I am proud to address on behalf of the Sikhs the distinguished religious leaders and guests at this esteemed forum. This is the place which always feels the pulse of the world and is keeping an eye on its developments. It also notices when justice is done or injustice is done, and similarly, when human rights and values are respected or violated.
It is also true that, on one hand, there have been great achievements and, on the other hand, the unimaginable situations are getting worse. Who is to blame? No one — or all of us, if we don’t act to improve the situation of our fellow human family members. When we mention global problems or sufferings, questions come to mind: What is the solution or remedy? What is needed at this time? We cannot ignore or close our eyes to the killings, suppression, invasion, discrimination, pollution, or the injustices such as the attitudes toward the untouchables in my own country of India. We cannot continue our lives as if all is well, without worrying about problems of drugs, kidnappings, and the hatred that causes terrorism and much more.
Terrorism carried out by the state or by individuals must be condemned and remedied. We must look together at why and how it happens, to the root causes. It is not only painful to those who experience these attacks to their dignity, but it must be known that these atrocities and confusion in our societies bring suffering to the minds and will break the hearts and will of all of humankind if we do not decide to act and change the situation.
Since the religious leaders are scattered all over the world and often have little communication among themselves or even knowledge about the concerns or needs or engagement of the other, suffering is prolonged time and again. I think that we are here today, and this is the voice of the time that speaks to us. The world needs all religious leaders to bring their heads and hands together and strive for peace and harmony for the sake of the whole world and world peace. It seems that now, more than ever, there is a possibility for religion and especially its leaders to lead the way to bring prosperity and happiness to this suffering world. It is not easy because each one needs to give up something in order to reach this consensus that will allow us to move on together, but I think that if anyone can do it, our holy religious representatives can. We as young people want to take part in this kind of movement.
Holy Sri Guru Granth Sahib, the Holy book of the Sikh religion, says: “The human race is one.”
Let us request of leaders of our respective religions to strive for peace, unity, and harmony among and between the religions, the races, the cultures, and the continents.