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Pollution to Peace admin-ncci

Pollution to Peace

India Peace Centre discourses World Environment Day 2023

The India Peace Centre in collaberation with Wild-CER organized a discourse on the theme of this year’s UN World Environment Day – “Solutions to Plastic Pollution” on 3rd June 2023 at IPC, Nagpur. About 40 participants representing different faiths, organizations and initiatives attend the discourse, most of them were young people.  

A documentary film about plastic pollution, particularly of single use plastics leading to environmental disaster was exhibited. The movie was very informative, educative, and highly impactful.

Mr. Angelious Michael, Director of India Peace Centre in his keynote speech emphasized on the importance of an interfaith response to plastic pollution. He quoted different faith scriptures that clear speak about caring for the mother earth. He cited ancient practices where the coexistence between human beings and others were harmonious. Mr. Michael said, pollution is no peace, peace and pollution cannot exist together. Pollution is violence to nature, earth and human being and all creation. Therefore, we are called today to strengthen our pilgrimage commitment and our faith journey. He called to move from “Pollution of Peace”.

A very inclusive and engaging interaction followed up where the participants shared their own experiences and insights into the topic.

Earlier, Mr. Helge Laatzen began the discourse with a mentimetre exercise through a quiz on plastic pollution. Ms. Sonal Hikare, one of the members of the IPC Nagpur core committee moderated the discourse.

Discourse on World Earth Day admin-ncci

Discourse on World Earth Day

A discourse took place at the India Peace Centre, Nagpur on 29th April 2023 reflecting on the theme “Investing in our Planet” in observance of the World Earth Day (22nd April 2023). A small group of faith-based participants from different professional background including academic, NGOs and Law attended the discourse and shared their valuable thoughts on how individuals, families and civil society can make the earth sustainable and a better place for sustenance of life.

Mr. Angelious Michael, Director of the India Peace Centre made a presentation on the present climatic conditions around the globe. He emphasized the essence of addressing climate change from the perspective of Peace as climate and peace are cross cutting issue that are fundamental for sustainable planet. He further said, climate change can impede access to water, food, health, and housing for community with vulnerability. They may experience impacts more intensely because they have less capacity for coping and limited resources to build resilience.

Mr. Kasta Dip, research scholar spoke about the engagement of civil society in combating climate change. He said, we must engage to encourage people to be responsible consumers and educate ourselves about the ongoing climate change risks on planet. Pratishruti Singh-Agarwal, Assistant Professor, Dept. of Humanities at Shri Ramdeobaba College of Engineering, Nagpur spoke about the change that can be experienced through academic learning on building climate resilience community and combating climate change. She shared about different environmental courses that are available to do research and study in various universities. It was commonly felt that peace building remains relevant and significant in addressing climate justice and an interfaith approach to this would play a pivotal role realizing a sustainable planet.

India Peace Centre Facilitates the Pre Youth Assembly of NCCI admin-ncci

India Peace Centre Facilitates the Pre Youth Assembly of NCCI

India Peace Centre Facilitates the Pre Youth Assembly of NCCI discussing the theme ” The Hour has Come, The hour of Youth building up World of Peace and Sustainability

About 60 youth of the Christian churches in India joined by youth of many faiths gathered in Hyderabad to discourse on the theme “The Hour has Come, The Hour of Youth Building up World of Peace and Sustainability” during 17-19 April 2023! Mrs. Joy Eva Bohol, Program Executive, Youth Engagement of the World Council of Churches, Geneva, Switzerland inspired the youth to be sensitive about world issues and make responsible contributions to religion and society, in her Keynote address! She motivated the young people to take up the challenge of peace building through active engagement both spiritually and socially.

Rev. Dr. Packiam T Samuel, Director of Henry Martin Institute, second Keynote speaker challenged the participants to becoming a practicing faith oriented youth in order to realize Peace and Justice.

