International Day of Peace 2025 – Report from BV Foundation

Under the auspices of the B.V. Foundation for Peace and Harmony, South India (a Member Group of the International Association for Religious Freedom – IARF) and the Gandhi Centre, Visakhapatnam, a grand meeting was held at the Seminar Hall of L.B. College to mark the International Day of Peace. The event was presided over by the noted social worker, Prof. Narava Prakash Rao.

The distinguished invitees and chief speakers of the occasion were Professor V. Balamohan Das (Former Vice-Chancellor, Nagarjuna University and President of Gandhi Centre) and Professor K. Ravi (Former Director, Academic Staff College, Andhra University).

The programme commenced with all members garlanding the statue of Mahatma Gandhi at the Peace Centre and paying their homage. In his presidential address, Prof. Narava Prakash Rao explained the purpose of holding such a meeting on this day. He spoke on the growing unrest in the world, highlighted the role of IARF in protecting human rights, and enlightened the gathering about its advisory contributions to the United Nations and the significance of such efforts.

The eminent speakers present emphasized that violence can never be justified and elaborated on the responsibilities of governments and citizens in building peace.

Professor K. Ravi reiterated that violence is never justifiable, reminding that history itself has been altered because of violence. He called upon scientists, technologists, citizens, and rulers to work for peace. He observed that peace today has been reduced to a mere ornamental word, while world leaders have grown increasingly war-hungry. As a result, unrest has spread everywhere, and nations are engaged in amassing power. He warned that artificial intelligence too is taking distorted forms, leading to further threats to world peace.

Buddhist monks Rajdham Bhikshu and Kanth Bhikshu remarked that before global peace can be realized, inner mental peace must first be cultivated.

Professor V. Balamohan Das, President of the Gandhi Centre, shared his grave concern about the rising hatred across the world and the unrest it is fostering. He expressed deep anguish, pointing out that as of today, 108 civil wars are raging across the globe. He praised the tireless efforts of many organizations striving to prevent a third world war, but confessed his own fear at the very thought of what might happen if such a war were to break out. He stressed the urgent responsibility of governments to initiate and implement programmes that can dismantle this culture of hatred and violence.

Dr. Kochchrlakota Venkata Satyanarayana Murty (Joint Secretary, Gandhi Centre) stated that wars are dangerous, and drew attention to the views expressed in the Vedas and Indian epics regarding such destructive culture. He expressed hope that better days would surely come, but emphasized that war is indeed a great obstacle to world peace. He urged that every individual and every family must develop an earnest yearning for peace.

Dr. L. Prajnan Kumar (URI Convener) and Abdul Munir Mushad (IARF Convener) also participated and shared their views.

At the conclusion of the meeting, all the participants took a solemn pledge to safeguard world peace.

Among those present were Sri Suresh (Commissioner of Police Office), Sri Jogarao, Sri Hussain, Sri Naidu, members of IARF, and several prominent citizens of Visakhapatnam.

Invitation: Remembering Hiroshima & Nagasaki

On behalf of the IARF India Chapter and the B.V. Foundation, I invite you to join us and our partners for a series of meetings from 6-9 August 2025, to remember the events of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

We believe that remembering the human cost of conflict is essential to our shared work for peace and religious freedom. A photo exhibition will be on display at each location.

Please join us:

Aug 6, 11:00 AM: Alwardas Degree College
Aug 7, 11:00 AM: B.V.F. Centre Hall, Bridge School
Aug 8, 11:00 AM: Dr. V.S.K Govt. Degree College, Maddilapalem
Aug 9, 10:15 AM: Gandhi Centre Seminar Hall, Dr. L.B. Degree College

We hope you can join us for this important act of remembrance.

2569th Buddha Birth Anniversary Celebration at Gandhi Centre, Visakhapatnam

On May 24, 2025, the B.V. Foundation for Peace & Harmony (a member group of IARF), in collaboration with United Religions Initiative and the Gandhi Centre, Visakhapatnam, hosted a lecture on “Buddhism in Promoting Peace and Harmony” to mark the 2569th Buddha Birth Anniversary.

Dr. Maturi Srinivas, a noted pulmonologist and Buddhist scholar, delivered a powerful keynote emphasizing Buddhism’s role in advancing human rights, non-violence, and ethical living. Highlighting principles such as Mudita (sympathetic joy), Maitri (friendship), and Karuna (compassion), he stressed the relevance of Buddhist teachings in fostering interfaith understanding, social harmony, and ecological balance. He also addressed how Buddhism encourages self-reflection and a mindful “let-go” approach to life, which means accepting life as it comes, while also acting with awareness, responsibility, and ethical clarity.

