(Image source from: Facebook/IASA - Indo American Social Association)

On June 9, an Indo American Social Association organized an interfaith event focusing on peace and harmony at the Diamond Palace Restaurant in Diamond Bar, California.

The president and founder of IASA, Rajbir Singh Husson, launched the association with a mission to unite people and bring all communities together. Inevitably the event united people of all religions and cultures by bringing them together under one roof.

IASA, which aims to spread the message of unity and oneness, was started to organize people to strive for a society that places dignity, equality, and respect above everything else. The organization is striving towards providing cultural, social, and intellectual integration.

Husson wishes to make a change from “division to togetherness, from religious fanaticism to spiritualism, and unconditional forgiveness and unconditional love.”

Seek for Harmony

Various speakers of different faiths were invited to address the interfaith event and spread the message of peace and harmony.

Amol Jadhav, head of the Siddha Samadhi Yoga Group, which focuses on yoga and meditation, said that each one present at the event eats, studies, plays, and works together, but goes separate ways to pray. “What would happen if everyone started praying together?” he asked.

Buddhist speaker Shailesh Maharjan, who currently works as an adjunct professor and researcher at California State University, San Bernardino, commented: “Disharmony begins where you constantly attempt to prove yourself right and reject others views without much thought. Therefore, the key tyo harmony is being open for difference, accepting diversity, and embracing changes.”

Rev. Israel Rapuri, head of the Asian Indian Church in Artesia, California, mentioned that the main goal of their ministry is to reach out to non-Christians in Artesia with the “gospel of our Lord and savior Jesus Christ.”

Baljit Toor, secretary of Gurudwara of Sadh Sangat in Norco, Calif., mentioned that “peace and harmony are within us; faith and forgiveness are important.”

Sriman Narasimhacharya Cherukupally, the chief priest of Panchamukha Hanuman Temple, emphasized the importance of Yagnas and chanting for peace and harmony.

Parsee/Zoroastrian priest Mobed Zarrir Bhandara made an appeal to all the leaders to interpret scriptures to bring about more love, peace, harmony, and acceptance in the world and show empathy towards all living beings.

Cerritos Mayor Naresh Solanki was the chief guest at the event and received a plaque from IASA. Artesia Councilmember Ali Sajjad Taj also emphasized unity and received a plaque from IASA.

By Sowmya Sangam