Building a culture of service is imperative to establishing peaceful communities. People who value both the individual and communal impact of serving others become owners of solutions to challenges, not victims of their circumstances. They are empowered with the experience and character to create powerful change.

One of the most natural ways this mindset can come about is through the vision of One Family under God.

When we look at the people in our community and society as members of the same human family, we are naturally inclined to serve others. It motivates us to create long-lasting solutions to the challenges facing our brothers, sisters, parents, and children, whether by blood or through our shared humanity. This is the education and dialogue that Global Peace Foundation India is utilizing through the PeaceHub campaign. The initiative aims to advance communities towards the principles of peacebuilding and cultivate development for a culture of service.

In an era marked by global challenges and societal divisions, the imperative for fostering peace and understanding within communities has never been more crucial. Recognizing this need, Global Peace Foundation (GPF) India has taken proactive steps to initiate the PeaceHub Campaign across the nation.

The PeaceHub campaign aims to advance communities towards the principles of peacebuilding and cultivate development for a culture of service. The inaugural PeaceHub, the RC Youth Peace Club, comprising thirty passionate young individuals, is a testament to this commitment.

The sessions conducted at the GPF India headquarters provided participants with a comprehensive understanding of peacebuilding values, emphasizing themes such as unity, dialogue, and service. Through interactive discussions, supplemented by study workbooks and insightful videos, participants explored the real-life implications of these concepts, equipping them with the tools to become agents of positive change in their communities.

Building upon this success, the initiative extended its reach to Mount Abu Public School’s teaching community. Witnessing active engagement and enthusiasm from educators, the PeaceHub campaign facilitated a seamless transition of peacebuilding values from teachers to students within the classroom and at home.

A pivotal aspect of the PeaceHub campaign is its focus on practical application. In line with this ethos, the teachers at Mount Abu Public School will organize a happiness mela (Indian fair) for the students and parents to foster joy and harmony and amplify the impact of community service.

Meanwhile, the RC Youth Peace Club is actively engaged in its community service project to organize a donation drive in an underprivileged region of East Delhi. By leveraging social media platforms, the program is promoting peacebuilding initiatives through a series of reels, extending the reach and impact of its efforts.

GPF India envisions expanding the PeaceHub network to encompass diverse communities nationwide. By empowering individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to promote peace and understanding, the campaign strives to catalyze a ripple effect of positive change, fostering a more harmonious and interconnected society.

Through concerted efforts and collective action, the PeaceHub campaign exemplifies the transformative power of community-driven peacebuilding, offering a beacon of hope for a brighter, more peaceful future in India and beyond.

The original post appears on _Global Peace Foundation. Global Peace Foundation is an international non-sectarian, non-partisan, nonprofit organization, which promotes an innovative, values-based approach to peacebuilding, guided by the vision of One Family under God. GPF engages and organizes a global network of public and private-sector partners who develop community, national, and regional peacebuilding models as the foundation for ethical and cohesive societies. Dr. Hyun Jin Preston Moon is the founder and chairman of the Global Peace Foundation.

Global Peace Foundation (GPF) has worked since 2009 to build models of peacebuilding around the world. This has connected people across race, nationality, religion, and social divides to recognize shared values and invest in a future together. This is what it means to really embody the vision of One Family under God.

A project by GPF India called the SMILE program demonstrates this peacebuilding model. By providing a platform for youth to break past traditional identities of religion and caste, the program helps them affirm their common humanity through education and engaging group activities.

Global Peace Foundation India’s SMILE initiative brings together parents, children, and mentors in the community to engage in activities that uplift the family and promotes community service. SMILE is designed to educate young people in setting examples of compassion, love, and kindness across different segments of society. 

In June, GPF India brought together twenty-three underprivileged children from the Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam Learning Center and provided them with an opportunity to visit the renowned National Science Centre in New Delhi. The field trip aimed to broaden their horizons and spark curiosity about science and technology.

The Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam Learning Center, located in Karawal Nagar, a low-income neighborhood, caters to children who face socio-economic challenges. Many of them come from families that struggle to make ends meet. The center strives to provide quality education and holistic development opportunities to empower young minds and brighten their future.

Accompanied by teachers and volunteers, the enthusiastic group embarked on a journey of exploration and discovery at the National Science Centre. The museum, known for its interactive exhibits and engaging displays, proved to be an ideal platform for these kids to delve into the fascinating world of science.

