Over 300 religious leaders, government representatives, community partners, and guests came together at the Inter-Religious Organisation (IRO) National Day Observance 2026 on Aug 30.
Deputy Prime Minister (DPM) and Minister for Trade and Industry (Trade) Gan Kim Yong was the chief guest of honour.
“While we may come from different faiths, we spoke in one voice singing our National Anthem and reciting the Pledge, and committing to do our part in strengthening religious harmony through the IRO Declaration and Invocation,” said DPM Gan in a social media post on Aug 31.
At the event, Emeritus Senior Minister (ESM) Goh Chok Tong took to the stage to announce that he will be passing the baton of patron of IRO to former DPM Heng Swee Keat from Sept 1. Mr Goh has been the patron of IRO since 2018.
“I’m grateful for the friendship and support the IRO family has extended to me over the years. I wish IRO every success in the years to come,” said Mr Goh.
ESM Goh also shared anecdotes about living through the Geylang riots and 9/11, and how Singapore’s racial harmony held strong through those incidents.
“The essence of these stories is to show that trust is a very important ingredient. It is a glue that holds our multi-racial and multi-religious society together. It cannot be legislative, it cannot be dictated by the government. It can only be built by all of us, as neighbours, schoolmates, workmates and fellow citizens,” he said.
Representatives from all 10 faiths represented in the IRO led the event with a prayer from each religion. These included Baha’i faith, Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, Jainism, Judaism, Sikhism, Taoism and Zoroastrianism.
The Venerable Dr Karadetiyana Gunaratana Thero, Sri Lankan Buddhist monk and humanitarian, is one of the oldest members of IRO and a former assistant secretary. “It’s a long journey, at least more than 70 years. Everyone should learn something from Singapore; how closely knit the religious brotherhood is in Singapore. It’s one of the best examples for the whole world,” he said.
“Blessings to Singapore because when you look at what’s happening around us, I think you may find that we have to be closer more and more,” he added.
Youth leaders and members were also present, including Mr Shukul Raaj Kumar, chief coordinator of the IRO Youth Wing.
“Through these events, we are strengthened in our pursuit and passion for connecting with and fostering social cohesion and racial and religious harmony in Singapore,” said Mr Raaj, 30.
Mr Anish Ketan Gathani, who is a member of Young Jains of Singapore, the youth wing of the Singapore Jain Religious Society, was grateful to be a part of this event as it allowed for inter-religious interactions in a more formal setting.
“I think it’s really important that we are not stuck in our own religious bubble, and that we have perspectives from various faiths, allowing us to learn more about our own faith as well,” said Mr Anish, 20.
Fullerton Hotel’s ballroom was not only lit up by its chandeliers, but also by an array of intercultural performances. One of these performances was a traditional Indian dance by Rhythm Dance Academy, organised by folk arts group Anandha Traditional Arts and Music (ATAM).
Founder of ATAM, Mr Japhire Gopi Kannan said: “I think the open dialogue in IRO allows for communication and understanding of each other’s perspectives.”
IRO was formed in 1949 as a way to form peace between the different religions and promote racial harmony.
Former diplomat K. Kesavapany said that the IRO explains why Singapore maintains its cultural freedom and keeps Singaporeans happy.
“IRO is a jewel in the crown of Singapore. Nowhere else do we have such an organisation where 10 religions come together and make sure that we pray to our own gods but also encourage you to pray to any god of your choice,” he said.
President of IRO, Mr Sengkuttuvan Kanniyappan, summarised the importance of the IRO through an anecdote on orchestras, “It is akin to a philharmonic orchestra, comprising over almost 100 instruments. Every one musician has a cue, pitch, and a pace to play, as per the song sheet and to the danceof the baton of the maestro. Only then they can attain the soothing serenade of a musical melody,” said Mr Sengkuttuvan.
“The mere adherence to a song sheet alone, results in a technical rendition of the score. But when every musician is immersed in the music as a whole, the rendition transforms into a beautiful rhapsody, where small slips become almost inaudible,” he added.
