National Conference for world Peace was inaugurated by Dr. Karan Singh in New Delhi.National Conference for world Peace was inaugurated by Dr. Karan Singh in New Delhi.The theme “Gandhi@150--Life Enhancing Universal Values for World Peace” organized by Temple of Understanding India Foundation in collaboration with Prof. Rama Shankar Singh of McMaster University, Canada; Dara Shikoh Centre for the Arts, and Ram Janki Sansthan, was held at Vishwa Yuvak Centre, on 22nd October 2022.

National Conference for world Peace was inaugurated by Dr. Karan Singh in New Delhi.

The theme “Gandhi@150--Life Enhancing Universal Values for World Peace” organized by Temple of Understanding India Foundation in collaboration with Prof. Rama Shankar Singh of McMaster University, Canada; Dara Shikoh Centre for the Arts, and Ram Janki Sansthan, was held at Vishwa Yuvak Centre, on 22nd October 2022.   

NEW DELHI – 23 October: At a time when the world is in greatest peril as declared by the Antonio Guettres, Secretary General of the United Nations, a unique conference themed: “Gandhi@150--Life Enhancing Universal Values for World Peace” organized by Temple of Understanding India Foundation in collaboration with Prof. Rama Shankar Singh of McMaster University, Canada; Dara Shikoh Centre for the Arts, and Ram Janki Sansthan, was held at Vishwa Yuvak Centre, on 22nd October 2022.   

The Conference was inaugurated by Dr. Karan Singh, philosopher-statesman, former Union Minister and erstwhile Sadar-e-Riyasat of Jammu & Kashmir in presence of a number of religious dignitaries and Gandhians.  In his inaugural speech Dr. Singh focused on the specially designed Poster titled: “Light up the World with your Values” and a Scarf that presented the Gandhian ideals of: Satyagraha, Sarvodaya, Satya and Ahimsa with the images of Mahatma Gandhi, Kasturba, Martin Luther King Jr. and Nelson Mandela. Both these souvenirs were gifted to each of the Speakers and all participants who were present at the Conference.  

Surrounding the symbols of all the major religions of the world—Bahá’í Faith, Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Sikhism, Taoism, Shintoism, and Zoroastrianism—the Poster highlighted the values of Equality, Diversity, Freedom, Duty, Compassion, Selfless Service, Forgiveness, Reconciliation, Justice, Democracy, Gender Equality, Human Rights, urging all humanity to imbibe these for promoting world peace. Following the brilliant exposition by Dr. Karan Singh, each of the Speakers shared their perspective on how these values are being practiced and the necessity of making these an integral aspect of our educational system. Participants were also presented a poster on climate crises and invited to submit their individual pledges.   

The post-lunch deliberations moderated by Shri Balmiki Prasad Singh, former Governor of Sikkim, were interspersed with short cultural programs by the children illustrating the precarious human condition and why Gandhian values are so relevant for present-day society. Gandhiji’s tried and tested ethical approach, based on satyagraha,ahimsa and the Socratic moral idea of self-examination, offers not only hope but a practical alternative to the various detritus of the contemporary world. By embracing Gandhiji’s values and working across cultures and borders there is hope for a better, more peaceful future for all, this is the collective appeal from this Conference. 

Uday Manna

RJS Convener

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