Riji Levaci, a social work senior from Fiji, said human dignity matters because every person, regardless of faith, culture or circumstances, carries infinite worth. When we honor that truth, we uplift others and elevate our shared humanity, he said.

As one of the longest-serving student fellows for the BYUHawaii Religious Freedom and Human Dignity Initiative (RFHD), Levaci said he has spent about three years, in addition to his academic responsibilities, advocating for religious freedom on campus and raising awareness among students and faculty. The foundation Levaci said his journey with RFHD started with his ongoing interest in religious associations, and the word religion in the initiative stood out to him. He said his faith in the Savior Jesus Christ and Heavenly Father, and his belief in respecting people for who they are, led him to join the initiative. However, he said his initial thinking was centered on his faith, not fully understanding the broader concept of religious freedom and human dignity.

Over time, Levaci said his motives grew as he became more involved by attending conferences and being part of a community where everyone yearns for respect and the freedom to worship. Growing up as a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, he said it shaped his mindset that the Church is the only true church. I didnt have negative feelings toward other faiths. But over time, I came to understand that other religions also have the right to worship. Now, I still believe in my faith, but I also respect and value what others believe.

Levaci said this shift in his mindset reflects his golden rule of treating others with dignity, treating others as he wants to be treated. Whether Im in a minority or majority setting, I want to be treated with respect, love and care. So I treat others the same way, even if their views differ from mine.

Living this golden rule has been a big part of his journey at BYUHawaii, Levaci said. When we work together with our differences, we grow stronger as a community. But if we clash, it weakens society. He continued, Theres no value in conflict when we can respect each other and build on each others knowledge.

Among several conferences Levaci attended, he said the 32nd Annual International Law and Religion Symposium held in Utah in 2025 was transformative. One phrase from W. Cole Durham Jr., emeritus professor of law at the J. Reuben Clark Law School at Brigham Young University, stood out to him: When you are in the majority, you have the responsibility to protect the minority.

Levaci said the idea changed how he understands responsibility across religious differences. The responsibility extends beyond your own religion, especially if youre the majority because the minorities that one is always persecuted, discarded, disregarded and neglected because of differences.

Levaci said he sees that gap reflected in BYUH students experiences. He said some students come from countries where their religion is the majority, while others come from places where their faith is a minority. He said some have shared they must hide their religious identity, avoid certain neighborhoods or worship in secret to avoid harassment from community members or government officials.

Levaci said he applies what he learned by creating space for others to practice and share their faith. Respecting others beliefs is essential, whether they are members of the Church or not, he said. Even when inviting others to come unto Christ, we still respect their religion and where they stand in their faith. He also shared that during conferences, organizers provide rooms for attendees to pray, describing it as respecting their right to worship, even within a Church-sponsored setting.

Levaci said being born and raised in Fiji, which has close ties to South Asian countries, made this years RFHD conference especially meaningful to him. He said he attended a school governed by the Hindu faith, participated in Hindu prayers every Monday morningbeing part of Hindu society is part of his upbringing.

Levaci said he valued those experiences, even as he continued practicing his own faith at home. Growing up around Indigenous Fijians were mostly Christians and also Indo-Fijian who were mostly Hindus and Muslims taught me deeply about identity, family and history.

Levaci said those experiences being exposed to different faiths and teachings shaped his journey and helped him better understand his role in the RFHD initiative. He said his upbringing has been a big blessing as he continues to learn and contribute to the work.

For students attending the 2026 RFHD conference, Levaci encouraged them to be open to learning from leaders either from your country or the countries represented in the conference. Those leaders bring knowledge and experience of how RFHD matters done in their countries. He continued, Always ask yourself: What can I do after this conference? What can I contribute to society to advocate for religious freedom and human dignity?

Across South Asia, religious festivals are not only expressions of faith, but also powerful moments of cultural connection, said a professor and student from BYUHawaii.

Joel Campbell, an associate visiting professor in the Faculty of Arts & Letters said celebrations such as Diwali, Holi, Eid and Vesak carry deep spiritual meaning within their traditions, yet they also open their doors to people of other beliefs creating spaces of inclusion, learning and shared joy.

