Fostering a harmonious world
Kamlesh D Patel, also known as Daaji, the global guide of heartfulness, has been conferred with the ‘Global Ambassador of Peacebuilding and Faith in the Commonwealth' by the Commonwealth Secretariat. Jagdeep Dhankar, vice-president of India, and Patricia Scotland, Commonwealth Secretary-general, presented the title to Daaji in Hyderabad on March 17, at the concluding session of the four-day Global Spiritual Mahotsav celebration. The summit was inaugurated by President Droupadi Murmu, with the participation of ministers from both central and state governments.
Patricia Scotland expressed admiration for the remarkable transformation implemented by Daaji at Kanha Shanti Vanam, the headquarters of Heartfulness, situated on the outskirts of Hyderabad. Jagdeep Dhankhar, remarked that this recognition was truly deserving and well-earned. Daaji was honoured with the Padma Bhushan in 2023, yet the most significant acknowledgment bestowed upon him by the people is simply being referred to as ‘Daaji,' he further emphasised. Bawa Jain, secretary-general for the World Council of Religious Leaders, said that the silence is the language of the heart.
Organised by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, the fourday summit centred around the theme of ‘inner peace to world peace'. The conference underscored the importance of fostering interfaith dialogues and enabling individuals from all walks of life to connect with spirituality in their daily lives, regardless of age. The summit featured a diverse array of activities including panel discussions, cultural programmes infused with spiritual elements, an exhibition showcasing India's rich spiritual heritage, and opportunities for spiritual exploration through literature and music.
The summit's overarching theme, ‘From Inner Peace to World Peace', underscores the importance of addressing internal conflicts as a means to resolving broader societal and global challenges. It emphasises that peace, being a fundamental human aspiration, serves as the cornerstone for fostering a harmonious world, echoing the sentiments echoed throughout the global spirituality mahotsav.