Joint Anniversary Celebration in Bengaluru

On December 13, 2025, a gathering titled Sammilana was held in Bengaluru to mark the 125th Anniversary of the International Association for Religious Freedom (IARF) and the 25th Anniversary of the United Religions Initiative (URI).

The event was organized by Dr. C.N.N. Raju in collaboration with Seshadripuram College and the Karnataka State Gandhi Smarak Nidhi. To commemorate the occasion, a special booklet was released featuring messages from various contributors, including a reflection by IARF Past President Wytske Dijkstra on the challenges and value of the organization’s 125-year journey.

The Sammilana Commemorative Booklet is available for download in the IARF Library.

Interfaith Harmony Gathering

The Chhindwara Branch of the International Association for Religious Freedom (IARF) organized a दिवाली मिलन (Diwali Meetup) and Interfaith Harmony event at Pensioners Sadar, Chhindwara, bringing together senior community members, youth participants, and interfaith representatives in a shared celebration of peace, respect, and human dignity.

The program included prayer recitations by young students belonging to Christianity, Hindu, Jain, Muslim and Sikh traditions, demonstrating IARF’s long-standing commitment to interfaith understanding and freedom of belief. The active involvement of the youth highlighted the role of education and dialogue in strengthening a culture of mutual respect across generations.

Mr. Aayush Soni, Vice President of IARF & RFYN representative, addressed the gathering and extended warm Diwali greetings to all present. He briefly updated the attendees on recent IARF activities at the national and international level, including developments from the EME Conference and initiatives of the Free Religion Institute, reinforcing the shared vision of continued interfaith cooperation and educational outreach.

Dr. K. K. Shrivastava, Founder and senior member of the IARF Chhindwara Branch, who served as the chief guest, emphasized the importance of peaceful coexistence, human rights, and the protection of religious freedom for every individual, which remain central to IARF’s mission worldwide.

The program was coordinated by Dr. Brown, former India Chapter Representative of IARF, who guided the flow of the event and shared his insights on the value of interfaith cooperation in contemporary society. He also underscored the growing need to expand interfaith efforts in the region and expressed support for the establishment of a North India Chapter of IARF to further strengthen grassroots engagement.

The gathering was attended by members of the Pensioners’ Association, representatives from local organizations, and students from Sony College, reflecting a meaningful blend of experience and youthful energy. The program reaffirmed the Chhindwara Branch’s dedication to building harmony through dialogue, compassion, and education.

In Memoriam: Br. M.D. Sebastian, SHJ

The International Association for Religious Freedom (IARF) remembers with deep gratitude the life and legacy of Br. M.D. Sebastian, SHJ (1941–2025), who dedicated his life to promoting peace, harmony, and interfaith understanding.

Br. Sebastian was not only a committed religious leader but also a tireless advocate for dialogue across faiths. As a long-time member and supporter of IARF, he actively participated in numerous IARF conferences, where he spoke with conviction on the importance of interfaith dialogue. He had a special love for guiding the younger generation, often addressing students, motivating them to embrace diversity, and inspiring them to become ambassadors of peace.

One of his remarkable contributions was the publication of a book for students on interfaith understanding, a pioneering effort to nurture young minds with values of tolerance, acceptance, and universal brotherhood. Through his writings, teachings, and community service, Bro. Sebastian consistently emphasized that interfaith dialogue is not only necessary for peace but also essential for the growth of humanity.

Even until his last days, he remained deeply committed to the cause of IARF, offering his wisdom, guidance, and blessings to its mission of building bridges between communities.

Today, as we honor his memory, we also celebrate his vision, a world where people of all faiths can live together in peace and friendship. Br. M.D. Sebastian’s life continues to be an inspiration to all who walk the path of interfaith harmony.

Br. Britto, SHJ
National Secretary
IARF India Chapter

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.

INVINCIBLE: Peace and Conflict Resolution for Young Adults

The youth wing of the International Association for Religious Freedom (IARF) brought its peace and conflict resolution program to Mumbai, targeting young leaders at Pramod Ram Ujagar Tiwari Saket Institute of Management (PRUTSIM). The December 14 event, called “INVINCIBLE,” engaged participants aged 18-25 in conversations about peace-building and understanding conflict.