The students eagerly participated in various hands-on activities and interactive demonstrations, gaining valuable insights into scientific principles. From learning about space exploration and astronomy to discovering the wonders of physics and biology, the young visitors were captivated by the immersive learning experiences offered by the museum.

It was their first time stepping into a science museum of this magnitude. Their eyes sparkled with excitement as they explored the exhibits and experimented with the interactive displays. The field trip not only provided them with exposure to a world beyond their immediate surroundings but also instilled a sense of wonder and ignited their passion for learning.

GPF India was grateful to partner with the National Science Centre to provide such an immersive experience for the students. Such experiences play a vital role in shaping the educational journey of the underprivileged, exposing them to new possibilities and inspiring them to dream big.

This heartening initiative serves as a reminder of the power of education and community support in creating equal opportunities for all children, regardless of their socioeconomic backgrounds. By nurturing curiosity and expanding our horizons, we pave the way for a brighter future where every child can realize their full potential.

The SMILE Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam Learning Center hopes to continue collaborating with various institutions and organizations to provide enriching experiences for the students, empowering them to break the cycle of poverty and build a better tomorrow.

The original post appears on Global Peace Foundation. Global Peace Foundation is an international non-sectarian, non-partisan, nonprofit organization, which promotes an innovative, values-based approach to peacebuilding, guided by the vision of One Family under God. GPF engages and organizes a global network of public and private-sector partners who develop community, national, and regional peace building models as the foundation for ethical and cohesive societies. Dr. Hyun Jin Preston Moon is founder and chairman of the Global Peace Foundation.

Lee Hyo-Jin of The Korea Times covered the Global Peace Leadership Conference Indo-Pacific 2023 held in New Delhi, India on April 11-13, 2023. Dr. Hyun Jin Preston Moon, the co-founder and chairman of the Global Peace Foundation, delivered the keynote speech on April 13 to the many prominent national and regional experts, politicians, as well as spiritual and civil society leaders that gathered in person and online.

You can read the original post here or read on below:

NEW DELHI, India ― India is a land of spiritual heritage, with its dynamic history and culture dating back to the beginning of human civilization. The South Asian nation now has a population of more than 1.3 billion, earning the title of the largest democratic country in the world.

On the global stage, India is raising its presence as a bridging nation between various power states. Holding presidencies of both the G20 and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) this year, much attention is paid to how the country will position itself as the leader of emerging and developing nations.

The rising geopolitical position of India served as a perfect background for the Global Peace Foundation (GPF), a Washington D.C.-based non-profit group, to host its 2023 Global Peace Leadership Conference in New Delhi, the capital of India. The forum was co-hosted with the Indian Council for International Cooperation, Manav Rachna University and Yuvsatta, a local civic group for the youth.

The event, which took place from April 11 to 13 at Le Meridien New Dehli, was held under the theme “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam: Vision for Advancing Human Consciousness and Peace.” Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam is a Sanskrit phrase that means “the world is one family,” a mantra that provides a basis for global cooperation in resolving shared challenges and conflicts.

The three-day event brought together thousands of guests and delegates including spiritual gurus, scholars, civic activists, politicians and students from various countries including India, Indonesia, Korea, Japan, Mongolia, Kenya and Uganda.

Among some renowned guests were Markandey Rai, chairman of GPF India, Chidanand Saraswati, the president of the Parmath Niketan Ashram, a spiritual institution based in India, Marsudi Syuhud, vice general chairman of the Indonesian Ulema Council and Daniel Juma, leader of GPF Kenya.

In his keynote speech, Hyunjin Preston Moon, the founder and chairman of GPF, highlighted the significance of hosting the conference in India, calling it “the cradle of ancient civilization in the heart of Asia.”

Hyun Jin Preston Moon, founder and chairman of the Global Peace Foundation (GPF), delivers a keynote speech during the 2023 Global Peace Leadership Conference held at Le Meridien New Dehli, India, April 13. Courtesy of GPF

“The world is in crisis,” he said. “There is an alarming cacophony of conflicting ideas about society and the human condition, from the nature of the state to individual identity and gender relations. The result has been widespread political and social instability, uncertainty, and moral confusion.”

