Examiner News Desk | Srinagar:
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Thursday said that Jammu and Kashmir has for centuries embodied the spirit of “Sarva Dharma Sambhav” (equal respect for all religions) and remains one of the finest examples of coexistence and communal harmony in the world.
Addressing the ‘Rishivar’ Inter-Faith Conference at SKICC Srinagar, Sinha said the principles of harmony, mutual respect and acceptance of diversity have been deeply rooted in Indian civilisation since ancient times.
Referring to the Rigveda, the Lieutenant Governor said the oldest scripture mentions the Sanskrit terms “Justam” and “Devebhut,” symbolising harmony and the divine light present in every human being. He said the scripture teaches that the Almighty harmonised the virtues and light of all individuals in society without discrimination.
“If one wants to witness the clearest glimpse of this philosophy, it can be seen in Jammu and Kashmir, which for centuries has remained home to almost all major religions,” he said.
Sinha observed that while many nations began discussing coexistence much later, Sarva Dharma Sambhav has remained an integral part of India’s civilisational ethos since ancient times. Coexistence, he said, was not merely an idea in India but a way of life practiced thousands of years ago.
Highlighting the resilience of Sanatan Dharma, which he described as one of the world’s oldest faith traditions, Sinha said its emphasis on coexistence, respect for all beliefs and acceptance of diversity enabled it to withstand historical challenges.
“Scholars and researchers across the world agree that the philosophy of Sarva Dharma Sambhav emerged from the principles of Sanatan Dharma,” he said.
Quoting the Atharva Veda and Yajurveda, the Lieutenant Governor said ancient sages envisioned a society where people of different faiths and beliefs lived together as one harmonious family, guided by friendship and mutual respect.
He also referred to the Bhagavad Gita, noting that Lord Krishna taught that people approach the Almighty through different paths and are blessed according to their faith and devotion.
Speaking about Kashmir’s rich historical legacy, Sinha said historians and Kalhana’s Rajatarangini mention that Srinagar was established by Emperor Ashoka, who promoted communal harmony and religious tolerance. He recalled Ashoka’s stone edicts, which cautioned that glorifying one’s own religion while insulting another ultimately harms one’s own faith.
“Respecting other religions enhances the dignity of one’s own religion as well,” he said.
The Lieutenant Governor noted that India demonstrated the path of peace and coexistence long before many modern civilisations emerged. He said Christianity, Islam and Sufism later enriched Indian philosophical traditions, while the message of coexistence continued to inspire societies across the world.
Quoting the Rigveda’s famous verse, “Truth is one, but scholars interpret it in different ways,” Sinha described Jammu and Kashmir as a living example of this inclusive philosophy.
He said that before the arrival of Islam and Sufism, philosopher Vasugupta propagated the Shiv Sutras and spiritual teachings centred on universal consciousness. Referring again to Rajatarangini, he said the text describes Jammu and Kashmir as a land where every corner is imbued with pilgrimage and sacred significance.
The Lieutenant Governor also invoked the teachings of mystic poet Lal Ded, who rejected divisions between Hindus and Muslims and urged people to recognise their common humanity. He credited Sheikh Noor-ud-din Noorani (Nund Rishi) with further strengthening social harmony and unity among diverse traditions in Kashmir.
“Different faiths have found their finest confluence in Jammu and Kashmir. Such a beautiful blend of traditions is rarely seen elsewhere in the world,” he said.
Referring to the Rishi-Sufi tradition, Sinha recalled Nund Rishi’s message of transforming swords into tools of cultivation and peace. He stressed that society progresses when people work towards common goals and collective welfare.
“Humanity can progress only when all sections of society move together for collective welfare,” he said.
Describing Sarva Dharma Sambhav as India’s greatest gift to humanity, the Lieutenant Governor said it must be continuously nurtured to strengthen unity, peace and prosperity. He added that meaningful social transformation begins with individual conduct and that inter-faith dialogues play a vital role in fostering harmony.
Referring to the Mahabharata in the context of Kashmir, Sinha spoke about the struggle against injustice and said duties and responsibilities evolve according to circumstances. While people may follow different faiths and traditions, he asserted that the Constitution of India remains the supreme guiding principle for all citizens.
“Today there is only one supreme dharma for all citizens, and that is the Constitution of India,” he said, adding that every public servant and citizen must discharge their duties in accordance with constitutional values.
On the migration of Kashmiri Pandits, Sinha said ordinary Kashmiris were not responsible for the events that led to their displacement from the Valley.
The Lieutenant Governor also highlighted Jammu and Kashmir’s performance in the nationwide celebrations marking 150 years of Vande Mataram. He said that despite accounting for only around one percent of India’s population, the Union Territory secured the top position among all States and Union Territories in all three phases of the campaign organised by the Union Ministry of Culture.
Several districts, including Kulgam and Baramulla, featured among the country’s best-performing districts, he said.
“In all the three rounds, Jammu and Kashmir ranked number one nationally,” Sinha noted.
He further remarked that many people outside the region fail to understand Kashmir’s ground realities and asserted that Kashmiris possess a deeper understanding and awareness of India than is often perceived.
Referring to the anti-drug campaign launched on April 11, the Lieutenant Governor said the public response had been unprecedented.
“I have not seen such overwhelming public support in many years,” he said, appealing to people to continue supporting the movement. Expressing optimism, he said sustained collective efforts could significantly curb the drug menace within the next 100 days.
“I request everyone to extend their cooperation and support,” he added.
