Sandeep Marwah Visits Swaminarayan Akshardham in Robbinsville Advocates for Global Peace Through Art and Culture
Robbinsville, New Jersey, USA – “You do not need to work to become spiritual. You are spiritual; you need only to remember that fact. Spirit is within you. God is within you,” stated Dr. Sandeep Marwah, President of the World Peace Development and Research Foundation, during his visit to BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham, one of the world’s largest temples, located in Robbinsville, New Jersey.
In a press conference, Dr. Marwah also Chair for Indo American Film and Cultural Forum, elaborated on the objectives of the World Peace Development and Research Foundation. The foundation aims to conduct high-quality, impactful research to understand the roots of conflict and the pathways to peace. It provides training and educational programs that equip individuals and communities with the necessary tools for promoting peace and resolving conflicts. Additionally, the foundation advocates for policy changes that prioritize peace, justice, and sustainable development in collaboration with other institutions and stakeholders. Building and maintaining an extensive global network of peace advocates and practitioners is also a key focus of the foundation.
The foundation organizes cultural festivals that showcase traditional music, dance, theater, and cuisine from various regions, fostering cross-cultural understanding and the celebration of diversity. Peace conferences are held where scholars, activists, and experts from different fields gather to discuss and exchange ideas on peace-building, conflict resolution, and global harmony. Workshops and seminars on conflict resolution, non-violent communication, and mediation techniques are conducted to provide practical tools for individuals and communities to address conflicts peacefully.
Artist residencies are offered, allowing artists from different countries to live and work together, creating collaborative projects that explore themes of peace, love, and unity. The foundation develops and implements peace education programs in schools and universities to promote empathy, understanding, and respect for diversity among students. Cultural exchanges between artists, musicians, dancers, and performers from different countries are facilitated, fostering dialogue, collaboration, and mutual appreciation.
Public art installations are commissioned to convey messages of peace, love, and unity, serving as reminders and catalysts for positive change within communities. International collaborations are forged with other peace organizations, cultural institutions, and NGOs to enhance the impact and reach of peace-building initiatives worldwide. Youth engagement programs are developed to involve young people in peace-building activities, including art competitions, leadership training, and mentorship programs that empower them to become ambassadors of peace.
Art therapy initiatives are promoted in conflict-affected areas and communities, providing individuals with a creative outlet for healing, expression, and reconciliation. Peace advocacy campaigns are launched using art and culture as powerful tools to raise awareness about peace-related issues such as disarmament, human rights, gender equality, and environmental sustainability. The foundation supports grassroots initiatives by providing grants and resources to local community organizations and individuals working on peace-building projects, ensuring that peace efforts are decentralized and inclusive.
Networking opportunities and dialogue platforms are facilitated for artists, cultural activists, and peace advocates to connect, collaborate, and share best practices in their respective fields. These activities, when implemented with dedication and strategic planning, contribute to the foundation’s mission of developing and promoting love, peace, and unity through art and culture.
