New Delhi : Haji Syed Salman Chishty, the 26th-generation Gaddi Nashin of the sacred Dargah of Hazrat Khwaja Moinuddin Chishty (r) in Ajmer Sharif, India, and Chairman of the Chishty Foundation, made a historic appearance at the Canada Literature Festival (CLF) 2026, held from May 13–18 in Mississauga and Toronto, Ontario.
His participation spanning interfaith panel discussions, the Canadian release of the acclaimed book “Seeking the Infinite” by Yakub Mathew, and an evening of Sufi poetry and spiritual discourse brought together India’s 800-year-old Sufi heritage, Canada’s multicultural ethos, and a shared vision of peace, unity, and interfaith harmony.
The engagements were attended by H.E. Shri Dinesh K. Patnaik, High Commissioner of India to Canada, and Shri Mahaveer Singhvi, Consul General of India in Toronto, whose presence underscored the significance of cultural diplomacy in strengthening India-Canada bilateral relations.
A highlight was the Canadian release of “Seeking the Infinite: Maha Kumbh 2025”, the multi-faith coffee-table book by Yakub Mathew, featuring over 50 global thought leaders. The panel discussion explored interfaith dialogue, spiritual unity, and the universal quest for meaning before a distinguished gathering of the Indian diaspora in Toronto.
Haji Syed Salman Chishty was a featured speaker at “A Confluence of Faiths: Seeking the Infinite” at the Apollo Convention Centre, Mississauga, along with distinguished speakers as Yakub Mathew, Lama Aria Drolma, Rakesh Kaul, Harry Mann, with acclaimed Cambridge University Prof Prabhu Guptara moderating the esteemed Interfaith panel.
At the CLF 2026 another venue prestigious Noel Ryan Theatre, Mississauga, Haji Syed Salman Chishty presented an evening of timeless Sufi poetry and spiritual insight, offering the Canadian audience a direct experience of the living Chishty Sufi Order and it’s mystical tradition.
“The Chishty Sufi tradition has taught for 800 years that unconditional love and service towards the creation is the way leading us towards the Creator. From the blessed Dargah of Khwaja Gharib Nawaz in Ajmer Sharif to the shores of Lake Ontario, message remains the same “Love Towards All, Malice Towards None.”
— Haji Syed Salman Chishty, 26th Generation Gaddi Nashin, Dargah Ajmer Sharif & Chairman, Chishty Foundation
“The Infinite is not a place to reach, but a truth to remember — that within you lies a horizon without end. This gathering in Toronto proves that the quest for the Infinite transcends every border.”
— Yakub Mathew, Author of “Seeking the Infinite”
“Platforms like the Canada Literature Festival demonstrate that interfaith peace and harmony are the true foundations of lasting bilateral relations. The mystic traditions and spiritual culture of the noble land of India embody the shared values of pluralism and mutual respect that India and Canada are committed to strengthening together.”
— H.E. Shri Dinesh K. Patnaik, High Commissioner of India to Canada
“Interfaith dialogue and spiritual harmony are the strongest pillars of people-to-people diplomacy. The unity witnessed at CLF 2026 — where voices from every faith tradition came together in a spirit of peace — reflects the very essence of what India-Canada bilateral relations aspire to achieve.”
— Shri Mahaveer Singhvi, Consul General of India in Toronto
“CLF was born to celebrate knowledge and dialogue beyond the boundaries of race, language, religion, and culture. CLF 2026 has proven that literature festivals can be powerful instruments of interfaith peace and global understanding — reaffirming the deep civilisational bond between India and Canada as a meeting point of cultures and conversations that matter.”
— Ajaay Modi, Organiser, Canada Literature Festival 2026