The North-West of India covering the states of Punjab, Himachal Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir has rich cultural and religious diversity. The people of this rich bio region have a long history of peaceful co-existence. The North-West region is blessed with the location of the highest seat of Sikhism in Amritsar, Punjab; the abode of his holiness Dalai Lama in Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh; the world headquarters of the Ahmediya Muslims in Kadian, Punjab and some of the famous Hindu and Muslim pilgrimage centres situated in Jammu & Kashmir.   It is distressing, however, that the growing trend of violence and religious intolerance worldwide has adversely affected peace in this region. It is a matter of concern that the people of different faith communities are getting suspicious of each other and are not hesitating to attack each other on the basis of mere speculations. One such example was the burning of the Tangmarg branch of Tyndale Biscoe School on 13 September last year. It saw the destruction of one of our most beautiful wooden structures catering to 100 percent Muslim children. We suffered a financial loss of about 8 crores. The Diocese thought that an appropriate response to Tangmarg violence would be a pilgrimage to present a message of love and reconciliation to the people there.

With this in mind the Diocese of Amritsar has decided to initiate certain new peace activities that would result in bridging the widening gap between the various faith communities and help in building mutual trust. One such step is the proposed Motorcycle Rally with the theme “Unite for Peace” from Amritsar to Srinagar covering more than 1500 kms. Meeting with the leaders of different faith communities have been organised in Jammu, Srinagar, Anantnag, Pehalgaon and Tangmarg. We are expecting about 15 motorcycles and 25 persons to cover the whole distance of the rally.

We would appreciate our friends and well-wishers to support this peace initiative by their participation and prayers.

The Rt. Rev. P.K.Samantaroy

Bishop, Diocese of Amritsar

Church of North India

Programme Schedule:

22.08.11         9:00 a.m.       Flag off for Jammu             (210 km)

                       5:00 p.m.       Interfaith Meeting

23.08.11        6:00 a.m.        Start for Srinagar                (320 km)

24.08.11        8:00 a.m.        Start for Anantnag & Pehalgaon

25.08.11                                Meeting religious leaders in Srinagar

26.08.11        8:00 a.m.        Start for Gulmarg & Tangmarg

                      12:00 noon     Meeting with Muslim leaders at Tangmarg

27 .08.11       6:00 a.m.        Start for Jammu (Night stay at Jammu)

28.08.11       10:00 a.m.       Worship with St. Paul’s Church Congregation

                       1:00 p.m.        Start for Amritsar