In his welcome address, the event’s moderator, Ashok Kumar N. Pagariya, highlighted India’s role as a peace-loving nation and emphasised the need for collective measures to promote global harmony and prevent a third world war, by uniting India’s religious traditions for a common purpose.
The speakers delivered powerful messages of peace, calling for inner change and a scientific approach to peace, and urging a reawakening of the soul to overcome obstacles. Participants also advocated for social unity, highlighting the devastating impact of war on children and women.
The forum appealed to moral responsibility, recalling that all religions guide us towards peace. Salesian Fr Anton D’Souza, representing Christianity, quoted Pope Leo XIV on the pain shared by humanity in conflicts: “We cannot remain silent in the face of the suffering of so many people, the defenceless victims of these conflicts.” Fr D’Souza then praised icons of non-violence such as Gandhi, Martin Luther King and Mother Teresa, calling for compassionate solidarity.
The conference concluded with a number of unanimous resolutions, including paying tribute to innocent victims, affirming a peaceful foreign policy, dismantling weapons and redirecting funds towards public welfare, and rejecting war as a last resort in favour of dialogue.
