On the occasion of the International Day of Peace, the world came together to renew its commitment to a more peaceful and equitable world. This year’s theme, “Actions for Peace: Our Ambition for the #GlobalGoals,” emphasized the necessity for concrete steps towards peace, transcending the mere absence of conflict.

In this global pursuit of harmony, Caritas India, along with six partners under the Samvaad Peace Building Program, played a pivotal role. The organization’s efforts sought to bridge the gap between communities, foster dialogue, and advocate for peace.

Caritas India orchestrated a week-long campaign filled with impactful initiatives, including peace marches, rallies, sports activities, awareness programs, and sensitization campaigns. Their goal was to sensitize and unite people from diverse backgrounds in their shared pursuit of peace and harmony. Schoolchildren and youth led peace marches and rallies, demonstrating the significance of peace in a nation’s development. Cultural events, sports competitions, and other activities engaged participants in conversations about peacebuilding and harmony.

In Lucknow, Caritas India hosted an interfaith conclave on 21 September 2023 that brought together leaders from various religious traditions. These leaders shared insights on peace from their respective faiths, highlighting the importance of uniting different religious perspectives to work collaboratively towards peace. The event served as a platform to introduce the Samvaad program, demonstrating Caritas India’s proactive approach to fostering dialogue among diverse religious communities.

Fr. Ronnie D’Souza, Director of Social Work Society Lucknow, welcomed religious leaders, NGO representatives, and like-minded individuals with saplings, symbolizing honor and love. He emphasized the pivotal role that religious leaders can play in a world marred by increasing violence, highlighting their potential to guide society toward peace and harmony.

A Caritas India representative introduced the organization’s vision and mission, focusing on the Samvaad Peace Building Program’s objectives. The program operates across seven districts of Uttar Pradesh, collaborating with six diocesan partners. It employs a multifaceted strategy, engaging with various segments of the community, including women, children, youth, and local stakeholders, to promote peace and harmony.

The interfaith meeting also presented a case study of communal conflict in Sri Lanka, emphasizing how interfaith leaders played a crucial role in promoting peace and reconciliation in the aftermath of a brutal civil war.

Interfaith leaders at the conclave shared profound messages of unity, non-violence, and cooperation:

• Swami Murari Das Maharaj Sanatan emphasized the collective responsibility of maintaining India’s identity of “unity in diversity.”
• Shri Shailendra Jain highlighted Jainism’s foundation on non-violence.
• Shri Harpal Singh Jaggi from the Sikh Samaj advocated for love, respect, and recognizing the oneness of humanity.
• Rev. Dr. Manoj Singh, representing Christianity, emphasized love and patience.
• Dr. Jagdish Gandhi, an educationist and Bahai religion follower, stressed equality and world peace.
• Bhantey Gyanlok, a Buddhist religious guru, spoke about the principles of Panchsheel.
• Acharya Ganga Shastri promoted unity and harmony among people of all religions and sects.
• Nizam Sufiyan from the Islamic Centre highlighted the values of love, patience, and understanding.
• Rev. Dr. Donald Souza expressed his hope for world peace through prayer.

Key takeaways from the Interfaith Dialogue included the vital role of religious leaders in promoting understanding and cooperation, the importance of education and dialogue in fostering peace, and the need to treat each other with love and respect, regardless of religious beliefs.

The Interfaith Dialogue concluded with a symbolic gesture, as flying balloons and doves soared into the sky, representing unity, hope, and the collective aspiration for a more peaceful world. On this International Day of Peace, the world witnessed a powerful demonstration of how interfaith leaders and organizations like Caritas India are committed to advancing peace and harmony on a global scale.