Janhvi Gupte kicked off with an ice-breaker that got participants talking openly about tough issues. This approach worked especially well, creating an atmosphere where students felt comfortable discussing conflict and its resolution.

Aayush Soni followed with an overview of IARF and RFYN’s work worldwide, showing students how they could get involved in peace-building efforts.

The program took a serious turn as participants explored the consequences of conflict, examining the Hiroshima-Nagasaki bombing. Gupte’s presentation on history’s deadliest wars brought home the reality of conflict, while photos of Hiroshima created a lasting impact. The story of Sadako Sasaki, a survivor who became a symbol of peace, resonated deeply with participants.

Discussions then moved to practical applications, exploring how peace affects daily life. Participants examined personal, social, and environmental aspects of peace-building, looking at concrete ways to resolve conflicts in their own lives.

The program wrapped up in PRUTSIM’s library, where participants viewed posters from Japan showing the impact of nuclear weapons. This exhibition drove home the real consequences of war.

In a spontaneous show of commitment, participants took a peace pledge, promising never to support nuclear weapons. Their engagement and feedback showed the program hit its mark.

The event ended with Immanuel Manish Daniel encouraging participants to join RFYN’s peace efforts. PRUTSIM’s support, including presenting appreciation certificates to facilitators, demonstrated their commitment to peace education.

INVINCIBLE at PRUTSIM showed that young people engage enthusiastically with peace initiatives when presented in relevant, interactive ways. The participants’ response suggests a growing awareness of the importance of conflict resolution skills among future leaders.

Empowering Foundations: Advancing Equality and Opportunity through Rural Engagement

In a significant demonstration of international interest in rural India’s development initiatives, David Moss, Senior Vice President and Head of Trading Compliance at a leading New York-based investment management company, conducted an extensive two-day visit to various IARF-RFYN projects in Chhindwara, Madhya Pradesh, during October 19-20, 2024. The visit showcased remarkable achievements in youth empowerment, interfaith harmony, and women’s economic development.

Youth Empowerment and Skill Development

At the heart of the visit was a compelling session at Sony Computer Education centre, where Moss engaged with RFYN, aspiring professionals, sharing invaluable insights about global finance career opportunities. Moving beyond traditional accounting roles, he emphasized critical skills needed in today’s financial sector, including professional email communication, financial fundamentals, and proficiency in digital tools such as Excel and Google Sheets. Moss particularly stressed the importance of staying informed about global financial trends. 

The impact of his guidance was evident in the enthusiastic response from participants, who presented him with a hand-sketched portrait as a token of their appreciation.

Interfaith Harmony and Educational Initiatives

The visit highlighted significant strides in promoting interfaith harmony through education and cultural exchange. Moss visited Anjuman English Medium school, An Urdu school which stands as a beacon of religious integration. The school’s unique approach ensures children aged 5-13 years from various religious backgrounds study together, fostering early understanding of religious diversity. Despite language barriers, students made commendable efforts to interact with Moss in English, demonstrating their commitment to global communication skills.

Further emphasizing the interfaith aspect, Moss visited a local Jain temple, where Mr. Deepak raj Jain provided insights into Jain philosophy and traditions. This cultural exchange exemplified the program’s commitment to promoting understanding across different communities.

Vocational Training and Career Development

A significant portion of the visit focused on RFYN’s innovative ‘Careerfirst’ initiative, which bridges the gap between underprivileged youth and employment opportunities through government-sponsored vocational training. Moss visited several prestigious training centres, including CII (Confederation of indian industries), ATDC (Apparel Training & Design Centre), and Ashok Leyland’s training facility in Chhindwara. During these visits, he engaged directly with students, learning about their economic backgrounds and aspirations. His encouragement to complete their courses and pursue career goals resonated strongly with the trainees.

Women Empowerment and Rural Economic Development

In Bamhni village near Tamiya block, situated 95 km from Chhindwara, Moss witnessed the transformative impact of RFYN India’s women empowerment projects, which have shown remarkable success over the past 7-8 years. The village, predominantly tribal and challenged by work opportunities, has been uplifted through a collaborative initiative involving Cosmo foundation, Sony Computer Education and RFYN.

