Schedule 2026

The Commonwealth Symphony, to be presented at Voices of Faith, is an original composition from award-winning pianist and composer, Rekesh Chauhan BEM. The composition celebrates the diversity of musical sounds from across the 56 Commonwealth Nations, blending classical and contemporary styles. It brings together the world-renowned City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra with musicians, instruments and artistic approaches from across the Commonwealth. 

Marcus du Sautoy in conversation with Roger Highfield

At the edge of knowledge, where science meanders into spiritual conundrums, equations falter and certainties dissolve, Marcus du Sautoy joins Roger Highfield to explore what science can—and cannot—tell us about the universe. From infinity and the Big Bang to consciousness and unseen particles, this conversation asks whether there are limits to human understanding, and how faith, wonder and meaning emerge in the realm where some of our most profound queries resist explanation.

Presented by the Sophie and Narry Singh Foundation

Justice Rohinton F. Nariman in conversation with Ruzbeh Hodiwala

At a time when faith is too often a source of division, Justice Rohinton F. Nariman turns to Zoroastrianism and its enduring moral vision. Drawing on his latest book, An Ode to Fraternity, this session reflects on how religions can speak to one another—offering wisdom rooted in ethics, empathy, and coexistence—and how shared spiritual values can help imagine a more harmonious and humane world.

Nikky-Guninder Kaur Singh in conversation with Mandeep Kaur Rai Dhillon, introduced by Vindi Banga

In a sweeping, lyrical biography, Nikky-Guninder Kaur Singh traces Guru Nanak’s journey through a world of competing faiths and fractious power structures. This session explores how his radical message of unity and peace emerged from lived pluralism, and how his teachings—rooted in compassion, justice and hope—have been reinterpreted across centuries. We consider why Nanak’s vision still speaks to our divisive era, offering a spiritual bridge between difference and harmony.

 

Syed Salman Chishty in conversation with Georgina Godwin

Sufism is a path of inner transformation through devotion, remembrance, and spiritual discipline. In conversation with Georgina Godwin, Syed Salman Chishty explores how mysticism, poetry, and sacred music foster peace, unity, and shared humanity. Chishty is the hereditary custodian of the Dargah Ajmer Sharif, the revered 11th-century Sufi shrine of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti. Through stories, verse, and insight, Syed Salman Chishty traces Sufism’s enduring relevance in a world divided by conflict, inviting listeners to rediscover harmony, compassion, and the deeper meaning that binds us all.
 

Mehboob Nadeem 
Recital by Julia Klimek and Darwin Prakash

Echo Vocal Ensemble and conductor Sarah Latto curate a meditative performance for Voices of Faith. Through moments sung in harmony and shared stillness, this experience invites listeners to slow down, listen deeply, and enter a space of attentiveness and peace.

Lama Khyimsar Rinpoche in conversation with Shomit Mitter 

Lama Khyimsar Rinpoche invites us into the vibrant, living world of Yungdrung Bön, Tibet’s ancient spiritual tradition. Far from a relic of the past, Yungdrung Bön is a practical, heart-centred way of life—rooted in compassion, mindfulness, and ethical action. Through stories, ritual, and personal insight, Rinpoche shows how faith can become a force for resilience and meaning in today’s uncertain world, and how belief in a harmonious path transforms into daily practice.
 

Sushma Jansari in conversation with Mehool Sanghrajka 

Before gods resided in temples, they lived on trees, in rivers and serpent coils. In this illuminating session, curator and historian Sushma Jansari traces how ancient India’s nature spirits shaped the sacred forms of Jain, Buddhist and Hindu devotion. As yakshas became guardians and nagas sheltered enlightenment, stone began to breathe, and images journeyed across Asia, carrying faith, power and imagination in their gaze.

Presented by the Sophie and Narry Singh Foundation

Rabbi Jonathan Romain in conversation with Rabbi Professor Deborah Kahn-Harris

What does it mean to be Jewish in the modern world? Rabbi Jonathan Romain offers a thoughtful and accessible exploration of what Judaism signifies today—and gives us an informed lens into its beliefs, values, and evolving practices.
 

Philip Lutgendorf in conversation with Sanjoy K. Roy, introduced by Harshul Asnani

From the epic world of the Ramayana and Mahabharata to the crossroads of life today, the intertwined ideas of dharma and karma, peace and violence have guided choices, actions, and consequences. Renowned scholar Philip Lutgendorf explores how epic stories and devotional traditions illuminate timeless questions of duty, destiny, and free will. In conversation with Shaunaka Rishi Das, he reflects on how these ancient currents continue to shape our moral imagination and resonate in the dilemmas of the present.

Presented by Tech Mahindra