Dawoodi Bohra Community Hosts Dialogue on Tolerance in Chicago. In honor of the International Day of Tolerance, the Dawoodi Bohra Muslim community in Chicago hosted an inspiring event, “Cultivating Respect: A Dialogue on Tolerance,” at Anjuman-e-Saifee in Willowbrook, Illinois. The gathering brought together approximately 100 attendees from diverse backgrounds, including faith leaders, diplomats, elected officials, law enforcement, healthcare professionals, academics, and community leaders.
Indian Consul General Somnath Ghosh addressed about 100 selected attendees from a broad spectrum of faith and professions on the occasion of the International Day of Tolerance. Quoting from the famous speech of Swami Vivekananda on 11 September 1893, in the Parliament of Religion in Chicago, Consul General elaborated on the facts and figures as how tolerance and peaceful co-existence have been practiced in India throughout history and how it helped India to develop as the world largest democracy today.
Highlighting Values of Respect and Diversity
The evening celebrated the Dawoodi Bohra principles of respect, diversity, and tolerance as vital pillars for building harmonious, multicultural societies. These values align with the broader teachings of Prophet Muhammad, who emphasized that patriotism is integral to faith.
Keynote Address on Polyculturalism
Dr. Tasneem Mandviwala, a Postdoctoral Scholar at the University of Chicago, delivered the keynote address titled “A Toolkit for Tolerance: Polyculturalism and Radical Listening.” Her thought-provoking presentation encouraged attendees to embrace tolerance through active listening and understanding across cultural lines.
The program also included roundtable discussions, where participants shared their unique perspectives on fostering inclusion and collaboration in their communities.
A Legacy of Engagement and Coexistence
The Dawoodi Bohra community, centered around Al-Masjid-al-Badri, their mosque established in 2001, has long prioritized meaningful interfaith and civic connections. Through such initiatives, they reaffirm their dedication to peaceful coexistence and mutual understanding within Chicago and beyond.
This gathering served as a powerful reminder of the importance of dialogue, respect, and shared commitment to cultivating tolerance in a world that thrives on diversity.
