Message from
SUPERIOR PRINCIPAL & HEAD QAID
Ms Susmita Ghose
Superior Principal &
Head, Quality Assurance &
Innovations Department,
City Montessori School
Dear eminent participants,
In today’s interconnected world, fostering mutual respect for all religions is not just a moral imperative, it is a crucial necessity. We believe that education is not merely about academics; it is about nurturing compassionate, understanding, and inclusive individuals who can contribute to a harmonious society. This Interfaith Conference is a testament to that belief.
Respecting all religions is not about diluting one’s own faith; rather, it is about expanding our horizons, opening our hearts, and recognizing the inherent worth and dignity of every human being. It is about understanding that while our paths may be different, our destination is the same – a world filled with peace, love, and compassion.
I am incredibly excited to become a part of the upcoming 10th International Interfaith Conference to be organised by City Montessori School, Rajajipuram Campus II from 11 to 13 August 2025. As the theme of the conference, ‘Together in Faith to Shape a Better World’ suggests, this conference is a powerful initiative that embodies the very essence of our institution’s values. Developing a culture of mutual respect, we envision to empower our students for becoming global citizens who embrace diversity, challenge prejudice, and actively work towards building bridges of understanding. This is what we strive for at City Montessori School, and this International Interfaith Conference is a significant step in that direction.
The sub–themes of the conference that is, ‘Religion as force for Unity, for Gender Equality and for Climate Action’, are an indication that the event is set to create a platform for all of us to come together as a community and celebrate the beautiful tapestry of faiths that enrich our world. This conference aims to create an ambience of understanding, where one can appreciate the cultural and religious differences through dialogues.
I am reminded of the words of Karen Armstrong who said, “Interfaith dialogue is not just about being nice to each other, It is about learning to see the world through the eyes of someone else.” This conference offers us a unique opportunity to do just that, to step outside our own perspectives and gain a deeper understanding of the beliefs and experiences of others. It is truly inspiring to see students, faculty, and community members come together to learn from one another, share their experiences, and build bridges of compassion. This event is a direct reflection of our belief in the power of education to transform hearts and minds.
On behalf of the entire City Montessori School community, I extend our deepest gratitude for the unwavering commitment of our Management in fostering a culture of respect and love for people of all religions. The teachings of our Founder, Late Dr Jagdish Gandhi have been instrumental in creating an environment where diversity is celebrated, and every individual feels valued and included. The incredible leadership of our Manager, Prof. Geeta Gandhi Kingdon, inspires us all to strive for excellence, not only in academics but also in character and compassion. We shall also forever remain indebted towards our Founder Director, Dr Bharti Gandhi, for championing the cause of interfaith understanding to make City Montessori School a beacon of hope and unity in a diverse world.
I encourage all of you to actively participate in the upcoming 10th International Interfaith Conference and to embrace this opportunity to learn, grow, and contribute to a more inclusive and harmonious world. Let us remember that while we may have different faiths, we share a common humanity. As Desmond Tutu so eloquently stated, “We are different so that we can know our need for one another. We are all interdependent.”
Together, let us celebrate our diversity, embrace our shared humanity, and build a future where respect and understanding prevail.
With best wishes.