Working on finding ways to restore trust between people since 2002, my life experience has contributed greatly to my actions towards social inclusion and promoting sustainable peace. In my experience, I feel practicing the values of dignity, respect and trust motivate peace and an inclusive society. It strikes me that the two key words in designing and thinking about social inclusion and coexistence are dignity and respect; dignity about our own existence and values and respect for the differences that define another person's existence. A third component plays a central role: trust.
In 2009, without consent, I married a Hindu woman who converted to Islam after marriage. We were excluded from both families because of our marriage. After one year, my parents accepted us but my spouse's parents did not.
In 2013, my spouse’s parents also reconciled with us due to illness but her siblings avoided us and did not talk to me until her father passed away in 2020 during Covid-19. During that time we had an issue with the cremation of her father’s body according to the Hindu ritual because no relative lived in Sri Lanka. I came forward to perform the ritual although it is prohibited in Islam. This was a turning point for our family life.
When my mother-in-law passed away in August 2023, my sisters and brothers-in-law came for the funeral and cremation. After having been excluded for so long, by practicing dignity, trust and openness, the other relatives accepted us. We started to rebuild the relationships that had been broken. Through practicing the elements of dignity, respect and trust, I recall how valuable they were and how they affect inner peace and a peaceful life with others. This is something that I try to practice in my daily life and work at NPC.
S.S. Nayaj
NPC staff member