Haji Syed Salman Chishty Promotes Global Peace at Peace Week 2024 in Japan
Haji Syed Salman Chishty, the Gaddi Nashin of the Ajmer Dargah Sharif and Chairman of the Chishty Foundation, recently participated in ‘Peace Week 2024: Land of the Rising Sun’ in Japan. The event, organized by UNITY EARTH in collaboration with the GOI Peace Foundation and hosted by the Saionji family of Tokyo, brought together peace-builders, spiritual leaders, and change-makers from around the world. It started in Tokyo and ended in Hiroshima, aligning with the UN International Day of Peace on September 21.
During his speech, Haji Syed Salman Chishty spoke about the ancient Indian philosophy of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’—the belief that the world is one family—and the Sufi concept of ‘Al Khalqu Ayal Lillah’—the entire creation is the family of God. He emphasized the universal values of love, compassion, and service, urging people to transcend divisions of race, nationality, or faith. ‘At this critical moment in world history, we must recognize our shared humanity,’ he remarked in Hiroshima. ‘We are all interconnected, and through love and service, we contribute to the peace and unity of the global community.’
During the Tokyo Convergence, Haji Syed Salman Chishty joined local and international spiritual leaders, NGOs, and indigenous communities to discuss peace initiatives and spiritual diplomacy. He celebrated the historic ties between India and Japan, acknowledging their shared spiritual heritage rooted in peace, non-violence, and harmony. ‘From the teachings of Buddha to the wisdom of the Sufi saints, our cultures have long embraced peace, compassion, and respect for all life,’ he said.
Haji Syed Salman Chishty also met with the Ambassador of India to Japan, Sibi George, at the Indian Embassy in Tokyo. They discussed India’s rich spiritual and cultural heritage and its role in fostering global peace and interfaith dialogue. Following the meeting, Haji Chishty visited the newly inaugurated Mahatma Gandhi Memorial in Tokyo, paying tribute to the iconic leader of non-violence.
The second phase of Peace Week 2024 took place at the foot of the sacred Mount Fuji, where participants engaged in meditation, sacred ceremonies, and the Fields of Healing retreat. During this retreat, Haji Syed Salman Chishty conferred the Global Peace Award upon UNITY EARTH Executive Director Ben Bowler and members of the Saionji family on behalf of the Goi Peace Foundation. Reflecting on the teachings of Hazrat Moinuddin Chishty (r.a.), he spoke about the values of generosity, hospitality, and peace, stating, ‘To be gracious like the sun, generous like the river, and hospitable like the earth is the essence of the Sufi path.’
The week concluded with a powerful moment in Hiroshima, where Haji Syed Salman Chishty addressed the Peace Day Global Broadcast, an event that connected nearly a million voices for peace. His address on September 21st, marking the UN International Day of Peace, emphasized the need for global unity through spirituality. ‘Hiroshima is a reminder of both the fragility and resilience of the human spirit,’ he said. ‘Today, we reaffirm our commitment to peace, service, and love for all humanity.’
Haji Syed Salman Chishty’s participation in Peace Week 2024 exemplified the message of India’s deep spiritual heritage and interfaith harmony. His presence inspired participants to continue working towards global peace and collective action to address today’s challenges. The success of Peace Week 2024 marks the culmination of the U Day Festival series, serving as a beacon of hope and spiritual renewal. It calls upon the global community to unite as one family, promoting peace, justice, and harmony.
Doubts Revealed
Haji Syed Salman Chishty -: Haji Syed Salman Chishty is a respected leader from Ajmer, India. He is in charge of the Ajmer Dargah Sharif, a famous religious place.
Gaddi Nashin -: Gaddi Nashin is a title given to the person who is the caretaker or head of a religious shrine or dargah.
Ajmer Dargah Sharif -: Ajmer Dargah Sharif is a very important religious place in Ajmer, Rajasthan, India. It is the shrine of a famous Sufi saint, Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti.
Chishty Foundation -: The Chishty Foundation is an organization that works on spreading peace and helping people, inspired by the teachings of Sufi saints.
Peace Week 2024 -: Peace Week 2024 is an event held to promote peace and understanding among people from different countries and cultures.
Land of the Rising Sun -: Land of the Rising Sun is a nickname for Japan because it is located in the far east where the sun rises first.
UNITY EARTH -: UNITY EARTH is an organization that works to bring people together from around the world to promote peace and unity.
GOI Peace Foundation -: GOI Peace Foundation is a group in Japan that works to create a peaceful world by promoting understanding and cooperation among people.
Indian Ambassador to Japan -: The Indian Ambassador to Japan is the official representative of India in Japan, working to maintain good relations between the two countries.
Mahatma Gandhi Memorial -: The Mahatma Gandhi Memorial is a place in Japan that honors Mahatma Gandhi, a famous leader from India who promoted peace and non-violence.
Hiroshima -: Hiroshima is a city in Japan that was bombed during World War II. It is now a symbol of peace and the need to avoid war.
UN International Day of Peace -: The UN International Day of Peace is a special day celebrated around the world to promote peace and end conflicts.
