The 3rd International Conference on "Promoting Interfaith Dialogue in Multi Religious Communities" provides us a platform to reflect on the ancient wisdom passed down in all cultures and spiritual traditions regarding the belief in sacredness of creation and life.

Today, we live in an age when the interdependence of humankind is evident to one and all. Moreover, without peace among religions, there can be no World Peace. There can be no peace between religions without tolerance for each other's differences. To cultivate tolerance we need to understand that God created each and every one of us free. God even gave freedom to Satan to mislead people. He also gave freedom to Adam and Eve to do right or to do wrong. Therefore we also must give this freedom to everyone to choose their religion and to follow it as they deem fit.

From the point of view of spirituality, there is only one religion; people may call it Islam, or Christianity or Hinduism or Buddhism or Judaism etc. It is as if the Tree of Spirituality has these Branches called Religions. All Branches of this Tree seek nourishment from the One and same God and their ultimate goal is spiritual realization of God. Religions may disagree on the way to the goal but the goal is the same.

At CMS, it has been our a constant endeavour since the beginning, to inculcate in children the realization that God is One, Religion is One and Mankind is One. This International Inter-Faith Conference is a further step in this direction, aimed at initiating a meaningful discourse at the global level.

The Convenor of IIC, Ms Archanaa Pande deserves to be congratulated for this initiative that is now in its second edition. We also welcome all participants and thank them for joining us in this important endeavour.