By Colman Dsouza for BIS Mumbai

Pune, March 26, 2026 – Leaders from diverse faiths gathered yesterday at the Maharashtra Sahitya Parishad Madhavrao Patwardhan Auditorium on Tilak Road for the World Peace Conference, organized by Bhagwan Mahavir Education Society and allied groups. The event, presided over by Dr. Shripal Sabnis, President of the 89th Akhil Bharatiya Sahitya Parishad, and inaugurated by Shri Sanjay Nahar, President of Sharad Sanstha, aimed to unite religions against rising global conflicts.

In his welcome address, Chairman Shri Ashok Kumar N. Pagariya highlighted India's role as a peace-loving nation amid war-like situations worldwide. He stressed the need for collective steps to foster global harmony and prevent World War III, bringing India's religious traditions together for a shared purpose.

Keynote speakers delivered powerful messages of peace. They called for inner change and a scientific approach to peace, urging soul awakening to overcome obstacles. 

Shrimati Anjali Kulkarni, Acting President of Maharashtra Sahitya Parishad, Pune, warned against giving religious color to conflicts like the US-Iran war, which targets vulnerable minorities, and emphasized promoting humanity first. The leaders advocated societal unity, noting war's devastating impact on children and women. The forum appealed to moral responsibility, reminding that all religions guide us toward peace.

Fr. Anton D'Souza sdb, representing Christianity, quoted Pope Leo on humanity's shared pain in conflicts: "We cannot remain silent in the face of the suffering of so many people, the defenceless victims of these conflicts." He drew from scriptures including Atharva Veda 3:30:1 ("love one another"), John 15:12 ("love each other as I have loved you"), and Quran II ("All people are a single Nation"). D'Souza praised non-violent icons like Gandhi, Martin Luther King, and Mother Teresa, lamenting media-glorified violence and calling for compassionate solidarity.

Shri Shripal Samme Saini, President of the World Peace Council, condemned leaders veering toward "Hitlerism" driven by selfishness, urging the scientific destruction of weapons, empowerment of common people, and a global peace movement.

The conference concluded with unanimous resolutions:

• Paying tribute to innocent victims in the America-Iran, Russia-Ukraine wars.

• Affirming India's peaceful foreign policy and calling for worldwide peace.

• Demanding destruction of all global weapons, redirecting funds to public welfare.

• Rejecting war as a last resort in favor of dialogue.

• Urging NATO members and all nations to prioritize humanity.

Participants left with a renewed call to action: transcend ego, embrace brotherhood, and build peace from within.