He added, “In the realm of geopolitics, we are witnessing the rise of assertive statist powers that are prepared to impose their will on their neighbors, reminiscent of the actions taken by totalitarian regimes of the last century that led to two World Wars and the Cold War.”

Moon then highlighted the growing presence of India as a power state, saying, “This vast region will play a central role in determining the future direction of humanity and the prospects for peace and prosperity in the region. The tides of history are shifting from the Atlantic sphere to the Indo-Pacific.”

Rai, chairman of GPF India and senior advisor of U.N.-Habitat, said that Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, the innate spiritual tradition in India, resonates with the peacebuilding movements carried out by the foundation. The chairman also stressed the importance of non-violent mass movements rooted in universal values.

“The global peace foundation’s mission ― one family under God ― is a very simple, yet powerful message that can unite the whole world and that is why I joined the movement from the beginning,” he told The Korea Times, saying that he is one of the founding members of the GPF since its establishment in 2009.

Rai also said India and Korea share a special relationship dating back to the 13th century, as told in the tale of the marriage of Princess Suriratna from India with King Suro of the Gaya Kingdom.

The conference, which was divided into four tracks ― youth empowerment, transforming education for the future, value-based peacebuilding and environmental conservation ― offered the participants an opportunity to share ideas on feasible solutions to pending global issues.

In the youth empowerment session, dozens of students from across India gathered for lectures given by Pramod Sharma, founder of Yuvsatta (youth for peace), a non-government organization based in India, Sharleen Tomobe, program development coordinator at GPF and Wouter Lincklaen Arriens, founder of Transformation First Asia, a consulting firm based in Singapore.

Shin Jin, a professor of political science and diplomacy at Chungnam National University in Korea, participated in the value-based peacebuilding track.

Meanwhile, in the environment conservation track, participants examined some of the best practices on environmental stewardship in India including preservation efforts for the River Ganges River and the Clean India Mission, a government-led initiative to raise public awareness on cleanliness and personal hygiene.

The Global Peace Leadership Conference Indo-Pacific 2023 was held on April 11-13, 2023 in New Delhi, India. More than 1000 students, ambassadors, and peacebuilders both virtually and in-person convened under the conference theme “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam: Vision for Advancing Human Consciousness and Peace”. Dr. Hyun Jin Preston Moon delivered the keynote speech on April 13 at the High Plenary.

The event was featured by TeenbattiNews.

2023 Global Peace Leadership Conference Indo Pacific

Keynote Address

Welcome & Greetings

Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen:

It is my great honor to be with you here in India, the cradle of an ancient spiritual civilization in the heart of Asia.

I want to thank my good friend Dr. Markandey Rai, chairman of GPF India, as well as our convening partners, the Indian Council for International Cooperation, Manav Rachna University, and Yuvsatta Youth for Peace, for organizing this important convening. So, give them all a round of applause.

I am also pleased to acknowledge the many important Indian spiritual teachers as well as key leaders from around the Indo-Pacific region, including Indonesia, the Republic of Korea, Mongolia and Africa. Please give them all a round of applause.

Your participation is very meaningful as this vast region will play a central role in determining the future direction of humanity and the prospects for peace and prosperity in this region.

State of the World Today

Ladies and gentlemen, the world is in crisis.

The rise of “Woke” politics is challenging the traditional Judeo-Christian values and classic liberal views of the West and its institutions from within. There is an alarming cacophony of conflicting ideas about society and the human condition, from the nature of the state to individual identity and gender relations. The result has been widespread political and social instability, uncertainty, and moral confusion.

The liberal ideals of western democracies rooted in individual freedoms and “inalienable” rights are being undermined for the sake of collective conformity with almost religious fervor. Although the end of the Cold War revealed the evils of socialism and communism, a new secular Marxist worldview is taking hold in the West, uprooting its values, norms, traditions and institutions.

This unfortunate reality is eroding the common ground upon which society can stand as both progressive and traditional sides become more polarized, creating an untenable situation. This “Woke” orthodoxy is not content just to undermine the traditional values upon which Western democracy stands, sowing discord within. It seeks to export its ideas to other cultures such as those of India, East Asia, and traditional African societies and twist their values into its own distorted image.

