Hina Ahmed/Kolkata

Owaiz Aslam of Kolkata is fostering peaceful coexistence among India’s next generation. Coming from an interfaith lineage, Owaiz Aslam has been silently working towards building interfaith dialogues across religions for years.

The founder of the India Pluralism Foundation promotes interfaith understanding among youth and women.

“I have an unwavering belief in the power of dialogue, and I am simply armed with empathy and education. I have Jewish, Christian & Islamic roots as my grandmother was Jewish, my grandfather a Muslim, and my maternal great-grandfather Christian. I saw harmony coexist in my family, and it inspired me to scale it up,” said Aslam.

Owaiz Aslam conducting a workshop

His national leadership programs help explore the values of mutual respect and non-violent communication.

The initiative, “Know My Religion,” invites students to learn about different faiths and religions -- Hinduism, Islam, Judaism, Christianity, Jainism, etc., from practitioners and scholars. It helps to break stereotypes.

Even religious leaders at houses of worship and faith-based organisations are sensitised through workshops.

“Salaam Shalom” workshop, a Jewish-Muslim dialogue, is regularly conducted to combat Antisemitism and anti-Muslimism.

Last year, he visited the synagogue in Kolkata to initiate constructive interfaith dialogue and, as part of a peacebuilding effort, planted trees symbolising hope, growth, and shared responsibility.

Owaiz with a Sikh religious leader during a conversation

In light of the ongoing conflict between Gaza and Israel, Owaise said that there should be respect for human life. He said, “It is unfortunate to see so much of polarisation and bloodshed in the name of religion. The timeless wisdom of saving lives is central to both Judaism and Islam.”

“The holy Qur'an 5:32 -says  .... If anyone saved a life, it would be as if he saved the life of whole humanity... and Talmud Sanhedrin 37 A says …Whoever saves a single Life is considered by scripture to have saved the whole world. We are all children of Abraham, and both communities must learn to absorb the core message of compassion and justice.”

From chai stalls to classrooms, he can be found with the tools to promote peacebuilding activities. The foundation organises peace practice workshops at schools and colleges to enrich their interfaith relations and build an ecosystem of interconnectedness.

Owaiz with members of his organisation

Valuable wisdom comes from the streets of Kolkata in a rather contrary world where we see politicians’ debate over temples and masjids, and Adda or conversation has taken a different turn. Aslam says, “The real interfaith dialogue in Kolkata happens right next to the chaiwala & chanawala’s cart. Creative engagement like the “Interfaith Adda: Mirchi, Masala & Mutual Respect, captures powerful conversations from the city’s street vendors—where food, faith, and friendship often intersect more easily than in formal settings.”

“Shanti Salaam” brings together Hindu and Muslim youth, women, and religious leaders to explore shared values to shift the narrative from tolerance to active co-existence. The foundation empowers women to lead interfaith efforts at the grassroots and equips them to engage in dialogue and conflict transformation. The founder believes, “Interfaith work in India cannot be complete without the leadership of women—especially at the community level.”

Owaiz with leaders of different faiths

Owaiz Aslam further cited a heartwarming display of interfaith harmony where Hindu and Muslim leaders came together at the Sri Sathya Sai Seva Kendra in Kolkata to celebrate the message of unity and service. He said, “The gathering was a testament to the pluralistic spirit of India, where faiths connect through shared humanity. The event featured soulful bhajans and Qur’anic recitations, creating a powerful atmosphere of mutual respect.”

Owaiz Aslam has pursued multiple international courses to deepen his expertise in interfaith relations. He took programs at the Woolf Institute, Cambridge, KAICIID, Oxford Interfaith, and the University for Peace.

India Pluralism Foundation also collaborates with the British Deputy High Commission and Rubaroo to scale up the Annual Interfaith Youth Leadership Programme, where over 100 young changemakers are trained each year to design community-focused social action projects combining interfaith learning with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

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The founder will continue the mission of creating spaces where faith can become a force for connection, not conflict.