Gandhi Mandela Foundation Hosts National Peace Conclave 2026 in New Delhi
The Gandhi Mandela Foundation organised the National Peace Conclave 2026 at the United Service Institution in New Delhi.
The Foundation held the event on Nelson Mandela International Day. It marked the birth anniversary of Nelson Mandela, a global symbol of peace, justice and equality.
Diplomats, judges, spiritual leaders, academicians, social activists and other distinguished guests attended the conclave.
The programme began with a floral tribute to Nelson Mandela. The organisers then held the ceremonial lighting of the lamp.
Adv. Nandan Jha, The secretary General of Gandhi Mandela Foundation, Calls for Practising Gandhian Values
Advocate Nandan Jha, Secretary General of the Gandhi Mandela Foundation, welcomed the guests and explained the Foundation’s mission.
He urged people to practise the values of Mahatma Gandhi and Nelson Mandela in their daily lives.
He said these ideals should not remain limited to speeches and discussions.
He also spoke about the Foundation’s regular activities. It conducts physical training sessions every Sunday. It also organises awareness campaigns to promote the philosophies of Gandhi and Mandela.
Justice K. G. Balakrishnan Pays Tribute
Justice K. G. Balakrishnan, Former Chief Justice of India and Former Chairperson of the National Human Rights Commission, addressed the gathering.
He also serves as Chairman of the Gandhi Mandela Award Jury.
“Nelson Mandela and Mahatma Gandhi are two towering pillars of humanity. Their teachings continue to guide the world’s social and moral values. We pay our heartfelt tribute to their enduring legacy.”
Acharya Lokesh Muni Highlights Inner Peace
Acharya Lokesh Muni delivered the keynote address. He said people must first achieve inner peace to create world peace.
“Peace does not come through medicines but through meditation. Every war begins first in the mind before reaching the battlefield.”
He urged countries to introduce peace and value-based education at the primary-school level. He said such education could help reduce violence.
He also called on nations, including the United States, to actively promote peace.
Dr. Obijiofor Aginam Remembers Mandela’s Legacy
Dr. Obijiofor Aginam, Director of UNESCO Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Education for Peace and Sustainable Development, spoke about Nelson Mandela’s contribution to humanity.
He said Mandela dedicated his life to justice, equality and human rights.
Mandela’s leadership gave the world a strong vision of freedom and equality. His message of peace, forgiveness and reconciliation continued even after apartheid ended.
Shyam Jaju Highlights Government Initiatives
Shyam Jaju, National President of the Gandhi Mandela Foundation, also addressed the conclave.
He previously served as National Vice President of the Bharatiya Janata Party.
Jaju said the Government of India remains committed to the ideals of Mahatma Gandhi and Nelson Mandela.
He highlighted the Swachh Bharat Mission, rural development programmes and welfare schemes. He said these initiatives contribute to their vision of social progress.
Dr. Savita Singh Shares Personal Experiences
Dr. Savita Singh, Vice President of the Gandhi Mandela Foundation, spoke about her work in promoting Gandhian philosophy.
She previously served as Director of the Gandhi Smriti and Darshan Samiti.
She also shared personal memories and experiences connected with Nelson Mandela.
About the Gandhi Mandela Foundation
The Gandhi Mandela Foundation is a trust registered under the Government of India.
It promotes the ideals of Mahatma Gandhi and Nelson Mandela across the world. These ideals include truth, non-violence, justice, equality, civil rights, personal liberty and human rights.
The Foundation honours individuals through the prestigious Gandhi Mandela Award.
It presents the award to people who make exceptional contributions to peace, culture, non-violence and social welfare.
The Foundation presented the first Gandhi Mandela Award to His Holiness the Dalai Lama. It recognised his outstanding contribution to global peace.
It presented the second award to Rigoberta Menchú Tum in Mexico. She is a Nobel Peace Prize laureate and a leading human and indigenous rights activist.
Justice K. G. Balakrishnan chairs the Gandhi Mandela Award Jury. Former Chief Justices from India, Nepal and Bangladesh also serve on the jury.
The Gandhi Mandela Foundation operates from its headquarters in New Delhi.
It also has an international presence in the United States, Latin America, Russia, South Africa, China, Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Switzerland, Norway, the United Kingdom and Australia.
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The Foundation regularly works with the United Nations, embassies and high commissions to organise international programmes.
BY- RISHI GUPTA
