WASHINGTON: Indian-American philanthropist Frank Islam has been felicitated with the Interfaith Leadership Award for his contributions towards the arts and higher education and support of interfaith dialogue. 

"Americans of all faiths and background need to come together and redouble our efforts to reject hate and bigotry in all forms," Islam said in his address to the gathering after receiving the award at the Interfaith Leadership Award Concert here over the weekend.

"We must continue to fight for a fairer and stronger America. We are stronger together. And, together, we can help shape a better future," he said. 

Interfaith dialogue, he said, has been an endeavour that was made more difficult in this presidential election year because of the harsh and divisive language of the campaign, in which one candidate's message separated people by race, religion, and national origin. 

"But, the American people have spoken through our electoral process. No doubt many of us here did not get the outcome we may have wanted, but, we will accept the result," Islam said. 

"We love our country; we will serve it; defend it; and never stop struggling. We will continue to fight for the soul of our nation," he said. 

Senator Ben Cardin who attended the function said, Islam has been a staunch supporter of causes that promote diversity religious freedom and interfaith dialogue and cooperation.

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