Kolkata: An annual interfaith iftar hosted by peace activist Om Prakash Shah witnessed wide participation from people of different faiths and professions, but this year’s gathering moved beyond religious discussions to address pressing geopolitical and domestic political issues.
The event, which traditionally revolves around discussions on Islam and communal harmony, saw participants engaging in conversations about global conflicts, the ongoing debates around SIR, and the evolving political landscape in India and West Bengal.
People from various religious backgrounds — including Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs and Jains — attended the gathering alongside politicians, educators, activists, advocates and journalists. The diverse participation reflected the spirit of dialogue and pluralism that such interfaith events seek to promote during Ramadan, bringing together people from different communities to exchange ideas and perspectives.
Global Politics and Constitutional Concerns
Among those who spoke was CPM leader Dr Fuad Halim, who expressed concern over what he described as a global decline in faith in constitutional principles.
“We as a society globally have lost our faith in the constitution, and then the problem begins,” he said. “We have moved from a constitutional democracy to a pure democracy.”
Drawing an international example, Halim referred to the United States and said that according to its constitution, the government must seek approval from Congress before launching a war.
“But that did not happen. Everywhere it is happening. People sitting at the top feel they have people’s mandate and therefore can do anything,” he said.
Dr Halim also argued that the conflict involving Iran did not begin with the assassination of Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Khamenei. According to him, the chain of events begun after the kidnapping of Venezuela President Nicolas Maduro but that did not receive significant international protest.
Despite the concerns he raised, Dr Halim emphasised the importance of platforms like interfaith iftars. On a personal level, he said gatherings that bring people from different religions together can help address misunderstandings and encourage dialogue.
Debate on Social Media, Youth and Communal Narratives
Rajya Sabha MP Nadimul Haque spoke about the role of social media in shaping public discourse. He said digital platforms have become powerful tools influencing political conversations and public opinion.
“Social media is playing an important role today,” Haque said, adding that it has compelled the central government and the Prime Minister to speak on issues such as the ongoing US–Israel war involving Iran.
Interfaith educator Ovais Aslam expressed concern about the growing ideological influence on younger generations. He claimed that many members of Generation Z are reacting strongly to what they perceive as the Modi government’s incompetence and rising Islamophobia, while also being influenced by what he described as “Hindutva pop culture.”
Teacher Joyeeta Basu shared her experience of facing trolling on social media after criticising the behaviour of some devotees during Shivratri. She said that many people today are unwilling to question or correct actions that may be inhuman or illegal.
Social activist Uzma Alam stressed the need for introspection within communities as well. She said elders must also reflect on their own approaches so that younger generations can connect with them.
CPM leader and educator Saira Shah Halim pointed to what she described as organised propaganda against minorities in India. She said narratives targeting Christians for alleged conversions and other accusations are often amplified by sections of the media.
“The media plays a major role in spreading these narratives,” she said. “Even when there is trolling, politicians and public figures must continue writing and speaking the truth.”
Saira Shah Halim also advocated organising more interfaith iftars in the future to deepen mutual understanding between communities.
Meanwhile, Namrata Kothari argued that religion itself has been a major source of conflict in the world. Former serviceman Tarsem Singh also addressed the gathering, sharing his perspective on social harmony and national unity. Syed Irfan Sher and advocate Touseef Ahmed Khan also joined the gathering later in the evening.
