From August 7 to 9 2023, the Chairman of the Board of the N. Nazarbayev Center for the Development of Interfaith and Intercivilizational Dialogue B.Sarsenbayev visited a working trip to the Republic of India.
During the visit to Mumbai, Samaya Vidyavihar University collaboration with the Center successfully held an international round table «Significance of the 7th Congress of the Leaders of World and Traditional Religions and the Congress’ Declaration».
The round table was attended by Chancellor Somaiya Vidyavihar University and Leader of Hindu Delegation Shri Samir Somaiya, Chairman of the Management Board of the N. Nazarbayev Center for the Development of Interfaith and Inter-civilization Dialogue H.E. Mr. Bulat Sarsenbayev, Deputy Head of the Mission of the Republic of Kazakhstan to the Republic of India H.E. Mr. Azat Serikbossynuly, Honorary Consul of the Republic of Kazakhstan in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, India Mr. Dilip Chandan, General Secretary, Temple of Understanding India Foundation and Representative of Baha’i Faith Dr. A. K. Merchant, Director of the Baha’i office in Kazakhstan Ms. Lyazzat Yangaliyeva, Representative of Buddhism Geshe Tenzin Lhabsum, Director of the Akshardham Centre for Research in the Field of Social Harmony (India) Prof. Dr. Jayotindra Mukundrai Dave, Adviser to Baku International Multiculturalism Centre (Azerbaijan) Prof. Ayten Gahraman, Associate Professor of Middle East and South Asia Department of the Faculty of Oriental Studies, Al Farabi Kazakh National University Ms. Laura Yerekesheva and other representatives of religious associations and scientific communities.
Within the framework of the round table discussed topical issues of further strengthening interreligious dialogue, the importance of the role of religious leaders in achieving sustainable development of the world, as well as popularization of the ideas of the VII Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions and its Declaration on the international level.
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In his speech, the Chairman of the Board of the Center B. Sarsenbayev outlined the significant role of the VII Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions in strengthening religious tolerance and interfaith harmony, noting the historical significance of the Declaration of the VII Congress in the context of the development of geopolitical uncertainty. It was emphasized that "The Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions is a unique dialogue platform in the world community to achieve mutual respect between religions and nationalities. This year we celebrate its 20th anniversary. The Congress clearly demonstrates that dialogue, mutual understanding and respect are a powerful force on the planet, ensuring harmony and security, well-being and peaceful coexistence of all cultural and religious communities and peoples."
In addition, the Chairman of the Board of the Center acquainted with the preparations for the upcoming anniversary XXI Session of the Secretariat of the Congress under the leadership of Chairman of the Senate of the Parliament of Kazakhstan Maulen Ashimbayev, which will be held on October 10-11 this year in Astana.
In turn, Chancellor Somaiya Vidyavihar University - Shri Samir Somaiya said «We are honoured to have participated in the 7th Congress of the Leaders of World and Traditional Religions in Astana, Kazakhstan. The conference emphasized the importance of interfaith dialogue in strengthening India-Kazakhstan relations and promoting peace and harmony worldwide. It is our collective responsibility to preserve and cherish the values of our diverse traditions for the betterment of humanity».
In his speech, the counselor of the Embassy of the Republic of Kazakhstan in India H.E. Mr. Azat Serikbossynuly indicated that «Kazakhstan's commitment to fostering interfaith harmony and unity stands as a shining example for the world. With over 130 ethnic groups living peacefully, we prioritize the preservation of languages, cultures, and equal opportunities for all faiths. Our support for the search for universal reference points in world religions demonstrates the significance we place on global dialogue. Kazakhstan remains dedicated to promoting peace and cooperation among civilizations, cultures, and religions worldwide. The Republic of Kazakhstan demonstrates a positive example of national and interfaith consensus, being a clear proof that everyone benefits from peace, but only a few from war and conflict»
In general, the participants of the event emphasized the key role of the dialogue platform of the Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions in the search for universal guidelines among various religious beliefs, as well as the importance of decision-making by spiritual leaders on topical issues of our time.
In addition, during the working trip, the Chairman of the Board of the Center B.Sarsenbayev held a number of bilateral meetings with representatives of religious associations of India, in particular Jainism, Islam, Buddhism and Hinduism on further promotion of the ideas of the Congress of Leaders of World and Tra
