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New York’s Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan hosts multifaith panel
Speakers from diverse faith traditions discussed spirituality, pluralism, peace and human connection.
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Parveen Chopra - Wed, 19, Aug 2026
- 01:45 EDT
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(from left) Panelists Jonathan Granoff, Chef Vikas Khanna, Haji Salman Chishty, and Yakub Mathew, and Bhavan Chairman Dr Navin C. Mehta. / Larissa Beniaminova/Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan
Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan hosted a multifaith panel discussion titled ‘Many Paths…. One Destination’ on Aug. 12, bringing together speakers from different faith traditions to discuss spirituality, peace, pluralism and the role of human connection.
The program was held in the Bhavan’s elliptical hall on the 17th floor of a Midtown Manhattan building. The panel featured Syed Salman Chishty, Jonathan Granoff, Yakub Mathew and chef Vikas Khanna, who offered different perspectives on inner and external peace and the search for a connection with the divine.
Mathew, a banker and author of ‘Seeking the Infinite,’ a multifaith book based on the ‘Mahima’ of the Maha Kumbh, organized the program and initiated the panel discussion.
Chishty, Gaddi Nashin of the Ajmer Sharif shrine in Rajasthan, said people of diverse faiths are welcomed daily at the dargah of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti. He highlighted two concepts from Sufi teaching, Shukr and Sabr.
“Wake up with Shukr (gratitude) as every day is a grace, and go to bed with Sabr (patience) that all will be well,” he said.
Asked by Parveen Chopra, founder of A Lotus In The Mud spiritual magazine, about practices that can aid spiritual growth, Chishty recommended spending a few minutes in silence and practicing breathing exercises to become more conscious of one’s identity.
Granoff, an international lawyer, president of the Global Security Institute of the United Nations and a nuclear disarmament advocate who was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize in 2014, said people can find fulfillment by knowing themselves and the Creator.
“There are many waves on the ocean, but when they bow down, they all become the ocean,” he said. “So may we have the courage and humility to bow down into the ocean of God.”
Khanna, a Michelin-star chef, attended the event in his kitchen apron before returning to his restaurant to serve dinner. He spoke about his upbringing in Amritsar and his reverence for the langar tradition at the Golden Temple, saying that serving food is his form of worship.
He also said his belief in pluralism was strengthened when a Muslim woman sheltered him in Ghatkopar during the 1992 Mumbai riots.
During the question-and-answer session, Barbara Winston, founder of Peace Innovation Initiative, asked Chishty, “What do we do with evil?”
“We respond with patience as Mahatma Gandhi said, ‘An eye for an eye would leave the world blind’,” Chishty said. “But, yes, we have to defend ourselves. We have to protect our family and community. We have to be resilient.”
Dr. Navin C. Mehta, chairman of Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, asked Mathew about the influence of money over people. Mathew recalled asking Mother Teresa the same question when she visited his family home in Delhi.
“She said, ‘It's a means, not an end. The power of money is to give it away, to touch as many lives who can't thank you,’” he said.
“All I can say is money gives you dignity, money gives you the means to touch lives,” Mathew added. “Money is important. So, make money, celebrate your life and share your abundance with those who cannot thank you.”
Mehta also spoke about the Bhavan, which he described as an institution that has promoted Indian art, culture and heritage in the city since 1981.
The program opened with Indian spiritual songs performed by Kunal Lamba and concluded with Kristin Hoffman performing “Amazing Grace.”
Those attending included the Very Reverend Winnie Varghese, Lama Aria Drolma, Prince Dimitri of Yugoslavia, Bhavan Vice Chairman Kenny Desai and Executive Director Minesh Patel.
Food was served after the program by Khanna and Jimmy Rizvi, whom Chishty described as Khanna’s dervish.
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