Sri Guru Granth Sahib World University Successfully Concludes Workshop on Interfaith Dialogue
Kanwar Inder Singh/ royalpatiala.in News/ December 16,2025
In a continued global push to foster harmony and ease tensions between communities, interfaith dialogue initiatives have gained prominence, and as part of this effort, a four-day workshop was jointly organised by Sri Guru Granth Sahib World University, Fatehgarh Sahib, in collaboration with the Agriculture and Environmental Awareness Centre and Rubaroo, a Hyderabad-based organisation. The workshop was an integral component of Rubaroo’s three-month Interfaith Youth Leadership Programme, conducted in offline mode.
The programme explored key themes including the responsible use of natural resources, personal development, constructive interfaith dialogue, and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)—all viewed through the perspectives of various religious traditions. Participants comprised faculty and students from the host University, as well as representatives from Mata Gujri College, Fatehgarh Sahib, Panjab University, Chandigarh, and several social service organisations.
Prof. (Dr.) Prit Pal Singh, Vice-Chancellor of the University, expressed satisfaction with the successful execution of the programme. He remarked that such initiatives are crucial for developing sincere, socially responsible, and visionary leaders among the youth. Emphasising the need for interfaith dialogue across diverse religious and social groups, he stated that it is indispensable for achieving harmonious and sustainable development. He also highlighted Punjab’s indigenous traditions of Sangat (congregational gathering) and Pangat (community langar) as timeless models of inclusivity and collective responsibility that can guide modern interfaith efforts.
Harbir Kaur, the workshop facilitator, shared that in the upcoming phase, 40 selected participants will implement their learnings through structured, project-based interventions in their communities.
Dr. Sikander Singh, Dean, Students’ Welfare, noted that while these initiatives significantly contribute to the SDGs, interfaith dialogue serves as a foundational tool for building global peace and social cohesion. He urged political institutions to align their policies with the core ethical and humanitarian values embedded in all religions.
Dr. Harneet Billing, Head of the Department of Education, observed that such programmes offer youth valuable opportunities to explore common ethical principles across religions. She added that hands-on engagement with SDG-related activities promotes holistic development and prepares participants for a brighter future. Dr. Billing extended heartfelt thanks to Rubaroo (Hyderabad), participating institutions, and social service organisations for their collaboration, while expressing hope for sustained partnerships in the future.
This initiative underscores the University’s commitment to promoting interfaith understanding and youth empowerment for a more inclusive and sustainable world.