Rev. Dr. Asir Ebenzer and Mrs. Joy Eva Bohol
Mr. Dinesh Suna

On the other hand, Mr. Dinesh Suna, Program Executive, Ecumenical Water Network of the World Council of Churches spoke on the significant role Water plays for human beings and all creation! He emphasized on the strength that youth can make use of to be advocating for water rights and water accessibility Rev. Dr. Asir Ebenezer, Chairperson of India Peace Centre and General Secretary of NCC India inaugurated the discourse! In his inaugural speech, he challenged the youth to be prophetic in addressing issues that impact all humanity. He encouraged the youth to engage in international campaigns including Sustainable Development Goals!

Mr. Asher Noah, Executive Secretary, Youth Commission of NCC India was the organizer of the Pre Youth Assembly India Peace Centre facilitated the program! Mr. Angelious Michael, Director of India Peace Centre urged the youth to be informed and educated about issues around them and to work towards Peace

Mr. Asher Noah
Mr. Angelious Michael
Discourse on Ambedkar´s Narrative on Peace admin-ncci

Discourse on Ambedkar´s Narrative on Peace

As people across India paid tribute to Dr. Bhim Rao Ambedkar, the Father of the Constitution of India on his 132nd Birth Anniversary, the India Peace Centre in collaboration with NCCI – DATA Concerns organized a discourse on “Ambedkar’s Narrative on Peace” on 14th April 2023 at India Peace Centre. The discourse highlighted the ways in which the life and work of Dr. Ambedkar contributed to peace-building through social justice.  

The discourse began with all participants paying tribute to Dr. Bhim Rao Ambedkar by offering flowers to his photograph and paying respects.  

Mr. Angelious Michael, Director of India Peace Centre, in his opening address, spoke on the importance of education that played a significant role in the life of Dr. Ambedkar and prepared him to undertake the social reformation journey. He said, Dr. Ambedkar doesn’t belong to one particular caste or community, but to the nation. His struggle was to envision equality for all through the eradication of caste base discrimination. He inspired everyone irrespective of caste, gender, religion, or ethnicity. His contribution to the Constitution is a gift to the nation.  

Dr. Yugal Rayalu, a retired professor was the keynote speaker of the discourse. He highlighted the strength of the Indian constitution emphasizing that the constitution ensures Equality for all citizens, Respect for the Rights of all, Power to the people, Liberty for all, Rule of Law, and Respect for the working class. He further said, Dr. Baba Saheb Ambedkar during those days was already a gender-sensitive person which is reflected in the constitution. His vision was clearly the formation of an India of justice, equality and social cohesiveness through the implementation of the constitution.  

Rev. Charles Sundarkumar, the Program Executive of NCCI – Dalit, And Tribal / Adivasi Concerns chaired the meeting and also offered a vote of thanks.

“Sustainable Tourism”- a peace education program in Goa Leonie Kuehl

“Sustainable Tourism”- a peace education program in Goa

Goa: blue water, golden beaches and a fresh sea breeze is what most people think about, when India’s most famous state is being mentioned. Some people might also think of beach parties, cheap drinks and good food. All in all: Goa is a place to relax, to let loose from family pressure and give in on one’s desires. 

Sadly, when coming to Goa these days, the harmonious picture has been changed to a frightening one: litter, water shortage and the loss of local culture are threatening the indian paradise. 

As ecology is one of India Peace Centre’s main concerns, is has been decided to organise a peace education program on “responsible tourism” in the capital of Goa, Panjim, that took place from 18th to the 20th of February. With the purpose of gaining a diversified view on the problems Goan’s and the nature are facing, the participants were a group of 5 Indians as well as five Germans: including Leonie Kühl and Leona Moldenhauer, the India Peace Centre volunteers, Paula Haerle and Felicitas Stiegler, two volunteers from the Centre for Sustainable Development Nagpur and Fee Kristin Pottharst.  From the Indian side, Kasta Dip, the director of IPC, Angelious Michael from JELC Orissa, Mona- Lisa Suna, Yugal Rayalu, retired professor of Nagpur university and Samarpita Kar have taken part. 


The aim of the program has been to gain a deep understanding of how the development of tourism effects nature and what the problems are that Goan’s are facing after the tourist boom of the last years. All of this knowledge is going to be retained in a movie in form of a peace curriculum. 

In order to gain an overview, the program started with the presentation of Goa field study by Ranjan Solomon and Anabel da Gama, human rights activists, who have been working on the topic of responsible tourism for a long time. 