In his presidential address, Professor Narava Prakash Rao, BVF Chairman, called on attendees to promote harmony through religious understanding, lamenting Buddhism’s diminished presence in its homeland. He affirmed that religion should support human welfare, not dominate daily life.

Professor V. Balamohan Das (Former Chancellor of Nagarjuna University and President of the Gandhi Centre) shared personal reflections on Acharya Nagarjuna (known as “the Second Buddha) and his efforts to reintroduce Buddha Purnima celebrations in academia.

Professor Paddaiah, a professor of Human Genetics, described yoga and meditation from the viewpoint of genetics and society, in the context of following the principles of Buddhism.

The session concluded with a customary vote of thanks, reinforcing a shared commitment to interfaith peace and human dignity.

IARF 124th Annivesary Celebrated by BV Foundation for Peace and Harmony

The BV Foundation for Peace and Harmony, a member group of IARF South India, celebrated the 124th IARF Formation Day on Saturday, May 25th, at the Gandhi Center Seminar Hall located at Dr. LB College in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, South India. Prof. Prakasa Rao, chairman of the foundation, presided over the meeting.

The celebration began with an interfaith prayer, followed by a cake-cutting ceremony. In his presidential address, Prof. Rao highlighted that the IARF was established on May 25th, 1900, in Boston to realize the vision of the World Parliament of Religion held in 1893. As the oldest interfaith organization in the world, IARF collaborates with religious communities and secular organizations committed to openness, free religious inquiry, human dignity, social responsibility, and service. The organization also works to protect religious freedom and fundamental human rights through its representatives at the United Nations.

The chief guest, Prof. V. Balamohandas, former vice-chancellor of Acharya Nagarjuna University and president of the Gandhi Center, commended IARF’s remarkable 124-year history and called for improved religious tolerance worldwide. He emphasized that while religious worship and beliefs are personal matters, the coexistence of people belonging to different religions is a tradition that IARF should continue to uphold. Prof. Balamohandas termed atrocities committed in the name of caste, color, and community as barbaric, stressing that peace is only possible when all religions coexist and live in harmony.

Other speakers who endorsed the chief guest’s statement included:

Swami Swasamvedya Nanda, secretary of Ramakrishna Mission
Syed Shamsuddin, Additional District Government Qazi
Fr. Ratna Kumar, Deputy GM of RCM schools
Smt. B.K. Rameswari, Prajapita Brahmakumari Eeswari Vidyalayam
Sushil Sekhani Jain, chairman of Mahaveer International
B. Gowtam Babu, the Buddhist Society of India

The convener, Abdul Muneer Mushhad, proposed a vote of thanks. The meeting concluded with participants taking a peace pledge and singing the Indian national anthem, “Jana Gana Mana.”

BV Foundation Commemorates International Day of Peace 2023

Summary
The BV Foundation for Peace and Harmony, a member group of the International Association for Religious Freedom (IARF), hosted a special event in honor of the International Day of Peace on September 21, 2023. The event was conducted at SVVP Degree College in MVP Colony, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, under the chairmanship of Prof. Prakasa Rao.

Lighting the Lamp of Peace
The day began with the time-honored tradition of lighting a lamp to signify the commencement of the celebrations. Dr. K. Jagadeshwara Rao, the Principal of SVVP Degree College, served as the chief guest for the occasion. A multi-faith prayer session was conducted to unite all attendees in a solemn commitment to peace.

Advocating for Global Harmony
The focal point of the event was a series of speeches highlighting the critical need for fostering global peace. Prof. Prakasa Rao took the audience on a historical journey, elaborating that the International Day of Peace was established by the United Nations General Assembly on September 21, 1981. The goal behind this designation is to promote nonviolence, peace, and ceasefire among nations and individuals worldwide.

This Year’s Theme: End Racism and Build Peace
The current year’s theme resonated strongly with the audience, emphasizing the necessity to “End Racism and Build Peace.” Prof. Rao stressed that maintaining social harmony is of utmost importance, especially in an era where antisocial elements are disturbing the peace through violent activities.

Allocating Resources for Peace Over War
The speakers also discussed how nations often allocate extensive budgets for defense at the expense of vital sectors such as healthcare, food security, social welfare, and education. They argued for a reevaluation of priorities, emphasizing the significance of peace for societal wellbeing.