In the realm of geopolitics, we are witnessing the rise of assertive statist powers that are prepared to impose their will on their neighbors, reminiscent of the actions taken by totalitarian regimes of the last century that led to two World Wars and the Cold War. The invasion of Ukraine by Russia was a shock to most in the West that had become complacent about Putin’s ambition to restore the territorial influence of the former Soviet Union. Heading into the second year of the war, there seems to be no end in sight for the near term as Ukraine seeks to regain its lost territories and Russia fortifies its positions.

Here in Asia, China has made it clear that it is prepared to violate Taiwanese sovereignty, even by force, under its “One China” policy. That is why so many experts are concerned by the war in Ukraine since many believe that Chinese authorities are studying that conflict and its implications for their invasion of Taiwan. The US has preempted that concern by showing its commitment to the island’s defense through the well-publicized visit of the former Speaker Nancy Pelosi last year and the recent meeting with the current Speaker McCarthy and Taiwanese president Tsai Ing-wen.

The threat to Taiwan and China’s intent on controlling the South China Sea, the world’s most vibrant trade route, through the creation of military island bases has raised alarm among all its neighbors in the Pacific. These provocative moves have led the US and its allies to join in a variety of new organizations. The Quad treaty of the US, Australia, India and Japan, advanced by the late Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, was considered the “Asian NATO” in response to the rising threat of China. The Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity of 2022 represented fourteen regional nations with a combined economic output of 40% of the world’s GDP as a counter to China’s efforts to economically influence the region.

These developments and President Xi Jinping’s recent visit to Russia and the Middle East are beginning to solidify the emerging lines between the free world and the world under Chinese influence.

The Rise of the Indo-Pacific and the Need for Guiding Spiritual Principles

Ladies and gentlemen, the tides of history are shifting from the Atlantic sphere to the Indo-Pacific. 

In this geopolitical environment, any nation that cherishes the ideals of fundamental freedom and human rights would clearly be wise to align with the US and its democratic allies. For the threat that China poses is the rise of totalitarian statist regimes that challenges the ideal of liberty. It is important to note that, although China has adopted some aspects of a market system, it never relinquished its one-party communist rule or the Maoist revolution; and it never embraced democracy nor the ideals of liberty that form the foundation of the free world.

Given this threat to liberty, the confusion being spread by the “Woke” Left in all western democracies is even more alarming. At no time in human history should the West be clearer about its core values and whence its freedom and rights derive. Many of the activists living in the West, however, take them for granted, failing to recognize the hard-won religious and philosophical milestones, rooted in the Judeo-Christian ethic, that gave birth to them.

The formation of the United States of America in 1776, through its Declaration of Independence from the British empire, planted the seeds of those ideals with its pregnant second sentence: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”

The foundational premise in those immortal words is that human freedom and rights come from the transcendent power of God, our Creator, and not any human authority or institution; and that they are “unalienable.” In our current global circumstances, there is an urgent need to clarify and uplift that time-honored universal spiritual principle. It is important that we understand which ideas will lead to a peaceful, harmonious future and which will dissolve social bonds, leading to chaos and anarchy.

What is important to note is that all democracies are not truly free, as was the case in ancient Greece and even the Roman Empire; nor are they immune from the tyranny of mob-rule. Such spiritual principles provide the much-needed compass to navigate through rapidly changing norms and guide humanity toward God’s original ideal, which I believe, is rooted first and foremost in families centered on the original, creative love of God. We do not have to look far to find evidence of these universal principles. 

We can find them in the great faith traditions that have preserved, taught, and practiced those time-honored traditions that point to the innate value of human life and the proper order in human relationships, especially in the family, as well as to virtues by which to live. Throughout history, God has inspired the founding of various faith and wisdom traditions to elevate human consciousness and cultivate ethical civilizations. 

It should be people of faith who lead the world to peace. I believe the vision that can unite and inspire humanity to transcend all the walls of division is none other than “One Family under God.” All faiths should cooperate and adopt this vision to build a world free of conflict, reflecting the highest spiritual ideals, rooted in universal principles and values that reflect God’s truth, righteousness, goodness and love for all humanity.

Only then will we be able to harness the power of faith to transform the world and build true everlasting peace and harmony for all. We can no longer afford to proclaim that we are all “One Family” while continuing to live in our separate boxes.

The Non-Violence Paradigm and its Korean and Indian Roots 

Ladies and gentlemen, my homeland of Korea and India share a special relationship in history that will have important implications for this century.

