Interfaith Reflections

I was born into a Hindu family and am a practicing Hindu by choice. Growing up in multi-religious and multicultural Hyderabad in south-central India, led to fostering close friendships with Hindus, Muslims, Christians and Jains alike. The academic setting was equally rich, studying in Catholic schools and a Muslim University. Reflecting back, the freedom of religious expression, acceptance of the validity of all religions by choice and equality of humans were all part of my upbringing. Indeed, I feel privileged and cherish my upbringing very much. After graduate school in Oklahoma, I started my professional career in New Jersey. Another enriching experience was participating in Don Lokuta’s Ethnic Portraits for the New Jersey Historic Commission in 1986. The expression of common shared human values of the NJ immigrant populous reinforced the Hindu values I grew up with.

Given this background, hosting the Dinner Dialogue organized by the Interfaith Ministries for Greater Houston (IMGH) was a natural. Thanks to IMGH, we had the privilege to share with and learn from, a Hindu couple as co-hosts, along with a Baha’i moderator, a Catholic couple, an Ahmadiyya Muslim couple, an Anglican, and a Baptist. The IMGH plan of making food an essential part of every step of the Interfaith Dialogue experience is commendable. For, food an essential ingredient of daily living, also unites people universally in a social context. For us, it was a lacto-Vegetarian version cooked the Hindu way. Food brings people together, usually offering rewarding experiences. In challenging situations it mostly ensures a civil and tolerant atmosphere.

Following self-introductions the guests initiated a spirited and cordial dialogue in understanding Hinduism over dinner.
We were unfamiliar with the Ahmadiyya Muslim community and were especially glad to learn about their customs. The Ahmadiyya guest couple was kind to educate and share their insights and you can learn more here: http://www.ahmadiyya.us/about-ahmadiyya-muslim-community.

Music is another fine art that unites people universally, much like food. Instrumental music is more universally enjoyed over voice. Following an eventful evening, our parting physical memory to the participants were Carnatic (South Indian Classical) Music CDs on familiar Western instruments by maestros –
Lalgudi Jayaraman (Violin), Kadri Gopalnath (Saxophone), U Srinivas (Mandolin),

A K C Natarajan (Clarinet), R Prasanna (Guitar), and N Ramani (Bamboo Flute)

The Houston Amazing Faiths’ IMGH experience reinforced again, that the various faiths are not isolated islands, but that, they are joined to one another like the links of a chain of humanity with common and shared universal values.

Given the current state of global social affairs, especially the religious intolerance by a minority with far-reaching consequences for the majority, such interfaith activities should become an essential part of every city in the world. It is indeed refreshing that Houstonians through IMGH is taking a lead and setting an example for the world. Such efforts will eventually lead to the co-existence and peaceful engagement between cultures and religious faiths, for an understanding society.


Thank you IMGH - Thank you Houston - Thanks to the Seers - Thank you everyONE

The next Dinner Dialogue features the Sikh faith and is on January 24. You can learn more and register at www.imgh.org/dd.

About the Blogger – R. Ravi Iyer is a Houstonian and practicing Hindu. He can be reached at mailto:shrieshrie@gmail.com.