IIDI organizing essay, short film contests to promote global peace

JEDDAH — The International Interfaith Dialogue, India, (IIDI) will hold an essay and short film competition for Indian university students. Anyone aged less than 50 years also can participate. The topic of the contest is “Religious Harmony for National Development & World Peace.” Entries should reach IIDI’s office in Kochi before Jan. 25, 2017, said V.K. Abdul Aziz, founder of the organization. “The essays should not be more than 7,000 words while the short film should be less than 15 minutes in length,” he said, adding that both contests would be adjudicated by a select panel of experts. Interested people may contact IIDI via email: [email protected]. IIDI will have copyright of winning entries. However, the authors and producers will free to use their works, Aziz said in a statement. Fabulous prizes await winners of the competition. First place winners in each category will receive a cash prize of Rs100,000, the second place winners Rs50,000 and third place winners Rs25,000. Outstanding participants will receive 10 consolation prizes worth Rs10,000 each, Aziz explained. Aziz, who is director of Hayat International School in Jeddah, highlighted the role being played by IIDI to promote communal harmony in India. Aziz formed the organization with the support of prominent personalities. “IIDI aims to highlight and promote moral and social values shared by all religions,” Aziz said. “Dialogue is the most effective and easiest way to remove bias and mistrust among followers of different religious faiths and build bridges of understanding among them,” he added. Aziz called upon diverse religious communities across the world to work together for the common good of humanity and promote global peace and stability. “It’s unfortunate that religions have been abused as instruments of division and hatred, in total disregard for their teachings and principles,” Aziz said.