Rehmat Festival Celebrates Radical Love and Compassion Amidst Rising Communal Tension
The Rehmat festival in Hyderabad recently celebrated individuals who demonstrated radical love and compassion in the face of communal violence. Through shared stories and dialogues, the event honored heroes who chose peace during times of intense personal and societal grief.
Highlights
- •The Rehmat festival in Hyderabad honored individuals who practiced radical love and compassion during times of communal conflict.
- •Awardees included Imam Imdadullah Rashidi, who preached peace after his son’s death, and activist Ngaineikim Lunkim, who protected lives during the Manipur riots.
- •The event featured discussions moderated by journalists Rana Ayyub and Kunal Purohit, focusing on the theme of courageous kindness.
- •Family members of martyrs from the 2025 Pahalgam attack were also recognized for their resilience and commitment to humanity.
A poignant gathering known as the Rehmat festival recently took place at Lamakaan in Hyderabad, serving as a powerful platform to celebrate individuals who embody radical love and compassion amidst rising societal tensions. Hosted by Harsh Mander, the two-day event highlighted the importance of recognizing those who perform courageous acts of kindness, often risking their own safety to protect others from violence.
Honoring Acts of Courageous Kindness
The festival focused on sharing narratives of grace and peace, particularly relevant as communal violence has increasingly become a major concern across India. Moderated by noted journalists Rana Ayyub and Kunal Purohit, alongside Harsh Mander, the event featured a series of dialogues, readings, and musical performances dedicated to the theme of radical love. The attendees heard firsthand accounts of individuals who chose to advocate for humanity in the face of devastating personal loss.
Among those honored was Adil Hussain Shah, a civilian martyr who died during the 2025 Pahalgam terrorist attack. His father shared his story, emphasizing that there are many more individuals like his son who displayed profound bravery. Similarly, Imam Imdadullah Rashidi was recognized for his unwavering commitment to peace in Asansol, West Bengal, after his son was killed in communal unrest during a Ram Navami procession. The Imam famously urged his community to avoid any retaliation, stating that he did not want other families to endure similar suffering.
Promoting Peace Amidst Conflict
Another significant voice at the Rehmat festival was Ngaineikim Lunkim, a Kuki-Zo women’s rights activist from Manipur. Despite losing two cousins in the regional violence, she has actively worked to save Meitei lives, demonstrating an extraordinary commitment to peace that transcends communal divides. Additionally, Lalita Ramdas spoke on behalf of Himanshi Narwal, the widow of Lieutenant Vinay Narwal, who was also martyred in the Pahalgam attack. Himanshi Narwal was commended for her strength and clarity while navigating public scrutiny and personal grief.
The Rehmat event succeeded in providing a space for healing and reflection. By centering these stories of compassion, the festival offered strength to participants who were deeply moved by the participants' dedication to peace. It served as a reminder that even in a world often driven by divisiveness, human empathy remains a vital force for stability and hope.
