Diverse Faith Leaders Call for Unity and Constitutional Values at Jamaat-e-Islami Hind’s Eid Milan in Mumbai

Interfaith leaders unite in Mumbai to promote harmony and constitutional values at Jamaat-e-Islami Hind Eid Milan event

MUMBAI – In a significant push for communal harmony and national integration, Jamaat-e-Islami Hind (JIH), one of India’s prominent Islamic organizations, hosted a grand Eid Milan and interfaith dialogue seminar at the Islam Gymkhana in South Mumbai on Saturday evening.

The event served as a high-level platform for scholars, intellectuals, and religious leaders from the Hindu, Christian, Jain, and Sikh communities to converge and discuss the shared values of peace, justice, and the importance of adhering to the Indian Constitution.

Upholding the Constitution

Delivering the keynote perspectives, Justice (Retd) Abhay Thipsay of the Bombay High Court emphasized that the Indian Constitution must remain the ultimate guide for all citizens. “We should leave behind all negativity,” Justice Thipsay stated. While acknowledging the ancient roots of the Sanatana Dharma, he noted that the post-British era necessitated a framework where all citizens receive equal opportunities regardless of faith.

“After the adoption of the Constitution, some grew nervous and began practicing politics in the name of religion,” Thipsay remarked. “Everyone must respect each other’s faith. The Constitution grants us freedom of religion, and we must honor that by promoting cultural exchange and deeper interaction between communities.”

Voices of Peace and Shared Heritage

The seminar featured emotional testimonies regarding India’s syncretic culture. Hitaishi Jain shared a personal account of being raised by a Muslim neighbor who treated her as a daughter. “Jainism teaches us love and peace. We must love and respect our neighbors to ensure a united and happy India,” she said.

Representing the Christian community, Father Free echoed the Judge’s sentiments, stressing that differences often stem from a superficial understanding of history. “We need deep study and a commitment to bringing love and justice together,” he added.

Keshav Maharaj of the ISKCON temple in Girgaon, who was felicitated during the event for his noble social contributions, thanked the Jamaat for providing a platform for unity. “The priority of our duty is the message of love and peace, which is the core of every religion,” he stated.

A Vision for a Modern India

Dr. Salim Engineer, Vice President of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind New Delhi traveled from New Delhi to attend the gathering. He defined the essence of Islam as ‘Shanti’ (peace) and emphasized the “Unity of God” and the “Humanity of Man.”

“Human Being is the greatest creation of God,” Dr. Salim said. “Our country’s image should be defined by science, technology, love, peace, and knowledge. We must increase interfaith dialogue to counter those who change religious messages for personal benefit.”

Ilyas Khan Falahi,  President of JIH Maharashtra, explained that the primary motive of the Eid Milan was to spread Sadbhavna (goodwill) and Bhaichara (brotherhood). “Ramzan teaches us passion and patience, while Eid teaches us to live for others. We must stand with victims of injustice and replace negativity with flowers of love,” Falahi said.

National Solidarity
The event also saw participation from Harwinder Singh Khalsa, Convener of the Rashtriy Sikh Morcha, who hailed Islam’s teachings of peace and urged all citizens to follow their respective faiths with sincerity while respecting others. Leaders from the Jain community further noted that such dialogues are essential to making the nation strong and resilient.

The program concluded with a formal vote of thanks from the Mumbai Secretary of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind, expressing gratitude to the diverse delegation for their commitment to a united Hindustan.

Naeem Shaikh From Mumbai Aman Committee,Dr Badrul Hasan and Advocate Yusuf Abrahani President Islam Gymkhana were also present on this Special Occasion.

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