Interfaith Festival celebrates peace through arts

In conjunction with the United Nations International Day of Peace, Soka Gakkai Malaysia (SGM) hosted the Interfaith Music & Dance Festival on 21st September 2024 at its SGM Selangor Cultural Centre. The event celebrated cultural harmony and unity, bringing together diverse religious and youth groups to foster peace through the arts.

In addition to the festival, Soka Gakkai Malaysia launched a 20-day exhibition at the International Institute of Islamic Thought and Civilisation (ISTAC-IIUM), running from 7th to 27th September 2024. The exhibition highlights the shared responsibility of humanity in promoting peace and addressing environmental challenges. This aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 13 (Climate Action) and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions).

During the festival, SGM President Johnny Ng warmly welcomed the audience and VIPs, including YB Senator Saraswathy Kandasami, the Deputy Minister of National Unity, and Dato’ Ambiga Sreenevasan, the President of the Pure Life Society. Ng emphasized the event’s role in bridging differences and deepening friendships among people of various backgrounds, a crucial aspect of maintaining harmony in Malaysia’s multicultural society.

A Call for Unity and Environmental Action

Dato’ Ambiga Sreenevasan, known for her advocacy on human rights, took the stage to share her concerns about global crises, particularly the ongoing genocide in Gaza. She also addressed the urgent need to combat climate change and environmental destruction, noting the growing momentum worldwide to tackle these issues. Her remarks were a poignant reminder of the interconnectedness of global challenges, emphasizing the need for unity and collective action to overcome them.

Ambiga’s speech followed a recent United Nations General Assembly vote calling for an end to Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories. The resolution, supported by 124 countries, including Malaysia, highlights the ongoing geopolitical complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the humanitarian concerns that arise from it.

Diverse Performances Reflect Malaysia’s Cultural Tapestry

The two-hour festival featured performances from six interfaith and youth groups, including Soka Gakkai Malaysia, the Bahá’í Community of Malaysia, Youth Empowerment Support, the School of Art Islamic and Entertainment, United Malaysian Hindu Voice, and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. These performances showcased a rich fusion of music, dance, and culture, emphasizing Malaysia’s diversity and commitment to peace.

A standout performance was the breathtaking Dunhuang dance, performed by the SGM Selangor dance group, symbolizing the harmonious blending of cultural heritage with contemporary aspirations for peace. The event’s vibrant display of artistry reflected the universal language of peace that transcends cultural and religious differences.

The Interfaith Music & Dance Festival not only celebrated Malaysia’s multiculturalism but also resonated with the ideals of peace and unity championed by the United Nations. By embracing the arts as a platform for dialogue and understanding, the event echoed the global call for peaceful, inclusive societies as outlined in the SDGs. Through performances, speeches, and exhibitions, Soka Gakkai Malaysia reaffirmed its commitment to fostering harmony, both locally and globally, as the world faces pressing challenges that require collective action and solidarity.