Theology Students Engage in Interfaith Learning in Lucknow and Varanasi

Delhi, October 31, 2025: Stepping into the heart of India’s diverse faith traditions, first-year theology students from Vidya Jyoti College of Theology, Delhi, took part in the college’s annual Immersion Programme, a journey through Lucknow and Varanasi designed to deepen their interfaith understanding and appreciation of religious life.

This year’s Lucknow Immersion Programme, held from October 4 to 6, was described by participants as a truly transformative experience. It offered them a deeper understanding of Islam and the values it upholds, while also challenging preconceived notions and encouraging personal reflection.

The group visited Darul Uloom Nadwatul Ulama in Lucknow, an institution that impressed them with its emphasis on both religious and scientific education. Students interacted with professors from various departments who shared insights into the rich history and vision of the centre. The warm hospitality extended by the institution left a lasting impression, with students noting that they felt welcomed with genuine respect and kindness. The institution’s openness allowed the visitors to explore the campus freely and gain a glimpse into daily life within this renowned centre of learning.

Darul Uloom Nadwatul Ulama, whose name “Nadwa” means “assembly” or “group,” was established in Kanpur in 1893 and later moved to Lucknow in 1898. The visit helped students appreciate the depth and diversity of Islamic scholarship in India, recognising how it continues to evolve while remaining rooted in its traditions.

They also visited Bara Imambara, a monumental example of Mughal architecture built by the Nawab at a cost of about ten million rupees. The vast complex, with its majestic minarets and intricate detailing, captivated the students, offering a glimpse into the grandeur of Mughal artistry and history.

Students toured the Sibtainabad Imambara, constructed in the mid-19th century by Nawab Amjad Ali Shah in Hazratganj, Lucknow. Serving as the Nawab’s mausoleum, the structure reflects the elegance of late Awadhi architecture through its arches and domes. Though smaller than Bara Imambara, it holds significant cultural and historical value, symbolising Lucknow’s royal and spiritual heritage.

Throughout the immersion, the hospitality of the Muslim community deeply moved the participants. They were especially inspired when women explained the story of Imam Hussain and his great sacrifice. The eloquence and confidence of these women led the students to reflect on the respected and equal role women hold in Islam, a realisation that left a profound impact on them.

The students also met Maulana Khalid Rasheed Farangi Mahli, a prominent Islamic leader and social reformer in Lucknow known for promoting interfaith harmony, education, and social upliftment. The interaction with him offered valuable insights into the values of compassion, peace, and unity upheld in Islam. The Lucknow Immersion Program provided participants with an opportunity to move beyond preconceived biases, reform their perspectives, and approach interfaith understanding with openness and empathy.

By Catholic Connect Reporter