India: Archbishop Peter Machado of Bangalore speaks at ‘Dialogues for Harmony’ conference

An Indian prelate reiterated the need for and importance of promoting harmony in the country and beyond.

Archbishop Peter Machado of Bangalore, south India, was one of the speakers at the ‘Dialogues for Harmony’ conference, an initiative of Azim Premji University, Bangalore.

The country and the world long for peace, harmony, and prosperity for all for which every person, institution, and organization must promote and strengthen the efforts of the common good with compassion and commitment, said Machado.

This year’s theme was “Dialogues for Harmony-Exploring Common Values and Understanding: Voices in Harmony.”

The event introduced by Indu Prasad, Vice Chancellor of Azim Premji University marks a significant step in cultivating open communication channels across religious and cultural lines.

The Dialogue for Harmony iterative highlights the broader significance of press for conversions that contribute to social empathy and the secular and incisive spirit of India.

The two-day event (May 28-29, 2025) stressed heralding the voices of harmony, exploring common values and understanding.

During the inaugural session, Haji Syed Salmon Chisti, Geshela Norbu, Archbishop Machado, Swami Narasimhananda, and Sharita Amber—all from different faiths—echoed a harmonious voice for peace, solidarity, and the common good.

In his talk, Haji Syed Salman Chishty shared his insights with fellow spiritual leaders and scholars.   

“India’s soul is rooted in spiritual pluralism and shared sanctity. Dialogues such as these are not just academic or intellectual exercises—they are spiritual necessities in today’s world,” he said.

The message of love, tolerance, and unity are part of diversity and divine blessings, not a divider, he added.

He also stressed the need to promote spiritual connectivity in the community. Social cohesion and interfaith dialogue are ways to counter the global rise of indolence and misinformation through empathy, and collective and moral obligation.

“Let the hearts meet before the minds argue—this is the essence of true dialogue,” said Chishty.

Another speaker was Secretary-General of the Secretary-General of Indialogue Foundation, M Behzad Fatmi also participated in an interfaith event.

Additionally, the celebrated filmmaker Bharat Bala, a great creative artist, who conceived, conceptualized, conducted, and realized more than 150 films, addressed the gathering.

The event was a great opportunity to introduce the participants to each other’s good work in building bridges in India and abroad and to learn from them about their work.

Father M. D Thomas, founder and director of the Institute of Harmony and Peace Studies, New Delhi also spoke at the program.

Carmelite Father Mathew Chandrankunnel, Father C.P. Anto, a missionary priest in the diocese of Kohima, Nagaland, and the founder and the director of Peace Channel, were among the other participants.