The inaugural edition of Voices of Faith commenced on Friday at the iconic Barbican Centre, Silk Street, London, marking the beginning of an extraordinary three-day festival exploring theological philosophies, interfaith dialogues, and the deeper essence of spirituality through conversations, music, and healing vibes.
Organised by Teamwork Arts, the creators of the Jaipur Literature Festival (JLF) and JLF London, Voices of Faith is presented by the Kamini and Vindi Banga Family Trust, with the support of Tech Mahindra. Eastern Eye and Garavi Gujarat serve as the official media partners of this landmark event. This unique festival seeks to offer insights into navigating the complexities of modern life through the timeless wisdom enshrined in global religious traditions. It focuses on the universal ideals of compassion and interconnectedness that underpin the world’s faiths, fostering dialogue that transcends barriers and deepens mutual understanding.
An enlightening beginning: Voices of Faith Day 1
The festival opened with a mesmerising Indian classical prelude by celebrated musicians Soumik Datta and Gurdain Singh Rayatt, setting a contemplative and harmonious tone for the proceedings. The inaugural address was delivered by H.E. Vikram Doraiswami, High Commissioner of India to the UK, alongside Vindi Banga and Sanjoy K Roy, who underscored the significance of interfaith dialogue in an era marked by socio-political divisions.
Doraiswami said, “Voices of Faith is more than just an event; it is an initiative that explores faith in its entirety—its art, history, philosophy, culture, and civilizational context.
He added, “Faith is harmless as long as it does not seek to invalidate or harm another’s beliefs. Its value lies in how it is expressed—in poetry, art, architecture, music, and philosophy. Throughout history, faith has shaped our greatest cultural and artistic achievements. One need only step into a temple, mosque, church, or any place of worship to witness the profound connection between faith and civilisation. At its core, all faiths share a fundamental message: love, compassion, respect, and forgiveness.”
Vikram Doraiswami
Roy said, “Voices of Faith is an exploration—not of religious practices, but of philosophy, connection, and humanity. It is about empathy, love, and understanding both the differences and commonalities between faiths. This is what we aim to explore through the Voices of Faith series. In today’s world, where social media often dictates what we know, it is crucial to ensure that young people have access to thoughtful, well-considered information. We wanted to make it accessible to as many people as possible. Over the next few days, we have an incredible line-up of speakers, we will celebrate this vibrant cultural legacy and I encourage all of you to participate.”
Banga aid, "As Sanjoy mentioned, this is the inaugural in-person edition of Voices of Faith. Voices of Faith is about engaging with faith in an open, thoughtful, and deeply personal way. We hope this platform will inspire many more to explore and reflect on their own paths, just as it has done for us.”
Speaking at the event, Lord Jitesh Gadhia said, “Faith is deeply personal—shaped by individual perception. To truly understand it, I believe one must step outside oneself—almost as if experiencing an out-of-body perspective. As you listen to the music and reflect on the insights shared, I encourage you to detach momentarily, to observe from above, gaining an expanded, almost extra-sensory view of this profound aspect of human experience. What lies ahead promises to be a true intellectual and cultural delight.”
Andrew Quintman
The keynote address was delivered by Andrew Quintman, a distinguished scholar of Buddhism in Tibet and the Himalayas, and an associate professor at Wesleyan University. Quintman captivated the audience with his reflections on the omnipresence of religion in human civilisation. He emphasised how religious traditions have shaped architecture, literature, politics, and human consciousness throughout history.
Quintman also highlighted the evolving academic understanding of religion, explaining how the term itself is a relatively modern construct developed in the West. He explored the Sanskrit concept of dharma, illustrating its varied interpretations from moral duty to philosophical ideals, and how it forms the bedrock of Buddhist traditions.
The power of faith in song and poetry
Drawing from centuries-old spiritual traditions, Quintman explored the role of poetry and music in religious devotion. He referenced the 11th-century Tibetan sage Milarepa, whose deeply evocative songs of meditation and enlightenment continue to inspire spiritual seekers. Milarepa’s verses, rich with imagery of nature and solitude, exemplify how music and poetry have long served as conduits for expressing faith and attaining spiritual awakening.
Lord Jitesh Gadhia
A platform for thought and reflection
Day 1 of Voices of Faith provided a compelling glimpse into the diverse religious traditions and their role in shaping human understanding. The discussions underscored how faith, in its myriad forms, offers solace, guidance, and wisdom amid life’s uncertainties.
Saturday’s schedule features an evening session, followed by a full-day programme on Sunday, 30 March, where more in-depth discussions and musical performances will continue to illuminate the path of faith and wisdom.
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David Lammy is welcomed by S Jaishankar in Delhi last Saturday (7)