The interfaith journey aims to promote social harmony, tolerance, and unity across Kerala as part of Sunni Yuvajana Sangam’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations
Team Clarion
CALICUT – In a powerful display of interfaith unity and communal harmony, leaders from various religious communities came together in Calicut for the “Respect for Humanity Yatra.” This state-wide initiative, organised by the Sunni Yuvajana Sangam (SYS) as part of its Platinum Jubilee celebrations, seeks to spread the message of love, tolerance, and peaceful coexistence across Kerala.
The yatra, which began in Kasaragod on 16 November, has been warmly welcomed in every district it has visited so far. Scheduled to conclude in Trivandrum on 1 December, the journey aims to connect people of different faiths and foster understanding and brotherhood in a diverse society.
Dr Abdul Hakeem Azhari, a key leader of the yatra, emphasised its mission of promoting humanity and religious harmony. Speaking to the media, Dr Azhari said: “India is a magnificent bouquet of different religions and cultures. It is the responsibility of every citizen to maintain peace, prosperity, and unity in this diverse nation. The message of the ‘yatra’ is to eliminate hatred and prejudice and replace them with love, tolerance, and mutual respect.”
He added that the “Manvasancharam,” or journey of humanity, is organising public meetings, press conferences, discussions, and other events at key locations to address social challenges and seek solutions. “This is not just a journey but a movement to uphold the dignity of humanity and strengthen the fabric of our society,” Dr Azhari said.
The yatra’s stop in Calicut was marked by an extraordinary display of unity. Leaders from multiple faiths and backgrounds, including Swami Ajlanand, Father Jobi Peter, Father KM Joykutty, former MLA Ahmed, and others, participated in the event. SYS President Syed Taha Thakafi and Muslim Jamaat Secretary Syed Khalil Bukhari also addressed the gathering.
The event included speeches and dialogues that highlighted the importance of interfaith collaboration in addressing societal issues and fostering a culture of mutual respect. “This journey is a beacon of hope and an example of how people from different religions can come together for a common cause,” said Swami Ajlanand.
Father Jobi Peter echoed this sentiment, stating: “Our shared values of compassion and humanity unite us. Initiatives like the ‘Respect for Humanity Yatra’ remind us of our collective responsibility to build a society based on understanding and peace.”
The yatra, which will pass through every district in Kerala, has already covered four districts and received an overwhelming response. Beyond symbolic gestures, it aims to create actionable change by addressing real-world issues such as inequality, discrimination, and social unrest.
Events like business meets, table talks, and friendly discussions are being held to ensure that the message of harmony reaches all sections of society, from grassroots communities to policymakers.
The journey will culminate in Trivandrum on 1 December, but the celebrations do not end there. The Platinum Jubilee Conference of the Sunni Yuvajana Sangam is scheduled to take place in Thrissur from 27 to 29 December. It will reflect on the accomplishments of SYS over the past 75 years and outline its future vision.
The impact of the ‘yatra’ is being felt far and wide. The initiative serves as a timely reminder of the importance of unity in a world often divided on religious and ideological lines.
“The yatra is not just about religious leaders coming together; it’s about sending a message that humanity transcends all boundaries,” said PTA Rahim, one of the event’s participants.
With its emphasis on dialogue, mutual respect, and community building, the “Respect for Humanity Yatra” has emerged as a shining example of Kerala’s tradition of tolerance and inclusivity. As it moves toward its conclusion, it leaves behind a trail of hope, inspiring people to work collectively for a more harmonious society.
