Two Homis at the UN

Planning for a United Nations decade for dialog, understanding and cooperation for peace in conjunction with religious communities, spiritual traditions, interfaith organizations and value-based movements, led to a few prominent personalities involved in the interfaith movement globally being invited by the UN (United Nations) to attend a meeting at Maryk­noll (located about an hour from New York city), March 2-4, 2009.

Invited to participate in this brainstorming conference were two Zoroastrians: Homi Gandhi of New Jersey representing the Federation of Zoroastrian Associations of North America (FEZANA) and Dr Homi Dhalla, deputed by the International Association for Religious Freedom (IARF), Osaka, Japan.

A resolution to call for this United Nations Decade of Interreligious and Intercultural Dialogue, Understanding and Cooperation for Peace (the UN Decade 2011-2020) is to be brought to the General Assembly for endorsement in the 64th session (September-December 2009). Only then would the UN Decade be proclaimed. Miguel D’Escoto Brock­mann, president of the current UN General Assembly, supported the initiative and stated that "I will do what I can to facilitate its adoption” by the member states. Until now, 59 organizations have expressed support to join this coalition, and out of these 43 were present at Maryknoll, states a combined press release from Dhalla and Gandhi.

Homi Gandhi (left) and Dr Homi Dhalla: the Zoroastrian contribution

"The coalition is not a new organization, but is action-oriented to facilitate co-operation. A steering committee that would have 12-15 organizational members was also established through voting. IARF (represented by Dhalla), has been nominated as one of the members of this committee. The committee will coordinate the work of the coalition,” states the write-up.

The four-pronged expectations of the Decade include:

The encouragement of individuals and communities of diverse religions and cultures to cooperate in UN initiatives such as: the Millennium Development Goals, enhancement of human rights, decent work for all, dialog among civilizations, promoting a culture of peace and non-violence, peace building and shared security.

Member states publicly and constructively engaging individuals and communities of diverse religions and cultures for the common good.

The strengthening and deepening of cooperation between individuals and communities of diverse religions and cultures, locally, nationally, regionally and internationally for building a world of justice and peace.

The promotion of mutual respect and trust between individuals and communities of diverse religions and cultures through dialog and shared action.

On March 3, representatives were asked to work in smaller groups. Dhalla participated in the Program of Action group and put forward practical ideas in the field of human rights and peace. Gandhi participated in the discussion and drafting of the "Coalition Memorandum of Understanding,” notes the release.

Dhalla drew attention to Auroville, the international cultural township in Pondicherry where the citizens of the world had gathered on February 28, 2008, to celebrate the 40th anniversary of this city of dawn: an ideal township devoted to human unity where people from 43 nations live amicably. He also spoke about the Mohalla Committees established in sensitive areas of Bombay after the riots of 1993 comprising Hindus and Muslims, lay people, professionals, youth and the police. "In times of peace they meet every fortnight to discuss the difficulties of education, cleanliness, conduct health camps and go on picnics. This dialog helps them to build up friendship, and the rapport helps to put off the sparks before they become flames in times of tension. In the last few years when bomb blasts have rocked Bombay, there have been no serious communal disturbances in the city,” Dhalla told the assembled delegates. He also emphasized the importance of intellectuals and religious leaders maintaining a dialog with the media to ensure balanced and responsible reporting. Nor should it be restricted to academics, intellectuals and religious leaders but should involve individuals from various strata of society, he noted. Peace studies at the school level and the positive impact of Gandhian thought were other suggestions offered by Dhalla in the quest of world peace.

Both Homis were present at the ECOSOC (Economic and Social Council) meeting that took place at the UN headquarters in New York on March 4, when a formal briefing on the UN Decade took place attended by UN agencies, other NGOs (non-governmental organizations) and individuals.