Page 22 - The Indian EYE 051322

NORTH AMERICAN Newsline MAY 13, 2022 | The Indian Eye 22

Inter-faith Iftar Celebrations Held in Chicago

Leaders of South Asian Origin, Representing Major Religions, Seek Unity

OUR BUREAU Oak Brook in Illinois. the year to build bridges that are long Dr. Anuja Gupta welcomed the
Quoting the United Nations, lasting”, he added. guests and shared her experience of
Chicago, IL
Dr. Suresh Reddy said, “Our world Swami Ishatmanada, Vivekanan- Ramadan back in Mumbai, India. “It
r. Suresh Reddy, Dr. Anuja continues to be beset by conflict da Vedanta Society of Chicago, com- is imperative that we diversify our ef-
Gupta and Mr Ashfaq Hus- and intolerance with an increasing munity leaders from Palatine Gu- forts to spread the message of good
Dsain Syed under the auspices number of violent spots in a hostile rudwara, Pastor Larry Bullock and neighborliness based on our com-
of Verandah Community Outreach and unwelcoming world around us. spoke about the need for fostering mon humanity, a message shared by
organized Inter-Faith Iftar Celebra- The need for spiritual guidance has unity, harmony, and understanding all faith traditions,” she said.
tions on April 25th at Hanover Park, never been greater”. He shared his each other’s culture and faith.“We Sikh community leaders from
Chicago. Around 75 of community own experiences of Iftar celebrations fast from all the things that are get- Palatine Gurudwara and Paster Lar-
leaders and friends of South Asian in Hyderabad, India. ting in our way,” they said. “We fast ry Bullock also spoke on the impor-
Origin came together with the hope Ashfaq Hussain Syed, communi- from the habits of mind and habits tance of interfaith and appreciated
of fostering unity amongst people of ty leader & Vice President of a Bank, of being that get in our way — or in host for the initiative.
diverse communities and to help fos- underlined the imperative need for other people’s way — in terms of the Iftar is the fast-breaking
ter fellowship and oneness. dialogue and appreciation among spiritual life”, they added. meal observed each evening at
“At the core of all religious faiths different faiths and religions to en- They stressed the importance of sunset during the holy month of
and traditions is the recognition that hance mutual understanding, harmo- interfaith cooperation and compassion Ramadan. The Interfaith Iftar
we are all in this together and that we ny, and cooperation among people. and shared about their work in Dinner is an opportunity for
need to love and support one another Azam Nizamuddin said that the supporting peoples of all faiths around different communities to join their
to live in harmony and peace in an purpose was to celebrate Iftar togeth- the world. “We need to be grounded Muslim friends for an evening meal
environmentally sustainable world,” er and reflect on how we can unify in our own faith. We need to have as they break their Ramadan fast.
said Dr. Suresh Reddy, the Past and support our community to heal self-care and keep our spirits high, The participants had Iftar, prayer,
President of American Association after the long and difficult pandem- have a positive attitude and we can and enjoyed the dinner together, a
of Physicians of Indian Origin and ic. “Our hope is to continue these overcome violence and hatred in the traditional meal.
current Town Trustee Member of thoughtful conversations throughout name of religion,” they underscored. Photos by Syed Khalil Ullah

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