Both of them gave an insight on the problems that years of intensifying tourism have transformed Goa from a hippie destination for peace loving people, to a place of 5- star resorts and overcrowded beaches full of rubbish. 

They were also focussing on the problems that one might not see as a direct consequence of mass tourism, such as the falloff of Goans occupied in agriculture, because locals have been shifting to the tourist industry. 


After that, the participants met students of history, anthropology and science at the Parvatibai Chowgule College of Arts and Science in Madgaon. The German students and the Indian students had the possibility to exchange experience and opinions on tourism in Goa. The Indian students told the group, how they see a big problem in the way Goa is being marketed: “It’s boobs and booze. That is what the indian tourist expects from their stay in Goa. Neither the culture nor the relaxed laid back atmosphere is in the centre of attention anymore.”


The second day was well spent in North Goa, as the group had the possibility to meet Dona Sienna Fernandez in Baga, who gave the group an insight on the noise pollution she is facing every day caused by the beach parties. She told the group, that government regulations are not being followed and that loud music is playing the whole night through. She could also describe the change Goa made over the past years, as the tourist cottages were allowed to come closer to the beach every single year, displacing the Goans homes. Dona had been facing threats as well, as she is fighting the misbehaviour of local club owners, who mostly came from out of Goa. 


After that, the group split and interviewed several people on Baga Beach, Morjim and Ashvem after having recorded the portrait of Dona for the peace curriculum. 

In Morjim and Ashvem, the group was able to observe a lot of Russian tourists all over the place: signs were not written in Hindi or English, but in Kyrill, the Russian script. There was less crowd and there were a lot less indian tourists. 

In the evening, the group went to Calangute beach and was confronted with a massively overcrowded beach. There were mostly Indian tourists. One was barely able to walk on the beachside, because of the massive amount of people. Relaxation- as it would normally be part of a beach holiday- was hardly possible, as there was loud music playing all over the place. 

The next day, the group went to South Goa, as it is popular for the less crowded, pristine beaches of goa. In Cavelossim, the participamns got to meet Serafino Cota, who owns an eco friendly hotel. The group gained a lot of really helpful insight on water recycling, waste- management and a sustainable lifestyle. The whole place had been transformed into a  little ecosystem, as the hotel staff are growing their own food, recycling their own water and reusing all kind of waste, that is being produced by the guests as well as produced by the hotel and it’s staff members. Serafino shared his story and explained to the group, that sustainable tourism is more likely to not be practiced, because it does not get any subventions from the government. Hotels engaged in eco- friendly methods are even more likely to pay more. 


After that, the last stop was Palolem- beach, where the group was supposed to gain knowledge about less crowded beaches. But as soon as they arrived, they had to realize, that the overcrowd already began to start on that particular beach as well. Speedboats, a lot of stalls and of course- a lot of tourists. 

Having analysed the case study of Goa, the participants are now occupied with the peace curriculum. The movie will be shared on India Peace Centre’s social media channels. 

All in all the program was a huge success and gave India Peace Centre the opportunity to gain knowledge on a topic, that had not been addressed before. Therefore there will be the possibility to host such programs at India Peace Centre in the near future. 

Fellowship Programme Leona Moldenhauer Leona

Fellowship Programme

The Student Christian Movement of India has created a Fellowship Programme in partnership with multiple organization from all over India. Local partners, such as schools, institutions and NGO’S teach students all over India under the head of the programme. India Peace Centre is one of these Organizations. In particular, this programme includes students from disadvantaged communities, such as students with a Dalit or Adivasi background. In context of the fellowship programme, participants get the opportunity to improve their knowledge and skills, helping them to improve their chances for a promising future.

Therefore India Peace Centre offers English classes on a weekly basis for one year. In the current century where English is necessary in international contexts and one of India’s official languages, the language plays a major part in the present, in certain working fields it is even mandatory.

Equally, many jobs require computer skills, because the work is getting more and more digitalised. That is why the program includes a computer course as well. The students learn basic skills in programmes like Word, Excel, and Power Point.

Another aim is to improve the students own self confidence and to advance personal development.  Therefore a part of the programme took place in Bengaluru from the 20th to 23rd of January in form of a National leadership Training.  More than 100 students from various organizations gathered and had lectures, group discussions and time for self reflection on their personal beliefs, growth and future plans.

