In a vibrant display of communal harmony and cultural integration, the Zakat Foundation of India (ZFI), in collaboration with the Interfaith Coalition for Peace (ICP), hosted an Eid Milan Lunch at the India International Centre.

The event, held at the Kamla Devi Block of India International Centre, brought together a diverse panel of religious leaders, civil society activists, academics, and former diplomats to celebrate the spirit of Eid and reinforce the bonds of unity across different faiths.

The proceedings were presided over by Rev. Fr. Dr. Packiam Samuel, Director of the Henry Martyn Institute (Hyderabad) and Vice President of the ICP, who served as the Master of Ceremonies. The opening segment featured a multi-faith perspective on peace, with remarks from Dr. Deepali Bhanot, Vice President of the ICP (Delhi University), Sardar Ajmer Singh Sahab, Vice President of the ICP, and Rabbi Ezekiel Isaac Malekar, representing the Jewish community.

The program transitioned from spiritual reflections to broader societal commentary, featuring insights from prominent public figures. Ambassador Suresh Goel, a veteran diplomat with extensive international experience, and Parliamentarian Udit Raj shared their perspectives on the universality of religions and role of interfaith cooperation in modern society. Ms. Bulbul Sarkar, former Chief Commissioner, also added her voice to the brief commentary session, emphasizing the administrative and social pillars of peacebuilding.

The event reached its emotional and intellectual crescendo with a profound address by Dr. Syed Zafar Mahmood, the visionary founder of the Zakat Foundation of India and the driving force behind the Interfaith Coalition for Peace. Dr. Mahmood delivered a masterful discourse on the "Unity of Being," articulating a universalist vision where the divine attributes of mercy and beneficence transcend religious boundaries to embrace all of humanity (Rabb-ul-Aalameen). He underscored that a true Islamic perspective necessitates the recognition of the thousands of messengers sent across all ages and geographies, a concept he elegantly harmonized with the Vedic philosophy of “Eko Sad Vipraah Bahudha Vadanti”—the belief that while the Supreme Reality is one, scholars perceive and name it differently. By weaving together these spiritual threads with the ethical framework of the Directive Principles of State Policy in the Indian Constitution, Dr. Mahmood illustrated a seamless alignment between religious pluralism and constitutional governance, offering a compelling roadmap for national and communal solidarity.

The gathering concluded with a formal Vote of Thanks delivered by Mr. S. M. Shakil, Vice President of the ZFI, who expressed gratitude to the attendees for their commitment to fostering a culture of mutual respect and coexistence.

The luncheon served as a platform for strengthening interfaith ties within the capital. Participants emphasized the importance of such gatherings in fostering mutual respect and understanding across different communities. A coffee table book “Taj Mahal’s Spiritual Message”, authored by Dr Syed Zafar Mahmood, was also available for gift on the occasion.

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