Inter-Religious Initiatives For Universal Peace An Enduring Foundation

Inter-Religious Initiatives For Universal Peace: An Enduring Foundation for Understanding the Culture and Climate of Peace. May 21 st 2007

Dr. L. M. Singhvi, UPF Presiding Council, Chairman UPF-India.

Moses Committee Room, House of Lords

Dr. L. M. Singhvi: ‘Today religion is often seen as a potent but negative force. As Lord Parekh said, we must not just look for commonalities between religions but for ways in which we can aid the process of co-existing well. In the declaration of UNESCO it states that ‘War begins in the minds of men’ – I say that peace begins in the minds of men, women and children. The Universal Peace Federation’s (UPF) work is all about this peace and it is my privilege to introduce this work to you. UPF is emphasizing that peace is too important to be left to diplomats and soldiers alone. ’

‘There are other constituencies of peace which deal with our common future and human equality. The Universal Peace Federation is the forum to address these issues. The mission of religion is to reach the soul and heart of humanity. UPF promotes the culture of heart in the garden of diversity and is for intervention on a hundred fronts where humanity needs help. Peace will not come unless civil society is at the forefront and pushing interfaith dialogue. It will not come through the establishment. Inter-religious work speaks of love of peace and the peace of shared love. There is so much we can do together and that we destroy in our separateness. ’

Dr D. L. Singhvi, former Indian High Commissioner to the UK, presents an Ambassador Of Peace award to Lord Khalid Hameed of Hampstead in the presence of (left to right) His Excellency High Commissioner Dr. Kamalesh Sharma, Dr Singhvi, Lord Hameed, Dr Thomas Walsh, International Secretary General of Universal Peace Federation, Lord Nazir Ahmed of Rotherham and former Indian Deputy High Commissioner to the UK, K. V. Rajan. Sitting in front is Lord Tarsem King of West Bromwich, the co-host of the event with Rob Marris MP, and Professor Lord Bhiku Parekh.

Co-Host: Hon. Rob Marris, MP (standing) Bhai Sahib Bhai Mohinder Singh (right)

H. E. Kamalesh Sharma, Indian High Commissioner

Rev. Dr. Marcus Braybrooke, President of the World Congress of Faiths

Lord Adam Patel of Blackburn (on right)

Emcee (right): Amb. K. V. Rajan

Bhai Sahib Bhai Mohinder Singh, Guru Nanak Nishkam Sewak Jatha - Birmingham UK

L to R front: Amb. K. V. Rajan, Dr. Robert S. Kittel Second row center: Geeth Rajan, Dr. Jagit Singh Taunque MBE DL, Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Warwickshire

Dr. Singhvi (left), Lord Tarsem King (Co-Host, right)

Panel of Speakers: H. E. Kamalesh Sharma (Indian High Commissioner), Dr. L. M. Singhvi (UPF Presiding Council), Lord Tarsem King of West Bromwich (Co-Host), Lord Bhikhu Parekh (Centennial Professor), Dr. Thomas G. Walsh (UPF Secretary General)

Goa Declaration, India on 23 April 2007 Prior to the House of Lords event, Hon. Dr. L. M. Singhvi and Ambassador K. V. Rajan, supported by the Governor of Goa, Shri S. C. Jamir, inspired the declaration that called for the establishment of a World Spiritual Council at the United Nations which would strengthen the capacity of the UN to prevent and resolve conflicts.

Philippines Initiative Working Towards Inter-religious Dialogue in UN Resolution adopted by the General Assembly Sixty-first session 14 March 2007 61/221. Promotion of interreligious and intercultural dialogue, understanding and cooperation for peace 1)Focal Unit in the UN Secretariat to follow up inter-religious dialogue Systematically 2) High Level Dialogue in 2008 3) Assign a Year of Dialogue among Religions and Cultures