Indian Social Institute (ISI), Bengaluru, hosted and organised the National Seminar on “Building a Culture of Reconciliation and Peace in India” in collaboration with National Council for Reconciliation and Peace (NCRP), Loyola Institute of Peace and International Relations (LIPI), Kochi, and Catholic Religious of India (CRI), Frazer Town, on 2nd October, 2024, the India celebrated Gandhi Jayanti, the United Nations celebrated the International Day of Non-Violence and ISI celebrated the first anniversary of its Peace and Reconciliation Unit.
The programme began with the prayer of St. Francis of Assisi, “Make me a Channel of your Peace”, sung by school children from St. Joseph’s Girls High School, and the watering of a plant symbolising the commitment to nurture peace and reconciliation among communities, the nation and the world.
Fr. Anthony Dass SJ, the Vice-President of ISI and the President of CRI Frazer Town, extended a warm welcome to all the dignitaries and the speakers for the Seminar. In his introductory address, Dr. Selvaraj Arulanathan SJ traced the journey of one year of the Peace and Reconciliation Unit and the important role it is playing to spread the message of peace and reconciliation through education and training of people in peace-building and conflict resolution.
On this occasion, the CRI Frazer Town felicitated the Chief Guest, Bishop Joseph Susainathan, the Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Bangalore, with a traditional shawl, garland, Mysuru peta and a basket of fruits. In his address, Bishop Joseph Susainathan dwelt at length on the need for building a culture of peace, based on justice, human rights, gender equality and environmental sustainability. He called upon people of all faiths to join hands to build a society that is in harmony with all communities and with nature.
Later, Bishop Joseph Susainathan released the book “The Kingdom of God in India” by Acharyasri, the convenor of NCRP and Guest of Honour at the Seminar. In his address, Acharyasri outlined his vision to achieve the ‘Kingdom of God’ through an integral renaissance in India, an ancient cradle of many religions and spiritualities that fosters love, unity, happiness, peace and prosperity to all its citizens. Mr. Shereyar Vakil, the Special Guest on the occasion, recounted his experiences as a Parsee in India and the need to live in harmony with all communities in India.
The second session after the tea break began with the prayer song ‘Vaishnava Janato”. The panel discussion of peace practitioners began with Dr. Binoy Jacob SJ, the Director of LIPI, speaking about the activities of the Peace and Reconciliation network of the Jesuit Conference of South Asia. Mr. Muralidhar Koteshwar, a trustee of the Art of Living’s Education Trust, emphasized the need of empathy to building peace. Dr. Nayeemullah Khan, a scientist and professor at the National Institute of Advanced Studies (NIAS), spoke of the need of strengthening grassroot democracy for building peace. Ms. Halima Sadiya presented the vision, mission and activities of World Organisation of Religions and Knowledge (WORK) that promote peace and compassion towards the needy in society.
Dr. Denzil Fernandes SJ, the Head of the Peace and Reconciliation Unit of ISI Bengaluru, moderated the sessions and Mr. Amith Pereira was the MC at the National Seminar, which was attended by 93 participants. The programme concluded with a thanksgiving address by Fr. Francis Balaraj SJ.