Multi-faith prayer hall inaugurated at Loyola School Jamshedpur

Many roads, one destination: Ramakrishna Paramahamsa

Jamshedpur, April 21: In a rare gesture to promote unity in diversity among school children, Loyola School dedicated a first-of-its-kind multi-faith prayer hall at its campus on Friday. The brainchild of former principal Father Pius Fernandes, the common prayer hall has become a reality.

“Rivers, ponds, lakes and streams have different names but they all contain water. Religions have different names but they all contain truth. There is no higher religion than human service. To work for the common good is the greatest creed. The dream of a common prayer hall became a reality today,” he said.

The holy celebration began with the lighting of the lamp by the school heads. This was followed by a prayer song. Father Rector K M Joseph addressed the gathering on the concept of ‘Aham Brahmasmi’ which converts to ‘God dwells in us’. The sacred tree represented different faiths namely Islam, Sikhism, Hinduism, Christianity, Jainism, Buddhism and Zoroastrianism.

The occasion was graced by reading the holy scriptures from different faiths, the first being the Holy Bible followed by the Holy Quran, next being a Shlok from the Bhagavad Gita, then the Guru Granth Sahib and concluded with the Zend-avesta.

Father Pius spoke on this occasion highlighting the support and help of the Alumni Association, specially with regard to Santosh Singh Sandhu and his son. He also appreciated the hard work of the architect, Shashikala and the constructor Firoz along with his staff who toiled day and night, working endlessly, to make this day a success. School Principal, Father Vinod Fernandes, delivered the vote of thanks.

“  That is the beauty of Loyola, the Jesuit Community recognises the importance of encouraging the students to explore their faith or spirituality at their own pace. All of our humanity is dependent upon recognising the humanity in others,” said the school official.

A multi-faith prayer hall at a school is a facility that is designed to accommodate the religious needs of students of different faiths and promote religious tolerance and understanding. Such a prayer hall provides a dedicated space within the school where students can engage in prayer or religious practices according to their faith traditions.

The design of a multi-faith prayer hall typically includes features that are common to different religions, such as a quiet and peaceful environment, spaces for meditation, and access to water and washing facilities. The prayer hall may also feature symbols or artwork that represent different religions to promote understanding and appreciation of diverse beliefs.

The purpose of a multi-faith prayer hall is to create an inclusive and welcoming environment for students of all faiths, allowing them to express and practice their beliefs without fear of discrimination or exclusion. This can have a positive impact on the school community by promoting interfaith dialogue, understanding, and respect.

“ Overall, a multi-faith prayer hall at a school serves as an important symbol of religious diversity and inclusion, allowing students of different faiths to coexist and learn from one another in a peaceful and respectful environment,” said a teacher.