The core idea of the programme is to support students from disadvantaged communities, to set a better condition for their life and to prepare them for their upcoming jobs. In general India Peace Centre tries to decrease the disparities when it comes to access to education.

India Peace Centre Organises Various Programmes to mark the Death Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi 150 150 Leonie Kuehl

India Peace Centre Organises Various Programmes to mark the Death Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi

India Peace Centre organised various programmes to mark the death anniversary of the father of the nation, Mahatma Gandhi. The function was chaired by the well-known Chartered Accountant Dr. Tejinder Singh Rawal. Dr. Yugal Rayulu and Adv. Prakash Meghe were the main speakers.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Tejinder Singh Rawal elaborated on the relevance of Gandhi in the present times. He said, “Mahatma Gandhi is revered the world over as one of history’s most transformative and inspirational figures. Throughout his life in South Africa and India, Gandhi was a fearless campaigner for the rights and dignity of all people, whose constant and unwavering promotion of non-violence as a tool to win over hearts and minds has forever left its mark on the world. Mahatma Gandhi inspired the world with his faith in truth and justice for all Mankind. He was a great soul who loved even those who fought against his ideals to bring about peace with non-violence.”

Dr Yugal Rayulu said, “The force of power never wins against the power of love. At this hour of greatest unrest and turmoil in our world, the greatest force to be reckoned with lies within our hearts — a force of love and tolerance for all. Throughout his life, Mahatma Gandhi fought against the power of force during the heyday of British reign over the world. He transformed the minds of millions to fight against injustice with peaceful means and non-violence.”

Adv. Prakash Meghe said, “Gandhi is relevant today. No matter where we live, what religion we practice or what culture we cultivate, at the heart of everything, we are all humans. We all have the same ambitions and aspirations to raise our family and to live life to its fullest. Our cultural, religious and political differences should not provide the backbone to invoke conflicts that can only bring sorrow and destruction to our world.”

Priti Sarvey, Abhishek Yadav, Dr Rajendra Patoria, S A Wahid, Mohd Rafiq and  Panchsheel Ingle also spoke on the occasion. Leonie Kuhl proposed a vote of thanks.

The speeches were followed by a Peace Vigil by lighting the candles where many peace-loving citizens participated. 

Workshop on Gender Justice and Peace Leonie Kuehl

Workshop on Gender Justice and Peace


Women empowerment and gender justice would have remained a concept for a long time if Savitribai Phule had not intervened and challenged patriarchal oppression of girls and women in Indian society.  She reformed the society and championed the cause of gender justice and women empowerment by educating girls and providing shelters to single mothers and widows. As a tribute to her on her 189th birth anniversary India Peace Centre organised a workshop on “Gender Justice and Peace” inviting students and youth from various colleges and universities at Nagpur on 11th January 2020.

The workshop was facilitated by Leona Moldenhauer and Leonie Kuehl from India Peace Centre, who conducted it in various ways, aiming to give the participants knowledge and a critical view on the topic. Opening the workshop Dr. Yugal Rayalu enlightened the participants on the achievements of Savìtrbaii Phule.  As the workshop progressed on, the audience had been animated through educational games, a quiz and critical questioning, in order to build an opinion on the topic and express it. 

Ms Piyali Kanabar highlighted issues focussing on the term Gender Equality itself, expressing it’s meaning, need and the necessity of men stepping up for gender issues influencing their lives too. Throughout the workshop, facilitators emphasized the importance for the participants to come to the conclusion by themselves. 

Towards the end of the program,  Kasta Dip, the Director of India Peace Centre oriented us on how our preamble takes us to peace and gender equality even without the mention of the words “gender” and “peace” in it because peace or equality is not a commodity but a sense , a feeling which happens when justice, liberty, fraternity cumulatively work together. 

All in all, the program was an educative evening spent, a beautiful “take away”, that was carried along and reinforced by reading out the preamble and pledging for a better tomorrow. The presence of more than 60 students, lawyers, psychologists and people from major walks of life made the workshop a humongous success.