He shared his knowledge participating in some South Asian celebrations. Diwali is a Hindu tradition but also celebrated by others not of the faith. It is linked to the return of Rama defeating Ravana. Its the victory of light over darkness, he said.

According to NPR, Diwali also known as Deepavali and the Hindu Festival of Lights, is one of Indias most widely celebrated holidays. The site continues, the celebration overlaps with the other ritual harvests and festivals and originated in India more than 2,500 years ago. The annual festival that extends to the Indian diaspora is usually observed for five days though celebrations can vary depending on location and traditions, the site adds.

Campbell said like Diwali, other festivals like Holis significance extend beyond Hinduism. Holi is recognized for the colors and carries both religious and social meaning. Its a harvest festival and a moment of social renewal where you can goof off and throw around colors regardless of social class, he added.

Sahithi Pusapally, a freshman from India majoring computer science shared her personal experience growing up around these traditions. Both Diwali and Holi are about victory of good over evil. Its also about letting go of bad habits and starting fresh. Many people use this time to make changes in their lives, like a new beginning, she explained.

Pusapally described how these festivals are celebrated in daily life. For Holi, we celebrate with colorscolored powder on each other. These are usually dyes or natural powders. When I was a kid, the colors wouldnt wash off for a week! So, we used to apply oil on our skin first, she explained.

For Diwali, she continued, the festival is celebrated with sweets, food, fireworks and clay lamps. The lamps are placed around the house to light it up, she added.

Pusapally said experience also highlights how these traditions extend across religious lines. I was actually born Christian, while most of my family is Hindu. When I visit relatives, they invite me and explain everything, at first, I was hesitant, but they made it fun and welcoming.

Pusapally said openness helps bridge differences. Even though Im Christian, I respect my familys beliefs. I dont participate in worship practices, but I join in celebrations like food and family time. They respect my beliefs, and I respect theirs, she said. Pusapally said that hospitality is central to Holi and Diwali. In India, we treat guests as if they are gods. Its our responsibility to make them feel comfortable and explain why we do things, she explained.

Campbell echoed this idea that entering sacred spaces with respect fosters empathy and connection. He referenced the concept of holy envy, coined by scholar Krister Stendahl encouraging people to appreciate meaningful aspects of other faiths without comparison. Were all connected to something divine. Whether itd be different names, beliefs, but ultimately a shared sense of meaning, Campbell said.

Pusapally added, Life is short. Dont let a religion divide you and just enjoy and connect with people. These festivals teach us to let go of negativity and start fresh, she shared.

For Muslims, Campbell said the celebration marks moments of reflection and celebration tied to faith and sacrifice. Eid al Fitr is at the end of Ramadan and marks the end of fasting. It originated with the Prophet Muhammad. For Eid al Adha, it celebrates Abrahams willingness to sacrifice his son Issac in obedience to God, he added.

Campbell also shared his experience with Vesak, a celebration commemorating the life of Buddha. I was in Seoul as a missionary during Buddhas birthday and went to the main temple in downtown Seoul. We saw lanterns and what you do is to light a lantern and pin little prayers into it, he explained.

BBC explains that Buddhists do not believe in a single creator god but instead follow the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama, also known as Buddha, a prince believed to have lived in the fifth century B.C. in present-day Nepal. Vesak is celebrated once a year and marks Buddhas birth, enlightenment and death. The date changes annually and is observed across many countries in Asia, including India, Thailand and both South and North Korea, the BBC adds.

Campbell said Vesak emphasizes compassion and generosity. What I saw a lot of people praying, putting in prayers and a lot of almsgivings. Its a time for giving gifts or helping the poor, releasing animals but reinforcing ethical self-cultivation and compassion, he added.

Beyond their religious significance, these festivals often become inclusive of cultural events, Campbell said. Many communities actively welcome outsiders. I think a lot of festivals are very intercultural. In places like Salt Lake, Japanese Buddhists and Christians celebrate together. It becomes more cultural than strictly religious, he added.