The installation of Chironji de-shelling machines has created sustainable livelihood opportunities for women’s self-help groups. This initiative processes seeds from the Buchanania lanzan plant, a high-value dry fruit with strong export demand, particularly in Gulf countries. Villagers shared how this mechanization has provided an additional benefit to their economic conditions.

Leadership and Recognition

During his visit, Moss met with IARF Chhindwara Branch members to learn about the organization’s history and development in the region. The success of these various initiatives is attributed to a dedicated team of professionals, including Mr. Manoj Soni (Secretary, IARF Chhindwara Branch), Mr. Aayush Soni (RFYN Representative and VP, IARF), Mr. Immanuel Manish Daniel (Senior Member, IARF), Dr. SA Brown (Ex. Council Member, IARF), Dr. KK Shrivastava (Founding Member of IARF Chhindwara branch), Mr. Ansari (Founding Member of IARF Chhindwara branch), Mr. Ratnesh Jain (IARF Member), Mr. Vishwesh Chandel (Member, IARF Chhindwara Branch), Mrs. Kirti Soni (Director, Sony Computer Education), and Ms. Janhvi Gupte (Ex. VP and RFYN Representative, IARF).

Future Implications

“The synergy between various stakeholders – from government agencies to educational institutions and community organizations – is what makes these initiatives truly successful,” 

Moss observed during his concluding remarks. The visit highlighted how targeted interventions, when properly executed, can create sustainable change in rural communities while promoting education, women’s empowerment, and interfaith harmony.

The success of these programs, particularly in Bamhni village and through the Careerfirst initiative, demonstrates the effectiveness of RFYN’s approach in identifying and bridging gaps between job seekers and employers. This model of rural development, combining skill development, women’s empowerment, and interfaith harmony, could serve as a template for similar initiatives across rural India.

The comprehensive nature of David Moss’s visit not only highlighted the impact of RFYN’s initiatives but also strengthened the connection between global expertise and local development efforts in rural India, setting a promising precedent for future international collaborations in rural development.

Sony Computer Education and GVAN Celebrates World Environment Day

World Environment Day 2024

On the occasion of World Environment Day, the international organization IARF, in collaboration with the esteemed district institution Sony Computer Education and GVAN, a dedicated entity for environmental protection and conservation, organized a transformative tree plantation event in the garden at the district hospital premises.

This remarkable initiative was spearheaded by IARF Vice President Aayush Soni and Manish Daniel. Vishwesh Chandel, President of GVAN Samiti, underscored the urgent need to address the global warming crisis. He passionately emphasized that planting and protecting trees is not just an option but a necessity for a sustainable future. He called upon everyone to pledge to plant and nurture at least one tree, thus becoming active guardians of our planet. During this inspiring event, saplings of Amaltas, Christmas Tree, Bael, and Banyan were lovingly planted.

In light of the ongoing water crisis and the sudden increase in temperatures causing severe heat waves, Chandel highlighted the critical importance of such initiatives. Planting trees is a powerful act of hope and resilience, providing much-needed shade, enhancing air quality, and preserving our precious water resources.

The event was graced by the presence of Mrs. Kirti Soni and Manoj Soni, Directors of Sony Computer Education, along with Manish Daniel and our GVAN members.

Our collective progress empowers us to proudly say that we are no longer just planting trees or saplings; we are cultivating vibrant gardens. This transformation stands as a testament to our unwavering commitment to a greener, more sustainable future. Together, we are making a profound impact, turning our vision of a healthier planet into a beautiful reality. Let us continue this journey with renewed vigor and dedication, knowing that every tree we plant today is a gift to future generations.

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:

1. Swami Swasamvedya Nanda, secretary of Ramakrishna Mission
2. Syed Shamsuddin, Additional District Government Qazi
3. Fr. Ratna Kumar, Deputy GM of RCM schools
4. Smt. B.K. Rameswari, Prajapita Brahmakumari Eeswari Vidyalayam
5. Sushil Sekhani Jain, chairman of Mahaveer International
6. 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.”