A Standing Ovation for UNO’s Efforts
Dr. K. Jagadeshwara Rao applauded the relentless efforts made by the United Nations to uphold peace despite numerous challenges. He suggested that educational institutions have a pivotal role to play in sensitizing the youth about methods to maintain global peace.

Taking the Peace Pledge
The event concluded with all attendees taking a pledge for peace, thereby symbolizing a collective commitment to promoting harmony across communities, nations, and religions.

For more information on upcoming events and how you can participate, please contact the BV Foundation at [email protected].in.

Visakhapatnam Commemorates Hiroshima and Nagasaki

by Prof. Narava Prakasa Rao, IC Member, IARF and Chairman, BV Foundation for Peace and Harmony Member Group

VISAKHAPATNAM, INDIA – From August 6th to 9th, 2023, the International Association for Religious Freedom (IARF) in collaboration with the BV Foundation for Peace and Harmony conducted a series of commemorative meetings at various schools and colleges across Visakhapatnam. These meetings marked the somber anniversaries of the Hiroshima and Nagasaki atom bomb explosions, aiming to educate and inculcate a quality mindset among the public, with special emphasis on the student community.

Under the guidance and coordination of Prof. Narava Prakasa Rao, IC Member and chairman of the Foundation for Peace and Harmony, these annual meetings have been successfully held to shed light on the tragedies of August 1945. This year, it commemorated the 78th anniversary of the devastating nuclear attacks which took the lives of at least 129,000 innocent individuals, marking a dark day in global history. This stands as the sole instance of nuclear weapons being employed in warfare.

Speakers at the commemorative meetings highlighted the peaceful applications of atomic energy. Through comprehensive PowerPoint presentations, the importance of nuclear power, application of non-conventional energy resources, and the necessary safety measures were emphasized. Attendees were informed about the potential benefits of nuclear energy in societal development, such as cost-effective methods to desalinate seawater, medical uses like MRI scans and radiotherapy, among other treatments. However, they also emphasized the essential need for proper nuclear waste management to prevent the severe hazards posed by radiation and toxins.

A strong message resonated across all sessions: while nuclear energy has the potential to propel societal advancements, the devastation caused by nuclear bombs and the consequential radiation cannot be ignored. To reinforce this message and promote peace, a PEACE pledge was undertaken by students at every meeting.

Complementing the series of meetings was a powerful photo exhibition, which offered attendees a visual journey through the tragic events of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Documentaries depicting the historical events and their aftermath were also screened, making the significance of the incidents even more palpable.

In these trying times, initiatives like these underscore the importance of peaceful coexistence and the prudent use of powerful resources. The dedicated efforts of organizations like the IARF and BV Foundation serve as a beacon of hope for a world aspiring for peace and harmony.

by Prof. Narava Prakasa Rao, IC Member, IARF and Chairman, BV Foundation for Peace and Harmony Member Group

Human Rights Day Observed by the Visakhapatnam Branch

On Saturday, December 10th 2022, the BV Foundation for Peace and Harmony and the India Chapter of the International Association for Religious Freedom Visakhapatnam Branch organized a special meeting to mark World Human Rights Day. The event was held at the SVVP VMC Degree and PG Courses seminar hall in MVP Colney, Visakhapatnam. The purpose of the meeting was to educate degree and PG students about human rights and their role in protecting them.

Prof. Narava Prakasa Rao, International Council Member of the IARF, presided over the meeting. He emphasized the need for young people to be aware of various issues and to act responsibly in safeguarding their rights. He also emphasized that today’s youth are not useless, but rather their potential is underused. If they are motivated and their potential is utilized properly, they can make significant contributions towards building a just society.

The chief guest of the event, Prof. A. Rajendra Prasad, former Vice Chancellor of Nagarjuna University, called on the students to become change agents and work towards protecting human rights. He also emphasized the need for stronger enforcement of the Human Rights Act of 1993 and for the framing of rules under the Act to make it an effective law. He pointed out that the most vulnerable sections of society, such as children and women, often have their human rights violated and therefore there is an urgent need to increase awareness of human rights among these groups.

A debate competition was also held among the students on this occasion. Other attendees at the event included Dr. K. Rajesh, Principal of the Degree college, Sambasiva Rao, Principal of the Junior college, Dr. Appa Rao, NSS Coordinator, Dr. Ganesh Babji, Mrs. Syamala, and others.