Opinion | Celebrating Peace And Harmony, The Common Import Of All Religions

Sathya Sai Grama recently hosted the One World One Family World Cultural Festival 2025, a landmark celebration that brought together diverse cultures, art forms, and philosophies from across the globe. The festival, which unfolded over several days, stood as a testimony to the vision of Sadguru Sri Madhusudan Sai, who has long championed the ideal of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam — “the world is one family.” By showcasing performances from 100 nations, the festival underscored the universal language of art and the unifying power of culture in an increasingly fragmented world.

The festival’s main theme revolved around global harmony, human excellence, and the promotion of peace across nations and communities. From the rhythmic beats of African drums to

the delicate melodies of European classical music, from the grace of Asian traditional dance to the vibrant spirit of the Americas, each performance celebrated the richness of human creativity while emphasising the common threads that bind humanity together.

A significant highlight of the festival was the address by Mufti Manzoor Zayee, a respected Islamic scholar renowned for his insights on interfaith harmony and community leadership. Mufti Zayee’s participation added depth to the event, linking spiritual wisdom with contemporary efforts to promote peace.

In his address, Mufti Zayee reflected on the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), emphasizing values such as compassion, justice, tolerance, and respect for all human beings. He highlighted that the Prophet’s life provides timeless guidance on how communities can coexist harmoniously despite differences in faith, language, and culture. Drawing parallels with the festival’s vision, Mufti Zayee said that cultural exchanges and celebrations like these help societies internalise these values practically, beyond theoretical knowledge.

Mufti Zayee also praised the festival for its inclusive approach, which allowed artists, scholars, and participants from diverse religious and cultural backgrounds to engage, interact, and learn from one another. He remarked that such initiatives are especially vital in today’s world, where social and political tensions often lead to misunderstanding and division. The festival, he said, serves as a living example of how culture can be harnessed to cultivate empathy and strengthen bonds between communities.

“Religious teachings, when understood correctly, are a source of guidance for harmony, peace, and mutual respect,” he said. “It is inspiring to witness a platform like the One World One Family Festival that embodies these principles, bringing people of different faiths together under the banner of human unity. Leaders like Sadguru Sri Madhusudan Sai are playing a crucial role in nurturing this understanding in India and across the world.”

A recurring theme throughout the festival was the promotion of religious harmony and mutual respect. The dialogue between spiritual leaders, scholars, and cultural ambassadors reinforced the notion that differences in religion and culture are not barriers but opportunities.

Sadguru Sri Madhusudan Sai’s vision of One World One Family is grounded in the philosophy that cultural and spiritual experiences can serve as vehicles for global transformation. By bringing together participants from over 100 nations, the festival creates a microcosm of the world — one where collaboration, understanding, and shared celebration are possible despite differences.

The festival also included workshops, interactive sessions, and panel discussions where participants and scholars explored topics such as peace-building, youth leadership, environmental sustainability, and the role of arts in conflict resolution. These sessions were designed to ensure that the festival’s impact extended beyond the performances, fostering learning, dialogue, and actionable ideas for participants to carry into their communities.

Mufti Zayee, in particular, addressed the young participants directly, urging them to internalise the values of compassion, service, and respect for all human beings. He emphasised that youth are the torchbearers of peace and that fostering understanding through cultural exchange is one of the most effective ways to prevent conflict and discrimination.

A major focus of the festival was engaging youth from across India and the globe. By inviting young artists, students, and cultural enthusiasts, the festival aimed to nurture the next generation of leaders who value diversity and inclusion. Youth participants were encouraged to share their perspectives, collaborate on projects, and take home lessons of empathy, respect, and social responsibility.

The One World One Family Festival also made significant digital and media outreach, ensuring that its message reached audiences beyond the physical venue. Live streaming, social media highlights, and interviews with performers and scholars amplified the festival’s reach, allowing millions to witness the celebration of unity, diversity, and harmony.

The festival garnered attention not only for its scale but also for its impact in promoting cross-cultural understanding. Experts noted that such events create lasting networks of artists, scholars, and youth committed to building bridges across societies, and inspire similar initiatives worldwide.

The One World One Family World Cultural Festival 2025 was more than a cultural showcase; it was a manifestation of a global vision for peace, unity, and shared humanity. Through the combined efforts of Sadguru Sri Madhusudan Sai, Mufti Manzoor Zayee, and hundreds of artists, scholars, and volunteers, the festival created a space where differences were celebrated, dialogue was encouraged, and values of compassion, tolerance, and harmony were lived and experienced.

Mufti Zayee’s contributions, in particular, highlighted the interconnection between spiritual wisdom and practical peacebuilding, showing that the teachings of faith leaders can complement cultural initiatives to create a more harmonious world. By blending art, spirituality, and dialogue, the festival not only entertained but also educated, inspired, and empowered audiences, leaving a lasting impression that unity, respect, and understanding are the true markers of a global family.

As the festival concluded, participants and attendees departed with renewed hope that such initiatives can shape a world where diversity is embraced, conflict is minimised, and peace becomes a shared commitment. The One World One Family Festival 2025 has set a benchmark for future global cultural exchanges, demonstrating that celebrating humanity’s shared heritage is one of the most powerful ways to foster global unity.

The author is Editor, Brighter Kashmir, author, TV commentator, political analyst and columnist. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18’s views.