Announcement

ANNOUNCEMENT

Dear Sir/Madam,

Proposed a three-day international conference on Towards Human Understanding Through Dialogue to be held from October 24-26, 2008 in New Delhi.

The paper spells out various dimensions of issues relating to creation of synergy to generate mutual understanding among nations, civilisations, faiths and cultures so that humanity may find solutions to the present crises and dispel the atmosphere of mistrust. The 21st century presents an alarming and gloomy scenario of dangers of insecurity, terrorism, violence, conflicts and confrontations. This calls for immediate attention of all concerned to find out ways and means to address relevant questions and seek right answers.

It is believed that dialogue among faiths, civilisations and cultures may prove to be an effective means to achieve the objectives at hand. Dialogue is human in its basics and has been used in most crucial situations in human history with valuable results and favourable impact on civilisations. Islam, among other faiths and ideologies, has shown great respect and confidence in adopting the process of dialogue in reaching peaceful resolution of problems.

The Institute of Objective Studies has resolved to popularise dialogue and its importance in modern times through seminars, symposia, books and media discourse. It organised a three-day international conference on "Inter-Civilisational Dialogue in a Globalising World" on April 6-8, 2005 at New Delhi. It was followed by nearly a dozen regional conferences on various aspects of dialogue at different regional centres in India.

We intend to invite, the above international conference, the top brass of all concerning segments from all over the world. We are sure of getting an excellent response and participation from eminent personalities from different quarters.

We earnestly request you to kindly make it convenient to attend the same and oblige. Your contribution will certainly go a long way in fetching desirable results.

Anxiously waiting for your response,

With kind regards,

Dr. Mohd. Manzoor Alam
Chairman, Institute of Objective Studies
New Delhi (India)
Mob: + 91 9810 157494

Approach Paper
on
"Towards Human Understanding through Dialogue"
October 24, 25, 26 2008 at New Delhi (India)

A debate on creating human understanding through dialogue may be initiated by quoting a famous saying, "Life gives us situations, not solutions. Solutions are always created by our wisdom". Twenty first century has manifested a grave situation of ignorance of each others' ways and lives, resulting in suspicions and mistrust among faiths, ethnicities, civilisations and cultures. Politicisation of conflicts, backed by tremendous hi-tech power to kill has brought humanity to a perpetual state of war.

The world at the beginning of the 21st century presents a grim scenario: the rising spectre of global insecurity and terrorism, the emergence of a new mutant of imperialism represented by a hegemonic and expansionist United States and its allies, stark inequality and the widening divide between the rich and the poor, the evident human development deficit in large parts of Africa and Asia, growing apprehensions about food security, escalating ethnic, religious and political conflicts in many parts of the world, the plight of millions of refugees driven out of their homes, marginalisation and stigmatisation experienced by minority groups and other disadvantaged sections of society in the face of rising intolerance, racism and xenophobia, and social and cultural fragmentation across large parts of the world. Modern information and communication technologies have brought to our awareness the magnitude of these challenges in all their vividness.

Racism, xenophobia and exclusion of minority groups are widely prevalent across Europe. This is reflected in the spurt in acts of in anti-Semitism in many European countries, in the discrimination and stigmatisation of national minorities (such as the Catalans, Basques and Galicians in Spain, the Flemish in Belgium, the Corsicans in France, and Muslims in the Russian Federation), and in the marginalisation and exclusion of immigrants. Far-right political parties and neo-Nazi and other racist outfits are gathering strength in some parts of Europe. Twenty-five million Muslims living in European societies are faced with racism, stigmatisation and exclusion, especially in respect of housing and employment.

The thick shadow of conflicts and tensions hovering over humankind has led some cynical prophets of doom like Samuel P. Huntington to claim that an inevitable clash of civilisations is looming large and Western and Islamic civilisations are moving on a collision course. The thesis of clash of civilisations is premised on questionable assumptions, superficial analysis and sweeping, unwarranted generalisations. It is heartening to note that the hollowness of Huntington's views has been repudiated by some of the world's leading thinkers and intellectuals, prominent public figures and heads of state.

Thankfully, the rather gloomy global scenario has not deterred a fairly large number of far-sighted individuals, public intellectuals and international organisations from holding aloft the torch of hope and optimism and from disseminating the message of relentless struggle in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges and impediments to the attainment of a just and peaceful world order. There is a growing realisation in large parts of the world that though it is impossible to root out conflicts and tensions, it is well within our reach to make efforts to contain and resolve them in a framework of negotiation, dialogue and conciliation. The need to build bridges of intercultural understanding, tolerance and peaceful co-existence is being acutely felt across large parts of the world. International organisations, civil society organisations, inter-faith groups and sections of the media are playing a laudable role in giving shape to the emerging international movement for promoting human understanding.