    Cultivating Culture of Peace in Diversity Leonie Kuehl

    Cultivating Culture of Peace in Diversity


    “A non- violent system of government is clearly an impossibility as long as the wide gulf between the rich and the hungry million persist… A violent and bloody revolution is a certainty one day unless there is voluntary abdication of riches and power that riches give and sharing them for the common good”- 

    This excerpt from Dr. Anand Kumar’s speech,President of Society of Communal Harmony in Delhi,  allows a glimpse into his oration given in context of the 7th annual Mathai Zachariah Memorial lecture on 7th of December at India Peace Centre.  The topic given was “Cultivating Culture of Peace in Diversity”. Kumar focussed the increasing Relevance of Gandhian Way of Nation Building in the 21st Century in particular. The program was attended by member of civil society, thinkers as well as educationalists. 

    According to Kumar, Gandhi’s way aims at building a humane society based on truth and non- violence. Furthermore, he addressed the urgent need for India to get out of post- colonial- cause  illusions of competitive politics, therefore going back to the roots and aiming for promoting a peaceful co- existence for people from diverse castes, classes, genders, languages, religions and regions. The orator introduces seven deficits and seven sins, that are causing a growing anxiety in Indians. (e.g. wealth without work, pleasure without conscience etc.) Following Kumar’s opinion, those seven sins are contributing towards dilution of ‘we- feeling’ and promotion of ‘othering’ and are finally leading to a road of nowhere.  He takes an excursion into history, resuming the damages caused by british colonisation, as well as damages that still could not have been cured until now. Criticizing structural deficits in infrastructure, the increasing chasm between rich and poor, lacking of sanitary public spaces etc.,which is making Indians unsatisfied according to the HDI. He emphasises that the current political system declines representation and that this way of leading a country does not show a future that would seemingly improve those issues, therefore Indians personal satisfaction.  

    He offers solutions, e.g. the decentralization of production, referring to Gandhi, in order to improve village sanitation and general poorness. An important point in his speech, is also education, especially adult education, that he undlines with “adult education means true education”.   Following Anand Kumar, Women’s issues should also be granted special attention, 

    He summarizes that finding a way of cultivating peace in a enormous diversity is not easy to meet. But the Gandhian approach offers a relatively sustainable approach in the Gandhian legacy. It deserves an updated engagement as it may take us beyond the limits of state-centric and market mediated processes of building peace in an egalitarian democratic setting. 

    Other than Anand Kumar, Supantha Bhattacharya, an educationist and Apneet Bedi, could enlighten the audience with their views and ideas. 

    The function was conducted by well known thinker Dr. Tejinder Singh Rawal and Kasta Dip, Director of India Peace Centre.

    All in all, the audience profited enormously by the various ideas of how to enable a peaceful society in diversity. 

    31 years of Peace and Harmony Leonie Kuehl

    31 years of Peace and Harmony


    Everyone who visited Civil Lines last Saturday, might have seen colorful balloons emblazing the sky. And they may have wondered for what occasion- it was India Peace Centre’s 31 anniversary celebrated with a lot of zeal and effort. 

    India Peace Centre- a place that always showed how to live peace in diversity celebrated 31 years of programs starting from peace education trainings over human rights  issues to environmental concerns. These achievements towards a peaceful society, were jointly celebrated with more than 160 people on 7th of December. 

    The program was accompanied by a various entertainment program that included poems, gazal  singing and interesting stories and experiences connected to India Peace Centre, shared by the core group members.  The audience participated lively by clapping, laughing and enjoying a peaceful get together. 


    The beauty of the evening was underlined by everyone sharing their ideas of peace with each other. No matter of their personal background, every person could experience a peaceful and safe environment regarding their personal religion, beliefs and values. 

    Seperate from the celebrations, it was also important to address current political issues and to remind of events that are disturbing the idea of peace. Such as the cruel crimes that women are facing all over the country. India Peace Centre and the whole present community lit candles together and stood in a minute of silence, apologizing for men’s behaviour and praying for justice with a simple “Amen” that could be shared by every religion. 

    The evening was rounded down by a delicious meal, that gave room for discussions, laughter and also laid back conversations. All in all it was a great party, that really embraced the idea of living a culture of peace in diversity.