New Delhi, September 9 : In last two months, it’s the second time today on Friday, Dara Shikoh was remembered for his contribution to introducing interfaith dialogue. It was the occasion of the book release of “Majma Ul-Bahrain” (Arabic Version).
Earlier in July, in an international conference in Hyderabad, Dara Shikoh was remembered as a philosopher, who manifested his thoughts in the book Majma-ul-Bahrain which is being discussed today.
Today, the Vice President of India himself shred the light on Dara Shikoh’s personality and his contribution. Reminding the glorious past, Vice President Dhankhar said , “India had a glorious heritage of not only ‘tolerance’ for others’ views, but a unique culture of ‘engagement’ with all views – a culture of pluralism and syncretism.” 
He further added, “this spirit of mutual respect was exemplified by Indian kings too – from the time of the great Asoka to the crown prince Dara Shikoh.”
Addressing a gathering after releasing the Arabic Version of “Majma Ul-Bahrain” of Dara Shikoh in New Delhi today, the Vice President said that Majma-ul-Bahrain (which means ‘Confluence of Two Oceans’) throws invaluable light on the similarities between religions and helped bring stronger unity among the people of India. “It remains ever relevant to not only India but to the entire humanity,” he added.
Calling Dara Shikoh a genius, a skilled poet, and a Sanskrit scholar, the Vice President said that he was a torchbearer of social harmony and religious unity.
Dara Shikoh, the Mughal Prince and Son of Emperor Shahjahan, is credited to have introduced interfaith dialogue in India. He invited Hindu Scholars from Banaras, Mirzapur to his court and himself went to Banaras to learn Sanskrit.
He also invited Muslim and Christian scholars to initiate interfaith dialogue.
In this book ‘Majma-ul-Bahrain’, Dara Shikoh listed one by one, all the commonalities between Hinduism (Vedanta) and Islam (Sufism) and came to the conclusion that the difference between Islam and Hinduism is only verbal.
Mentioning that Dara Shikoh strove for improving dialogue between different religions, VP Dhankhar called for reviving his legacy and applying his spiritual thought to strengthen social cohesion in the present times.
The Vice President appreciated the translator of the book, Amar Hasan, the publisher and ICCR for bringing out this book which opens up the celebrated work of the Mughal prince Dara Shikoh to Arabic-speaking audiences.
On this occasion, a song ‘Atulya Bharat Desh Mera’ commemorating Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav was also released. The song written and produced by Shri Krishna Adhikari has been rendered by Shri Anand Karki, renowned Ghazal singer of Nepal.
Dr. Vinay Sahasrabuddhe, President, ICCR, Shri Bhubaneswar Kalita, Member of Parliament, Shri Kumar Tuhin, DG, ICCR, Shri Amar Hasan, Translator of the book, Persian scholar, Prof. Azarmi Dukhat Safavi, Shri Nabil Mroue, Publisher and other dignitaries attended the event.
-Dr. Shahid Siddiqui
Follow via Twitter @shahidsiddiqui