The present situation requires an array of solutions. Human wisdom can efficiently create solutions if the power of peace is at play. Creating mutual human understanding requires dialogue among faiths, civilisations and cultures.

There is no denying the fact that to create understanding and mutual respect among communities and nations, dialogue forms the core of techniques for peace and progress. Dialogue is human in its character and has been used in most crucial situations in human history. Among all other faiths, Islam has shown a great respect and confidence in adopting the process of dialogue and reaching peaceful resolution of issues and problems. The Treaty of Hudaibiya is a classical example that was concluded in most testing times by Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) himself. In early middle ages of Muslim rule, the caliphate courts of Damascus, Baghdad and Cordova witnessed countless meetings of Jews, Christians and Muslims. The works of al-Ashari, al-Baghdadi, al-Sharistani and al-Biruni are studied around the world for acquiring insights into the remarkable consensus-building capacities of the Muslim rulers who deftly reconciled group interests of different classes and faith communities in their realm. Here in India the same Islamic genius for reconciling diverging interests and promoting a plural, multicultural ethos has been evident for at least a millennium.

Since the end of the Second World War, significant studies on Jewish-Christian dialogue have been conducted. By now, it is a viable tradition with a rich literature. Christian-Muslim dialogue too, has a long history, but the present phase of the dialogue is in its infancy. A few initiatives have been taken, but significant results are yet to emerge. Muslim-Jewish co-existence has a long history and meaningful interaction marked the Abbasid, Umaiyid, Fatimid, Ottomans, Mughal and Safavids Empires. A special consideration for the Jews as the People of the Book was always there and reflected well in high positions in the rulers' courts throughout the Muslim world. The same consideration and respect was in evidence for Hindus in the Mughal period here in India. Disruption of dialogue came with European colonial dominance over these lands, and the end of colonial rule left a legacy of division and conflict worldwide. Even the Muslim-Jewish conflict is a European colonial legacy. Resurrecting dialogue is difficult, but not impossible.

That a meaningful dialogue is very much possible has been demonstrated by us by organising massive programmes of inter-civilsational, inter-community and inter-faith dialogue with representatives from all major faith communities and civilisations from different corners of the world. Ulema, intellectuals and community leaders from different countries met with their counterparts form India. Foreign guests had the opportunity to interact with our Prime Minister, Union cabinet ministers, members of higher judiciary, Delhi Chief Minister and other officials. Such a seminar was organised in the national capital in 2005 followed by similar programmes on the theme in a series of state capitals. Since then we have held two other major seminars on these issues, again followed up by similar programmes in state capitals.

In the present phase of dialogue, in the 1970s conferences were organised in the USA and Europe. In 1979, the American Academy of Religion entertained a vision of bringing together the Jewish, Christian and Muslim communities for dialogue. Inter-religious peace colloquia were held in Italy and Portugal. Another series of initiatives were taken during the 1980s and 90s. The move was welcomed when the UN designated 2001 as "The Year of Dialogue Among Civilisations". Syed Mohammad Khatami, the former President of Republic of Iran, made a significant move towards this end and the call of the King of Saudi Arabia, on March 24, 2008 for initiating dialogue among Muslims, Christians and Jews has provided a powerful momentum to this noble cause.

Dialogue has certain essential qualifications. It has to be based on equality, mutual respect, good manners and goodwill. People-to-people contacts, use of communication and outreach channels are to be developed to accommodate differences. Elements of research and ways of finding solutions are to be added, so that a proper understanding of each other is promoted. Finally, dialogue is not necessarily about reaching an agreement, but for exchange of views. An agreement may follow.

Objectives of the Conference

To strengthen the global movement for human understanding and dialogue, to disseminate its message to wider audiences, and to involve a cross-section of society in this endeavour
To create and sustain a culture of understanding, tolerance and peaceful co-existence among people of different religious persuasions and ethnic and cultural communities
To bring together academics, prominent public figures, religious leaders, and representatives of civil society and the media to deliberate on the dynamics and methodology of dialogue and to share reflections and experiences on its effectiveness and viability
To focus on the humanising and liberating potential of religion and to harness its creative energies in the service of human understanding
To clear misconceptions and remove stereotypes about Islam and Muslims and to highlight their factual and potential contribution to human understanding
To highlight the creative role and potential of India's composite cultural heritage in fostering a culture of tolerance and harmonious co-existence in the midst of a rich variety of ethnicities, cultures and faiths

Institute of Objective Studies

The Institute of Objective Studies was established as a non-profit, non-political, academic and research organisation in 1986. The broad objective of the Institute includes the promotion of conceptual , multi-disciplinary and empirical studies on Islamic civilisation and on Indian Muslims as well as other religious traditions and communities in the country and the world at large. One of the main concerns of the Institute is to foster an academic and cultural environment that promotes goodwill, accommodation and dialogue between Muslims and the followers of other religious traditions. The Institute may safely claim credit for organising a three-day international conference with a far reaching impact on "Inter-civilisational Dialogue in a Globalising World" from April 6-8, 2005 in New Delhi. In persuance of its resolution, 11 national seminars were organised by the IOS regional chapters at various centres like at Kolkata, Chennai, Patna, Calicut etc. This follow-up action proved to be successful in inviting the participation of people of eminence at regional level as well. The process blossomed into an effective campaign. In furtherance of its objectives, the Institute regularly organises national and international seminars and conferences, publishes books and journals, sponsors socio-economic surveys and other research projects, and offers scholarships to meritorious and deserving students.

