National Institute of Inter-Faith Studies in Punjab

The National Institute of Inter-Faith Studies (NIIFS) is a proposed academic and cultural institution to be established in Punjab, India, with the aim of promoting religious harmony, dialogue, and understanding among different faiths. The institute symbolises India’s commitment to the ideals of unity in diversity, reflecting the inclusive philosophy of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism.

Background and Conception

The establishment of the National Institute of Inter-Faith Studies was announced in 2019 by the Government of India, in collaboration with the Government of Punjab, as part of the celebrations marking the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji.
Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s teachings emphasised compassion, tolerance, equality, and the spiritual unity of all humanity—principles that remain deeply relevant in modern times marked by social and religious divisions. The institute is conceived as a centre of learning and dialogue, inspired by these values, to foster inter-faith understanding, peacebuilding, and global harmony.
The decision to set up the institute in Punjab was particularly symbolic, as the state has historically been a land of rich religious diversity and coexistence, home to Sikhism, Hinduism, Islam, and Christianity, among other traditions.

Objectives of the Institute

The National Institute of Inter-Faith Studies seeks to function as a national centre of excellence for education, research, and public engagement on issues of inter-faith relations, peace, and coexistence. Its core objectives include:

• Promoting inter-religious dialogue and understanding among different faith communities.
• Conducting academic research in comparative religion, philosophy, ethics, and global peace studies.
• Encouraging youth engagement through educational programmes that promote tolerance and shared human values.
• Hosting conferences, seminars, and workshops involving scholars, religious leaders, and civil society representatives.
• Collaborating internationally with universities, think tanks, and inter-faith organisations to address global issues of religious harmony.
• Documenting and disseminating India’s long-standing traditions of inter-faith coexistence.

Institutional Framework

The proposed institute will operate under the joint supervision of the Union Ministry of Education (formerly the Ministry of Human Resource Development) and the Government of Punjab, with participation from academic and religious experts.
Key structural and administrative features include:

• Establishment as a central institute of national importance.
• Autonomous governance, headed by a Director and guided by an Academic and Advisory Council.
• Inclusion of departments and research centres focusing on inter-faith dialogue, peace studies, comparative theology, social justice, and cultural heritage.
• Integration with universities such as Guru Nanak Dev University (GNDU), Amritsar, to ensure academic collaboration and research exchange.

Proposed Location and Infrastructure

The National Institute of Inter-Faith Studies is proposed to be located at Amritsar, the spiritual and cultural centre of Sikhism, and home to the revered Golden Temple (Sri Harmandir Sahib). The state government offered land near Guru Nanak Dev University to house the institute.
The estimated cost of establishment was proposed at around ₹500 crore, covering academic facilities, research centres, student residences, a digital library, and cultural exhibition spaces.
The infrastructure is envisioned to include:

• Academic blocks and libraries dedicated to inter-faith research.
• Peace and Dialogue Centre for seminars and multi-faith discussions.
• Documentation Centre for archiving texts, manuscripts, and oral histories related to inter-religious traditions.
• Museum and cultural complex to showcase the shared spiritual heritage of India’s communities.

Academic and Research Focus

The NIIFS will function as a hub for academic inquiry and public dialogue across disciplines, combining the humanities, social sciences, and theology.
Its research and study areas are expected to cover:

• Comparative studies of major world religions and philosophies.
• Indian traditions of pluralism, secularism, and coexistence.
• Peace and conflict resolution.
• Ethics, ecology, and inter-faith approaches to sustainable development.
• Dialogue between faith and science.
• Human rights, gender equality, and social harmony.

In addition to academic courses, the institute will offer fellowships, training programmes, and outreach activities aimed at teachers, community leaders, and policymakers.

Significance and Impact

The establishment of the National Institute of Inter-Faith Studies is a forward-looking initiative with deep social and cultural significance:

1. Cultural Integration: It reinforces India’s identity as a nation of diverse faiths bound by a shared ethos of tolerance and mutual respect.
2. Educational Advancement: The institute will provide a structured academic platform for studying comparative religion and global peace, bridging academic learning with moral education.
3. Global Relevance: In an era of increasing global polarisation, it serves as a beacon for promoting dialogue-based solutions to religious and cultural conflicts.
4. Regional Development: Located in Punjab, the institute is expected to attract scholars and students from India and abroad, promoting tourism, intellectual exchange, and local development.
5. Tribute to Guru Nanak Dev Ji: It stands as a living memorial to the Guru’s universal message of peace, compassion, and equality.

Government Collaboration and Implementation

The Union Government of India and the Punjab Government signed an agreement outlining their shared responsibilities for the institute’s development.

• The Government of Punjab committed to providing land and infrastructural support.
• The Central Government pledged to fund the establishment and oversee academic operations.
• An Expert Committee was constituted to design the institute’s framework, curriculum, and international collaboration strategy.

The institute is to be developed in phases, starting with a Centre for Inter-Faith Dialogue at GNDU as an interim facility, until the full campus becomes operational.

Challenges and Future Prospects

While the vision behind the National Institute of Inter-Faith Studies is widely appreciated, the project faces practical challenges such as:

• Coordination between central and state authorities.
• Timely release of funds and land allocation.
• Recruitment of qualified scholars in inter-religious and peace studies.
• Ensuring academic independence from political or sectarian influences.

However, the initiative has strong public and institutional support, and once operational, it is expected to become a world-class centre for inter-faith education and dialogue.

Significance for Punjab and India

Punjab’s selection as the site of the NIIFS carries profound symbolic meaning. As the birthplace of Sikhism and a region that has historically witnessed both inter-religious unity and partition-related strife, Punjab embodies the need for continuous dialogue and reconciliation.
The NIIFS is thus envisioned as a “laboratory of harmony”, where students, scholars, and faith leaders can come together to explore the common spiritual and ethical foundations of humanity.