Srinagar, June 18: The former Sadr-Reyasat of the state, Dr Karan Singh on Friday said despite facing all odds during the past two decades “Kashmir continues to be abode of communal harmony”.
 Dr Singh who is also the International president of the Temple of Understanding (India chapter) was speaking at the Asian Interfaith Consultation and the TOU’s 50th anniversary celebrations at Delhi Public School, Athwajan on the City outskirts.
 “Despite migration of some Kashmir Pandits and deterioration in situation, Kashmir has remained the abode of communal harmony. People from different religions enjoy harmonious relationships. We believe that Kashmir stands as foundation of the interfaith harmony and an example for the World. That is why we selected Kashmir for celebrating our anniversary,” Dr Singh told Greater Kashmir on sidelines of the event.
 Pertinently the TOU was founded in 1960 by pioneer of interfaith movement, Juliet Hollister, in 1960. The TOU envisages achieving peaceful coexistence among individuals, communities and societies through interfaith education.
 On the occasion, the Vice-Chancellor, Kashmir University, Dr Riyaz Punjabi drew similarities between teachings of different religious. He highlighted the role of Kashmir poets in propagating the message of communal harmony.
 Later, a plenary session on Education and interfaith was held. Prof Bellanwilla Wimkalaratna Chancellor Srijayawardhanaura University Sri Lanka, Dr J Veeraraghavan, Director Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan New Delhi and Dr AG Madhosh were among the prominent speakers. Among others, pro-vice-chairperson DPS, Vijay Dhar, vice-chancellor Islamic University of Science and Technology Awantipora, Dr Siddiq Wahid, Director local bodies, Khawaja Farooq Renzu were present.

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