There is a historic connection between our two countries that goes back two millennia. In the first century CE an Indian princess, known here I believe as Suriratna, sailed to Korea, married King Suro and became the queen known to us Koreans as Heo Hwang-ok. There are memorials to her in both our countries. That marriage alliance tied our ancient civilizations and made clear that there were significant connections between our two countries at that time and ever since.

In the last century, the Korean Sam Il independence movement, launched in 1919 while the Paris Peace Conference was being held after World War I, influenced Indian independence by introducing the platform of mass non-violent protest rooted in universal spiritual truths. Two million Koreans on the peninsula, ten percent of the population, engaged in peaceful protest over two months, making it the largest demonstration of non-violent resistance up until that time.

It was in 1920 that Ghandhi then formulated satyagraha or “truth force” that became the governing philosophy behind the Indian non-violence movement. In 1929, Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore, a leading thought leader of Indian independence, met with Korean students in Japan and was deeply moved by the undying aspirations of the Korean people. He immortalized those aspirations in a famous quatrain called “Lamp in the East” describing Korea as one of the ancient sources of light in Asia, waiting to be relit “for the illumination of the East.”

The main impetus for independence movements in both Korea and India in the early 20th century relied on their own ancient spiritual traditions. In the case of Korea, it was motivated by Hongik Ingan that mandated the Korean people to “live for the benefit of all humanity;” and for India, it was vasudaiva kutumbakam that proclaimed that “The World is One Family.” As a result, both movements were not driven simply by resentment toward the colonial power. Certainly, they wanted to be free of foreign rule, but each had a greater vision of a peaceful and harmonious coexistence with their oppressors as well as their neighbors after independence.

Later, this approach became the inspiration for Martin Luther King Jr and the American Civil Rights movement. Dr. King applied the spiritual principle of non-violence to prick the conscience of a nation. He looked to America’s founding creed of equality to hold the nation to account for its moral failure in its treatment of black Americans. His historic “I Have a Dream” speech did not simply condemn the injustice but called all people to renew their commitment to those founding ideals.

Similarly, in South Africa, Nelson Mandela adopted the principles of non-violence rooted in universal truths while he was in prison for his attempt to violently overthrow the apartheid government. There in prison, he learned to forgive his oppressors and later worked with then President de Klerk, in the early 1990s upon his release, to dismantle the system of segregation. He became the first president of a multi-racial South Africa in 1994 and played a central role in reconciliation between the races, being globally recognized for his work and statesmanship. 

Due to our two countries’ important legacy in shaping the most significant movements for freedom, equality and human rights of the 20^th century, I believe that our destinies, those of Korea and India, are intertwined. We have an even greater role to play in this century, as the world stands on the precipice of war and chaos. Our unique spiritual heritage and history of non-violence place us in a unique position to champion peace in the Indo-Pacific region, here in the southern heart of Asia and the pan-Pacific rim to the east, and eventually the world. 

Let me share something else that our two nations have in common. Korea is a 5,000-year-old civilization. Yet, throughout our entire history, we never invaded any of our neighbors. We were attacked and invaded over 900 times throughout the course of our history, but we never attacked our neighbors. But, because of the spiritual principles of Hongik Ingan, we internalized that suffering to be able to love humanity because of the providential mandate in our founding to live for the benefit of mankind.  That is the power of spiritual principles, our unique spiritual heritage. Let us never forget that.

The Korean Dream and Launching of a New Era

Ladies and gentlemen, before we can open a new chapter in the story of this region, we must bring a close to the last vestige of the 20th century’s tragic legacies of colonialism and Cold War geopolitics that remain on the Korean peninsula.

It is deeply ironic that the nation which initiated the paradigm of non-violent mass protest rooted in universal truths remains divided to this day, unable to realize the aspirations of the Sam-Il movement from more than a century ago, when every other colonized people, as well as nations in the Soviet sphere of influence, were eventually able to achieve national sovereignty and unification. Thus, Korean reunification is of utmost importance in setting a new precedent for peace in Asia and the world.

I have developed a new vision for unification called the Korean Dream. Unlike past efforts, it draws upon the ancient Korean philosophical ideal of Hongik Ingan, which precedes the current ideological division by millennia, to tackle the present challenge. It was the impetus behind the high moral ideals of the independence movement and gave all Koreans a sense of providential purpose to create a model nation that could “benefit all mankind.” It challenges the divided peninsula to discard the foreign construct of division and recognize its common identity and destiny.

