Srinagar, April 28: Mir Junaid has delivered a powerful call for unity and peace in the world and rejected cross-border terrorism, violence, external aggression and discord for larger peaceful and prosperous world.
Addressing a distinguished assembly of global leaders, diplomats, government officials, and cultural influencers at the BRICS forum in Grozny, Mir Junaid, a noted advocate for peace and cultural integration from Jammu and Kashmir, delivered an inspiring speech that highlighted the power of diversity and the strength of syncretic cultures in the face of adversity.
In his address, Mir Junaid eloquently shared the history of Jammu and Kashmir, a region that exemplifies the harmonious coexistence of diverse religions, ethnicities, and cultures, read a handout.
Junaid described Jammu and Kashmir as the “jewel in the crown of India,” where diverse religions and cultures coexist in harmony. He celebrated the region’s Kashmiriyat ethos, which promotes peace and unity across different communities, evident in the mingling sounds of azans, temple bells, shabad kirtan, and prayers—an evidence to the region’s age-old ethos of Kashmiriyat, which champions universal brotherhood, peace, and harmony.
Highlighting the leadership of both India and Russia, Mir Junaid, as per the handout, praised the efforts of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and leader of Russian Federation Chechenya, Ramzan Kadyrov in creating inclusiveness and unity within their respective territories. He drew compelling parallels between the historic resilience of Kashmir and Chechnya, emphasizing that peace is not merely aspirational but a tangible outcome of determination and national loyalty.
Mir Junaid spoke about the challenges imposed by external aggression and cross-border terrorism, which have sought to destabilize Kashmir’s intrinsic fabric of tolerance.
He critiqued the actions of neighboring countries that have created discord and violence, challenging the long-standing unity and peace of the region. Addressing the deleterious impact of external aggression and crossborder terrorism, Mir Junaid criticized the external aggression of neighbouring countries aiming to destabilize the peaceful coexistence in Kashmir. He called on the international community to take a firm stance against entities that propagate violence, terrorism and discord, undermining regional and global stability.
“As we stand together in this forum, dedicated to international cooperation and development, we must draw lessons from the experiences of Kashmir and Chechnya,” Mir Junaid stated, as per the handout.
“It is imperative for global platforms like BRICS to acknowledge and support societies that are defending their cohesion against divisive external forces.”
Mir Junaid called for an international commitment to cultural diplomacy as a strategic tool against intolerance and extremism, urging the attendees to leverage the collective power of diverse cultures to build a more peaceful and prosperous world. “In the richness of diversity lies the strength of nations,” he asserted. “We must cherish, protect, and celebrate this diversity, not just as a heritage but as the very foundation of our global future.”
Concluding his speech, Mir Junaid expressed his anticipation for the productive discussions that would follow, emphasizing that together, the global community can advocate for a world where no culture Is threatened by geopolitical conflicts and cross border terrorism.