NEW YORK (TIP): ‘Love Towards All, Malice Towards None’ was the theme of the musical concert hosted by the Permanent Mission of India to the United Nations on the occasion of India’s Presidency of the UN Security Council.The November 26 concert featured the first ever performance at the United Nations by the Shahi Qawwals from the Holy Shrine of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishty from Ajmer.

In addition to the performance of the Shahi Qawwals, the evening also had renditions from the Alleluia Choir, with children from the Skymusic Ensemble, and the United Nations Symphony Orchestra with members of the United Nations, playing the Wind Quintet. Deputy Secretary General of the United Nations, H.E. Mr. Jan Eliasson, was the Chief Guest and in his remarks, acknowledged sincere appreciation for India’s role at the UN Security Council and emphasized that it was important for multilateral bodies like the United Nations, to send out a message of love, peace and tolerance, especially through cultural events, which was also the message of the Sufi Musical Concert hosted by the Indian Mission.

The event had a packed audience of 500 plus, which included more than 50 Permanent Representatives of UN Member states, in addition to members of the media and several other dignitaries including Ambassador Vijay Nambiar, the Special Adviser on Myanmar to U.N. Secretary-General, and other senior officials at the United Nations.

Ambassador Hardeep Singh Puri, Permanent Representative of India to UN, welcoming the distinguished gathering emphasized that the message of Khwaja Nizamuddin Chishty, of “Love Towards All, Malice Towards None” was also the message that ‘1.2 billion Indians believed in, and hoped that rest of the world would also, soon abide by.’ With the sponsorship and support of the Indian Council for Cultural Relations ( ICCR) , the Shahi Qawwals, were flown in from Ajmer and were led by the Director of the Chishty Foundation, Haji Syed Salman Chishty. The event also coincided with the 800th ‘Urs’ of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishty, which is being celebrated this year.

Earlier during the day, the Permanent Mission of India along with the Department of Public Information of the United Nations also co hosted an Interfaith Dialogue featuring a Panel Discussion on “Unlearning Intolerance : Dialogue, Faith and Integration”, which included eminent speakers like Dr. Deepak Chopra, Dr. Neal King, Rabbi Joseph Potasnik and Roland Schatz. The Panel Discussion also affirmed the need for tolerance, inclusive nature and an affirmation of the unity of the human family, as flowing from the muticulturalism and pularism represented in India.