In order to do this, I plan on relaunching the paradigm of the Sam-Il movement to bring about unification. To that end, I have created Action for Korea United (AKU), a coalition of civil society activists, organizations, NGOs and associations that represents millions of South Koreans. To date, we have more than a thousand partners united in the largest grassroots movement for unification in the history of the two Koreas.

We plan to hold peace rallies in the South that will climax in 2025 with a massive event for unification that will highlight the 80th anniversary of Korean independence from Japanese rule. Dreamers are the ones who change the world. Imagine if tens of millions of Koreans on the peninsula and the diaspora as well as supporters from around the world gathered their collective voices to demand the peaceful unification of Korea. Surely, the metaphysical and physical wall that divides the peninsula will fall and a new era will dawn for the Korean people, the Indo-Pacific and the world.

I hope and trust that the spiritual and thought leaders here will recognize the moment and give your support for the Korean Dream. The rising prominence of India in this region is evidenced by its role in hosting the upcoming G-20 meeting, drawing upon the rich heritage of Indian spirituality to create the theme of “One Earth, One Family, One Future.”  It is also noteworthy that India is convening the “C-20” of civil society counterparts to G20, giving substance to spiritual principles and values by promoting the essential value of service and the ethos of one family.

This is highly significant because of the clear recognition that politics, economics, and technology alone are inadequate to resolve the many challenges facing the world today. These challenges arise, at root, from a clash of fundamental worldviews that can only be effectively addressed by drawing on deep and ancient spiritual traditions and the universal truths they embody.

What is most important is that we recognize the universal principles that are manifested in these traditions. We are all essentially connected in the one human family, and we are one family because of our shared origin in the Creator God. Our inherent value and fundamental rights are endowed to us by God.  To encapsulate these truths in a way that all can easily grasp, I have long advocated a simple yet profound vision statement – One Family under God.

A Call to Action and New Delhi Declaration

Today, young leaders, spiritual leaders, scholars, and others from civil societies across the Indo-Pacific region have taken ownership over the vision of One Family under God.

You have concluded important discussions on its implementation in areas related to youth, education, values-based peacebuilding, and the environment. I look forward to the New Delhi Declaration you are issuing today that will outline specific initiatives that will give substance to the noble theme of this GPLC Indo-Pacific.

Today, I am announcing that the Global Peace Foundation and its partners will establish the Indo-Pacific Leadership Forum to further implement this movement fostering one global family, guided by traditions and values shared across all the cultures gathered here.  I have asked Dr. Markandey Rai to organize and lead this initiative and invite your contributions from across the nations of the Indo-Pacific.

The Leadership Forum will work in this region in a similar way to the Latin American Presidential Mission that I founded. Through it, public-minded former presidents work for the benefit of Latin America through promoting peace, cooperation among countries and spiritual and material development of the people.

I hope that each one of you will become peacebuilders in your respective spheres of influence and join with us in the great movement for global peace.

Let us all commit to become the moral and innovative leaders who invest our passion, energy and talent to serve the greatest good -for the benefit of all humanity, that together, step by step, we can finally realize the greatest dream of all, the dream of One Family under God!

Thank you, and may God bless you and your families.

Originally posted on October 2, 2013. Updated on October 1, 2019.

Reverently referred to as Mahatma Gandhi, used non-violent protest as a means to gain Indian independence in the mid 1900’s.

International Day of Non-Violence, is commemorated on the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi, October 2, celebrating his contribution to uplifting human dignity and promoting non-violent social action. Individuals like Gandhi have led movements that have transformed the global consciousness to fundamental principles and shared values that have brought humanity closer to a world of peace and prosperity.

Gandhi believed and fought for the preservation of human rights and dignities. Throughout his life, Gandhi’s search for truth would lead him to discover that, “There are innumerable definitions of God, because His manifestations are innumerable. They overwhelm me with wonder and awe and for a moment stun me. But I worship God as Truth Only.”

Dr. Moon often points to Gandhi as a “spiritual leader” who stepped out of his “religious box” to lead a movement that had significant social impact.

