SAAVOICE’S FIRST ANNUAL INTERFAITH CONFERENCE 2016 ON JUNE 5th Promoting Peace and Unity in New York

New York : SAAVOICE (South Asian American Voice) held its 1st Annual Interfaith Conference on June 5, 2016 at 2 PM, First Presbyterian Church, 89-60 164 Street, Jamaica, NY 11432.  It was a huge success!
The Interfaith Conference Panel had distinguished faith leaders from different faiths: Pandit Mavlankar Nohar, Giani Hardev Singh, Jurme Gyatso, Acharya Ang Pasang Sherpa, Imam Shuaib Shaikh, Imam Shamsi Ali, Rev. R. Simone Lord Marcelle, Rev. Patrick H. O’Connor,  and Bishop Emmanuel Asse.  They shared their views on how we can emulate the great Muhammed Ali’s peace loving and religious tolerance way of living life, how we can get our youths involved in our communities and in our places of worship and volunteerism, and what one thing each of us can do to improve or build connections with our communities and different faiths.
We were also honored by the presence of other religious leaders, Imam Mohammed Hasan for his support, and Bishop Roland Binda.
We had many elected officials at the event blessing us with their support, words of wisdom, and encouragement.  Special thanks to Public Advocate Letitia James for her time and encouraging words, Comptroller Scott Stringer amidst his busy schedule and multiple commitments, Councilman Rory Lancman, Councilman Barry Grodenchick, Council Member Elizabeth Crowley, and Councilman Daneek Miller for coming and spending the afternoon with us and supporting us.
Thank you to the NYPD for its amazing support and commitment to our event.  Special thanks to Bill Granfield, President of Unite Her Local 100 for his support and time.  Finally, thank you to the Interfaith Conference coordinator, our very own, Shafiqur Rahman (Milan).
Unity, building trust, breaking bread together, finding commonalities, respecting and loving each other are the pillars of a just and tolerant society, a society in which each can be its best self.  We want to continue learning about and from each other, and do good unto each other, and remembering the Great Man of our time, “Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on earth’, Muhammad Ali.  Let us do good by building unity, trust, by listening to, and helping each other. Press Release.