India: New Book ‘Towards Social Harmony’ Explores Paths to Peace and Democratic Values

A new book titled Towards Social Harmony was released on November 1 at the India Islamic Cultural Centre, Lodhi Road, New Delhi, as part of a seminar held on the same theme. The event brought together scholars, journalists, and social commentators to reflect on the challenges and opportunities of building harmony in contemporary India.

The book is the 10th by Dr (Fr) M. D. Thomas, MST, founder and director of the Institute of Harmony and Peace Studies. It is a collection of over 100 short journalistic articles, written across several years and published in diverse journals. Organized into five sections, social, political, religion, interfaith, and ethics, the essays examine different dimensions of social harmony, offering critical perspectives on contemporary events while highlighting values essential for peaceful coexistence.

Dr Thomas emphasized that social harmony requires active participation at all levels, from individuals and communities to institutions and the media. He highlighted that promoting cultural literacy, rational thinking, and open-mindedness helps eliminate prejudice and foster understanding. Everyday actions such as celebrating festivals together, participating in neighborhood initiatives, and encouraging interfaith interactions, he said, are practical ways to strengthen social bonds.

Chief guest Dr Sunil Dang, Editor-in-Chief of The Day After and former Board Member of Prasar Bharati, lauded Dr Thomas’ decades-long commitment to promoting harmony and peace. He reflected on the media’s tendency to focus on conflict, sensationalism, and controversy, urging journalists to give space to stories of resolution and reconciliation.

Dr John Dayal, journalist and former member of the National Integration Council, reminded the audience that acknowledging pain and past acts of violence is essential before genuine reconciliation can occur. He cited examples from Chhattisgarh and Kandhamal, emphasizing the importance of listening to trauma in conflict situations.

Professor Arvinder A. Ansari of Jamia Millia Islamia praised the book’s academic depth and relevance, calling Dr Thomas “an institution.” She noted that literature on conflict far exceeds that on harmony and urged rebuilding bridges of empathy and moral courage through dialogue and mutual respect.

Other speakers, including Maulana Ejaz Ahmed Aslam and Dr John Philipose, stressed the ethical responsibility of media and society in promoting peace. Dr Philipose remarked, “No democracy without diversity,” highlighting that peace begins with self-knowledge, empathy, and integrity.

The seminar and book release collectively underscored that social harmony, rooted in justice, equality, dignity, and fraternity, remains a pressing goal for contemporary India.