivation and peace.
Quoting the Rigveda again, he said society progresses when people share common goals, collective harmony and unity of thought.
“Humanity can progress only when all sections of society move together for collective welfare,” he said.
Sinha said “Sarva Dharma Sambhav” remains India’s most precious gift to humanity and must be continuously nurtured to strengthen unity and prosperity.
He said meaningful social transformation begins with individual conduct and such inter-faith dialogues help strengthen harmony in society.
Referring to the Mahabharata in the context of Kashmir, the Lieutenant Governor spoke about the “struggle against injustice” and said duties and responsibilities evolve according to circumstances.
He said while people may follow different religions and traditions, “today there is only one supreme dharma (religion) for all citizens, and that is the Constitution of India.”
The LG said every public servant and citizen must work according to the Indian Constitution irrespective of personal beliefs.
Speaking about the migration of Kashmiri Pandits, Sinha said ordinary Kashmiris were not responsible for what happened in the Valley.
He also highlighted the participation of Jammu & Kashmir in nationwide celebrations marking 150 years of “Vande Mataram.”
The Lieutenant Governor said despite accounting for only around one percent of India’s population, Jammu & Kashmir secured the top position among all States and Union Territories in all three phases of a national programme organised by the Union Ministry of Culture.
He said several districts of Jammu & Kashmir, including Kulgam and Baramulla, featured among the country’s top-performing districts during the campaign.
“In all the three rounds, Jammu & Kashmir ranked number one nationally,” he said.
Sinha added that many people outside fail to understand the ground realities of Kashmir and asserted that Kashmiris possess a better understanding and awareness of India than often perceived.
Referring to the anti-drug campaign launched on April 11, the Lieutenant Governor said the public response and cooperation received during the drive was unprecedented.
“I have not seen such overwhelming public support in many years,” he said.
He appealed to people to continue supporting the anti-drug movement and expressed confidence that with sustained collective efforts, the menace could be significantly curbed within the next 100 days.
“I request everyone to extend their cooperation and support,” he added.