During the past two decades, the Institute has sought to broaden its base by opening and facilitating channels of communication and interaction between Muslim academics, the ulama and activists, cooperating with non-Muslim academics and intellectuals, developing linkages and networks with NGOs engaged in development and welfare projects, and by initiating academic exchanges and collaboration with eminent scholars as well as academic organisations and research institutes in different countries. In recognition of its multi-faceted contributions, the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations has conferred on the Institute consultative status (Roster).

The Institute of Objective Studies proposes to hold a three-day international seminar on "Towards Human Understanding through Dialogue" on October 24, 25, 26 2008. Following are the sub-themes for deliberations in business sessions of the seminar:

Synopsis of the themes of the conference

Relevance and Dynamics of Dialogue in the 21st Century

The twenty-first century presents grave threats and challenges to humanity on the one hand and unprecedented opportunities and considerable space for operation on the other. This situation calls for searching right solutions through appropriate methodologies. Dialogue fills the gap and has emerged as a relevant means and approach to achieve the target of creating peace, progress and justice. If dialogue is taken as a means, it is to be worked out along with its features, qualifications, processes and so on. Dialogue with a purpose, procedure, qualifications and methodology may yield required results. The theme is relevant in the contemporary context and invites serious effort on the part of all concerned.

Dialogue among Faith Communities for Peace and Justice (Islam, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism, Buddhism, Jainism)

Dialogue among faith communities has a long history with impressive results at times. The fact is that dialogue among faith communities is needed the most in the present context. Misunderstandings, misconceptions, suspicions and hate figure higher among many a faiths communities in spite that no such sanction is available for such negative stance in the basics of any faith sources. "What has gone wrong where and how" has to be found out and has to be communicated in the true spirit of faiths. Dialogue may be an important means to bring these faiths closer and in creating a humane society. All faiths are important and have a role to play. Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) as Instruments of Dialogue

Information and communication technologies have revolutionalised the whole world. The world stands so close that it is termed as a global family. These ICTs have unleashed unending processes of change in all walks of life. These ICTs can safely and easily be used as instruments and means of spreading dialogue as a process. It would not only bring about understanding and positive vibrations but generate new ways and innovations for creating peace, prosperity and justice among individuals and communities. It is important to work and utilise these instruments to push the process ahead.

Dialogue among NGOs

Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) are fast growing in numbers and their role, particularly in spheres of governance and development, is significant. People have started looking beyond state and social institutions for realisation of individual, group and community rights and welfare. There is a plethora of literature available on the working and role of NGOs at all levels. Socio-cultural welfare is mainly handled by NGOs. Advocacy groups are also taking up voluntary organisational set up for speedy and desirable results. NGOs are divided into multiple categories and are placed in first, second and third generation categories. Their number is increasing day by day. Dialogue can prove to be an effective means to create co-operation, understanding and goodwill among NGOs at different levels. Elements of isolation and duplication may be eliminated from NGOs through dialogue in a big way.

Inter-Cultural Dialogue in Indian Context

India has a cherished, long history of civilisational march over centuries. Indian philosophical and spiritual heritage presents glorious chapters of composite culture. All faiths have contributed to this march. Islam has also contributed in a big way. Islam has gained ground in India as a native religion with a glorious past of mutual understanding. However, the colonial period brought in divisive trends coupled with organised violence, which ultimately got converted into politicisation of religion, culture and regional aspirations.

India has suffered in a big way due to misunderstanding and suspicion among communities. But, the spirit of India has always manifested its positive side as well. India is also credited to have a liberal, democratic Constitution with impressive inclusion of rights. Nevertheless, India needs to push forward its tradition of composite culture forward. All must participate in development. Dialogue may prove to be a viable and effective instrument in achieving the goal of peace, progress and justice.

Creation of a Humane Society Through Dialogue: Challenges and Opportunities

The future of humanity lies in peace, which may ensure creating a conducive environment for a humane society. One of the urgent requirements is to have proper understanding among members of different groups.

There may be several methods to achieve the goal. However, dialogue with right purpose and methodology can bring about a clear vision of challenges and opportunities in realising the goal of creation of a humane society. All of us need these steps to materialise without any further loss of time. Let us join the campaign with vigour and commitment.