And indeed, his spiritual convictions were the basis for his seminal philosophy of Satyagraha (non-violence). Gandhi explains in his paper “Satyagraha in South Africa” that:

“Truth (Satya) implies love, and firmness (Agraha) engenders and therefore serve as a synonym for force. I thus began to call the Indian movement “Satyagraha”, that is to say, the Force which is born of Truth and Love or non-violence.”

Gandhi placed a simple philosophy in the hands of every person, from every cast, race and religion; the power of love and truth and personal will choose to live by universal truths and principles and shared values. In doing so, he birthed a movement that broke traditional divisions, and created monumental societal transformation that also left an indelible imprint on the rest of human history from Dr. King in the United States to Rev. Führer in East Germany.

As a form of non-violent protest against the British textile industry, Gandhi spun his own cloth and encouraged other Indians to do the same.

His principle of non-violence opened up something that could not be defined by economic of political power, something that Dr. King would later call “soul force.” It was this power that rested in the nobility of the human spirit that believed if one did not retaliate to violence, but respond with truth, service and love, one could stir the perpetrator’s conscience and soul. It was a power of unity and a larger vision that drew the “others” into a family, rather than ostracize and isolate.

Gandhi’s journey began in India, and within each stage of his life he would deepen his understanding and strengthen his values and beliefs. Each experience helped form the underpinning of his conviction that every human being possess a divine dignity, and the right to self-govern.

As a child he watched his parents stand up against injustice, even when it proved to be inconvenient. He would then study law in England, where he discovered an intrinsic value granted by God, present in every person and every religion.

He lived in South Africa where fierce prejudice would deepen his love for justice and righteousness, sparking his initial work with non-violence as a form of protest, and his conviction in the fundamental rights of all people.

Eventually he would return to India where he would begin a groundbreaking non-violent revolution to secure independence for India from the British Empire.

As a form of non-violent protest against the British textile industry, Gandhi spun his own cloth and encouraged other Indians to do the same.

These principles and beliefs in human rights and dignity are derived from a common creator and opened the way for India to become an independent nation, setting the stage for global decolonization after WWII.

But, as Gandhi humbly said at the close of his autobiography, “So long as a man does not of his own free will put himself last among his fellow creatures, there is no salvation for him.” To him, justice and happiness did not come from one best religion, or one best person, or even one best philosophy; it was grounded on the universal truth of living for others, of love. It was his humble search to embody that truth that was the heart of the awakening that he instigated.

As we celebrate his legacy, this would be the central point, to recognize the divinity and dignity of each person, and put love and truth into action for the benefit of each of them.

Global Peace Foundation has been building models of peacebuilding around the world, connecting people across race, nationality, religion and social divides to recognize shared values and invest in a future together. The “Smile” project in India is a developing model where youth in India are breaking past traditional identities of religion and caste in a program that helps them affirm their common humanity through storytelling, values, and character education.

The project is helping youth see each other as brothers and sisters, One Family Under God. 

For the last few decades, there have been ongoing efforts to mitigate the historic inequalities faced by Indian people of lower castes. In 1949, the constitution banned caste-based discrimination and government-initiated affirmative action promised people of the scheduled castes (a socially disadvantaged group previously known as the untouchables) quotas in government jobs and educational institutions. With these efforts, scheduled castes have gained opportunities to lift themselves out of poverty and to improve their quality of life.

However, such development has yet to shift people’s perspective to abandon their caste identity and the conflict between castes remains an ongoing challenge. This limitation of the affirmative action is exemplified by the discontent of poorer members of the upper caste communities, who felt unrepresented by the current policy. This eventually led to the recent approval of a bill that opened up 10% of government jobs specifically for the poor members of the upper caste. This result concerns many as it can encourage people to group themselves more toward their caste identity. Further, such conflict has a risk to be utilized as a political tool. These problems suggest the need for an alternative approach in relieving caste conflict and to bring social cohesion among Indian communities.

This is why youth in the Balmiki community of Karol Bagh with the Global Peace Foundation (GPF) India have come together to initiate the “Smile” project. The program aims to transform the attitudes and behaviors of individuals surrounding caste by suggesting a new paradigm for peace and development using universal principles and values. This approach seeks to bring social cohesion among individuals with diverse backgrounds and promote development at both the person-to-person and societal levels.

