Vision of Harmony: Community leaders celebrate 10 years of collaborative service in Dubai
On February 17th, 2025, over 200 community, business, and interfaith leaders gathered in Dubai to celebrate 10 years of service collaboration between Gurudwara Guru Nanak Darbar Dubai and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Elder David A. Bednar, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and Dr Surender Kandhari, Chairman of the Guru Nanak Darbar Gurudwara, were the keynote speakers at the event. They both praised the efforts of the two faiths and highlighted the role of the UAE in establishing an atmosphere where people of different nationalities, cultures, and religions can work together.
Elder Adilson Parella and Sister Elaine Parella
Among the cultural performances, Team Malhaar curated a special performance of Mile Sur Mera Tumhara, celebrating the beauty of unity in diversity through music. This was followed by a musical performance by world-renowned piano player Jon Schmidt.
Elder David A. Bednar, Saints, shared his feelings about the event: "I have been delighted over the past decade to observe the collaboration between the Guru Nanak Darbar Gurudwara and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. What started 10 years ago as a mutual desire to know and better understand each other gradually developed into a true interfaith friendship. I am grateful we can serve and learn together as brothers and sisters in caring for those in need."
Elder David A. Bednar, Mirza Al Sayegh and Dr Surender Singh Kandhari
Dr Surender Singh Kandhari reflected on the significance of the partnership: "Our collaboration is rooted in compassion, unity, and service. Through our shared journey, we've not only uplifted others but also discovered a deeper understanding of each other. This partnership transcends differences, focusing on what unites us - our common humanity and commitment to serving others. Further, he beautifully quoted about the importance of SEWA, a Hindi-Punjabi word, that means Serving Everybody Without Expectation of Appreciation which he said is the true essence of selfless service and compassion."
Dr Bubbles Kandhari, Vice-Chairperson of Guru Nanak Darbar Gurudwara, also expressed her gratitude: "The shared spirit of service and the bond between our communities have flourished over the years. It has been a privilege to work alongside The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, inspiring future generations to carry forward this legacy of love and unity. Our journey is a testament to the power of interfaith harmony, and we remain committed to strengthening these bonds for the betterment of humanity. May this partnership continue to grow, bringing hope, peace, and light to those who need it most."
This partnership began in 2015 and has since become an annual tradition, where members of both communities come together for service projects. Among notable examples are the distribution of food kits to workers in Dubai, mutual community service, and many others. This year, the two faith communities worked together on delivering over 200 wheelchairs and thousands of water kettles.
In addition to these service projects, leaders and members of both religious communities have engaged in meaningful conversations. Leaders of both faiths spoke and participated together at various events aimed at promoting tolerance and coexistence. Members of both religions had chances to learn about each other, culture, and traditions. There were also high-level visits, including Dr Surender Singh Kandhari and Dr Bubbles Kandhari visiting the global headquarters of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Salt Lake City, Utah, in 2022 and meeting with the First Presidency, the governing body of the Church.
Mirza Al Sayegh, an esteemed figure in the community, delivered a heartfelt speech that emphasised the importance of unity and collective progress. Reflecting on the collaboration.
"I am proud to be part of such a gathering today, where people of different communities come together under the Vision of Harmony. The UAE is a beacon of unity, and gatherings like this remind us that there is no divide between us and the Creator. We all share the same vision, the same purpose, and the same humanity. The progress we see in Dubai today is the result of hard work and collaboration. Everyone here, regardless of their background or faith, has played a role in making this city what it is - a symbol of coexistence and mutual respect. We celebrate today not only the success of these two great communities but the unity and harmony that Dubai embodies," he shared.
He concluded with a powerful message: "What you have done in Dubai will remain here, and so will your contributions. Your hard work has built this great city, and for that, we are truly grateful."
The event concluded with a heartfelt vote of thanks and gratitude by Elder Adilson Parella from the Middle East/Africa North Area Presidency of the Church and his spouse Sister Elaine Parella, acknowledging the shared commitment to service and unity.
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Bednar, Saints, shared his feelings about the event: "I have been delighted over the past decade to observe the collaboration between the Guru Nanak Darbar Gurudwara and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. What started 10 years ago as a mutual desire to know and better understand each other gradually developed into a true interfaith friendship. I am grateful we can serve and learn together as brothers and sisters in caring for those in need." Elder David A. Bednar, Mirza Al Sayegh and Dr Surender Singh Kandhari Dr Surender Singh Kandhari reflected on the significance of the partnership: "Our collaboration is rooted in compassion, unity, and service. Through our shared journey, we've not only uplifted others but also discovered a deeper understanding of each other. This partnership transcends differences, focusing on what unites us - our common humanity and commitment to serving others. Further, he beautifully quoted about the importance of SEWA, a Hindi-Punjabi word, that means Serving Everybody Without Expectation of Appreciation which he said is the true essence of selfless service and compassion." Dr Bubbles Kandhari, Vice-Chairperson of Guru Nanak Darbar Gurudwara, also expressed her gratitude: "The shared spirit of service and the bond between our communities have flourished over the years. It has been a privilege to work alongside The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, inspiring future generations to carry forward this legacy of love and unity. Our journey is a testament to the power of interfaith harmony, and we remain committed to strengthening these bonds for the betterment of humanity. May this partnership continue to grow, bringing hope, peace, and light to those who need it most." This partnership began in 2015 and has since become an annual tradition, where members of both communities come together for service projects. Among notable examples are the distribution of food kits to workers in Dubai, mutual community service, and many others. This year, the two faith communities worked together on delivering over 200 wheelchairs and thousands of water kettles. In addition to these service projects, leaders and members of both religious communities have engaged in meaningful conversations. Leaders of both faiths spoke and participated together at various events aimed at promoting tolerance and coexistence. Members of both religions had chances to learn about each other, culture, and traditions. There were also high-level visits, including Dr Surender Singh Kandhari and Dr Bubbles Kandhari visiting the global headquarters of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Salt Lake City, Utah, in 2022 and meeting with the First Presidency, the governing body of the Church. Mirza Al Sayegh, an esteemed figure in the community, delivered a heartfelt speech that emphasised the importance of unity and collective progress. Reflecting on the collaboration. "I am proud to be part of such a gathering today, where people of different communities come together under the Vision of Harmony. The UAE is a beacon of unity, and gatherings like this remind us that there is no divide between us and the Creator. We all share the same vision, the same purpose, and the same humanity. The progress we see in Dubai today is the result of hard work and collaboration. Everyone here, regardless of their background or faith, has played a role in making this city what it is - a symbol of coexistence and mutual respect. We celebrate today not only the success of these two great communities but the unity and harmony that Dubai embodies," he shared. He concluded with a powerful message: "What you have done in Dubai will remain here, and so will your contributions. Your hard work has built this great city, and for that, we are truly grateful." The event concluded with a heartfelt vote of thanks and gratitude by Elder Adilson Parella from the Middle East/Africa North Area Presidency of the Church and his spouse Sister Elaine Parella, acknowledging the shared commitment to service and unity.
