Date EMedia Correspondent | New Delhi | March 18, 2026
NEW DELHI – The India Islamic Cultural Centre (IICC) Auditorium played host to a powerful display of communal harmony today during the inaugural release of the short film “Iftar.” Among the distinguished guests was Dhyanacharya Dr. Ajay Jain, who joined a galaxy of spiritual and social leaders to celebrate a cinematic tribute to India’s syncretic culture.
Produced by Satnam Singh Ahluwalia and directed by Arindam Sil, “Iftar” is based on a moving story by Dr. Sachchidanand Joshi. The film depicts an emotional encounter between two strangers on a journey: a Hindu passenger who offers his Puja Modaks to a Muslim co-passenger to break his ROZA (fast) and the Muslim fellow who, in a reciprocal gesture of faith, offers 21 Pedas to be presented to Lord Ganesha.
Speaking to the media following the screening, Dhyanacharya Dr. Ajay Jain lauded the film’s message.
“This film beautifully captures the bonded relationship and shared character of individuals from different religions who carry the same core values,” Dr. Jain remarked. “When a Hindu shares his offerings for Ganpati and a Muslim returns the favor with sweets for the deity, it reveals the true character of Indians and the soul of India as a whole.”
Dr. Jain further emphasized that the film’s narrative—centering on the exchange of Modaks and Pedas between a Hindu and a Muslim passenger—is more than just a story of kindness; it is a reflection of the inherent integrity of the Indian people.
“National character is not built on abstract policies, but on the micro-actions of its citizens,” Dr. Jain stated. “When a Hindu shares his Prasad and a Muslim reciprocates with offerings for Ganpati, we see the true ‘Bharatiya’ character. It proves that despite different rituals, the underlying values of empathy and mutual sanctity are identical. This is the bedrock of a strong, unified nation.”
Dr. Jain extended his heartfelt congratulations to the production team and the organizers for bringing such a timely narrative to the screen.
The event served as a significant gathering of faith leaders, reflecting the film’s theme of “Sarv Dharm Sambhav.” Notable attendees included: Goswami Sushil ji Maharaj (National Convener, Bhartiya Sarv Dharm Sansad), Acharya Lokesh Muni, Maulana Ilyasi, Sardar Paramjit Singh Chandok, Acharya Yeshi & Yog Bhushan Maharaj, Acharya Vivek Muni, Fr. Bento & Fr. Sebastian. A.K. Merchant & E.L. Malekar, Nariman Zaiwala, B.K. Hussain, Swami Veer Singh Hitkari and Maulana Shaneen along with other social dignitaries including Gaurav Goswami and Shalini Sharma.
The premiere concluded with a collective call for social cohesion, echoing the film’s sentiment that humanity and devotion transcend all boundaries.