Values-based Education

The Smile project brings youth from both high and low caste communities every week to provide values-based education and an opportunity to engage with people from diverse backgrounds. The content of the education is based on the vision of One Family Under God, rooted in the idea that all people are born as equal with intrinsic values, dignity, and fundamental rights. This vision communicates that we are all brothers and sisters of one human family, and it is in our benefit to work together to live in harmony. Such shared values suggest a new identity that replaces the current caste-based system and instead unite the Indian people.

In order to achieve this goal, the Smile project works to raise moral leaders who can exemplify the lifestyle of living for the greater good. As one of the core values of the project’s vision, participants believe that this is one of the fundamental values that drive people toward positive development.

“People and organizations that fight for themselves are bound to perish. However, if they have the motive of living for the greater good, they will prosper. Therefore, people are what matters in the end.” —Dr. Hyun Jin Moon, GPF Founder 

Within our life, we face inevitable suffering caused by the unjust and immoral behaviors of others. Such an event always seems unfair and underserved and, as a victim, we feel justified to direct our resentment toward the perpetrator. However, recognizing that the perpetrators are also often the victims of unjust acts of the past, we can gain insights that can better direct our future attitude, actions, and goals. In our daily interactions with people, our choices, positive or negative, have a significant influence on others and vice versa. Together, through a sentiment of shared responsibility—oftentimes unfortunately instigated by different tragedies in the world—youth with the Smile project rediscovered the importance of living a life for the greater good. Only when each and every one of us partakes in such a lifestyle, can we eliminate the unnecessary suffering within our communities. With this renewed attitude towards life, participants were inspired to lead future discussions and efforts to eradicate inequality and work towards a society that can be beneficial to the people of India as a whole.

Sharing Stories

Our culture, traditions, religion, race, expertise, and talents are what makes us unique. However, overemphasizing these aspects can make us lose focus on finding our shared identity as one human family. In this regard, the Smile project includes sessions for participants to share their personal experiences. Through sharing their stories and vulnerabilities, participants were able to connect with one another. Such connection highlights our shared identity and promotes participants’ ability to build a relationship beyond their current caste-based identity and realize that they are, first and foremost, brothers and sisters who deserve respect and love. With this shared foundation, discussion of ideas becomes more fluent and can be directed to bring better solutions that prioritize the common good of Indian communities.

“We take part in debates where everyone gets a chance to speak. This helps us to know and understand each other better and gives us the advantage to work more efficiently in a group.” —Neha, 2019 Smile project participant

Play & Musical Performance

Every Saturday throughout the Smile program, participants gathered to practice for a play that would be performed in front of an audience of Karol Bagh. The powerful and emotional play depicted the inequality faced by a Dalit student who lost his scholarship due to caste discrimination, which eventually led to his death. This creative project was conducted to bring awareness and shift the perspective of people in the community. Recognized for its ability to touch the hearts of people across all barriers of race, class, language, and social standing, the arts are a profound method to spread a message to entire communities and society at large. Music classes were also conducted where volunteers developed their interest and ability to play musical instruments. After the play, some young audience members came forward and showed their interest in being part of future Smile programs.

“I liked the strategy of creating awareness among the community through the medium of music and play by which people started to recognize an issue, which can lead to a discussion of solutions.” – Rumit Walia, 2019 Smile project participant

English Classes

English classes were provided for Smile participants throughout the week, helping them develop a proficiency in English, allowing them a voice to partake in all kinds of discussions. Such skills can equip them with the power to understand their peers, convey their own beliefs, and open doors for participants with different opportunities in the future. One participant, Gagan, was impressed by his own development saying, “Earlier, I wasn’t able to even form simple sentences. But now, I’m getting into the flow. I have seen much of improvement in my English.”

“I have learned many things from the Smile project. One of them is on my English skills where I see so much improvement. I learned how to make sentences and I can now read very well.” – Sarita, 2019 Smile project participant

This ongoing project takes place from April to July 2019 with the purpose to motivate people to move past their caste identity and bring them together as “One Family.”

The original post appears on Global Peace Foundation. Global Peace Foundation is an international non-sectarian, non-partisan, nonprofit organization, which promotes an innovative, values-based approach to peacebuilding, guided by the vision of One Family under God.  GPF engages and organizes a global network of public and private-sector partners who develop community, national, and regional peace building models as the foundation for ethical and cohesive societies. Dr. Hyun Jin Preston Moon is founder and chairman of the Global Peace Foundation.