Why Is Interfaith Harmony or Your Interfaith Work Important to You Personally?
Leonard: To me, it's important because my family is interfaith. I have a grandmother who, many years ago, was a Buddhist, then became a Taoist and is now a Catholic. But my grandfather has never changed his faith. He remains a Taoist throughout.
How they manage that in their relationship is a very interesting experience. You have to live together in harmony. How do you make it work?
Sasi: The uniquely Singaporean society that we currently live in did not come easy. Our forefathers made significant sacrifices, relinquishing long-held traditions, to pave the way for the modern lives we enjoy today.
The previous generation witnessed these sacrifices first-hand. We have learnt about them through accounts passed down. But if we fail to consistently share this narrative with coming generations, the essence and significance of these sacrifices may eventually fade away.
My volunteer work is important to me as it allows me to actively participate in the ongoing conversation. This way, I can pass the story on to the next generation and help to preserve the connection to our collective history.
What Memorable Incidents or Interactions Have Influenced Your Beliefs or Perception of Interfaith Harmony?
Sasi: For almost 25 years now, my parents have held celebrations during the auspicious Hindu month of Aadi, where we offer traditional porridge to the Goddess. At the height of it, our celebrations used to attract nearly a thousand people from across the island.
I recall an incident from about 10 years ago, an individual from a different background unexpectedly entered our prayer hall and started spurting derogatory insults. The atmosphere immediately grew tense. In that heated moment, my father calmly asked, "Are you feeling okay? Please come in for lunch."
That day, my father taught me the importance of rising above the urge to retaliate. Instead, responding with love and compassion, even when faced with disrespect and negativity.
Nuraini: I used to work in a mosque in Bukit Panjang. Every year during the seventh month, there would be a getai (a live performance held during the Hungry Ghost Festival) at the field opposite the mosque. Each year, the organisers engage the mosque to understand our prayer times so that they can plan their event. They would only start their music after our prayer times.
This happened some 20 years ago. Hence harmony had already existed, but we regarded it as just a friendly gesture of respect and did not take it as an opportunity to have a deeper conversation on interfaith practices and their significance. But now that we can openly have conversations about interfaith – I think we should take this opportunity to, like what Leonard mentioned, bring this to a different level.
Donna: I like what you said about having these conversations. We’re all here today, having already experienced [interfaith dialogue] through different platforms – how do we have these conversations happen without a formalised setting? How do we create spaces where it's safe to ask questions that might, perhaps, be triggering in public spaces?