National Seminar on Enlightened Leadership Calls for a United and Peaceful India

Bengaluru, October 25, 2025 – A one-day National Seminar on ‘Enlightened Leadership for a Greater India of Peace & Unity’ was jointly organised by Dharma Rajya Vedi (DRV) and the Indian Social Institute (ISI), Bengaluru. The event brought together religious, academic, and social leaders from across the country to reflect on building leadership rooted in compassion, justice, and interfaith harmony.

The seminar opened with the Gandhian prayer song “Raghupati Raghava Rajaram,” setting a reflective and spiritual tone for the multi-faith gathering. In his welcome address, Dr Selvaraj Arulnathan, SJ, Director of ISI Bengaluru, emphasised the urgent need for enlightened leadership to address the challenges faced by minorities and marginalised communities in India.

Dr Denzil Fernandes, SJ, Head of the Department of Peace and Reconciliation at ISI, introduced the theme, expressing hope that the seminar would herald a historic mission to nurture transformative leadership within the Church and the nation. In his lecture titled “A Greater India of Peace and Unity: A Jesuit Vision & Mission,” he elaborated on how Jesuit initiatives in peace and reconciliation are realised through academic programmes, publications, and the Peace and Reconciliation Network of the Jesuit Conference of South Asia.

A key highlight of the day was the release of the book “Enlightened Leadership for the Greater India Movement,” published by Dharma Rajya Vedi. The book was launched by Bishop Emeritus Joshua Mar Ignathios, Chairman of the CBCI Commission for Dialogue and Ecumenism. In his inaugural address, he commended the organisers’ commitment to fostering Christ-like leadership within the Church and society.

Delivering the keynote address, Acharyasri Sachidananda Bharathi, founder of Dharma Rajya Vedi, outlined his mission to develop a cadre of enlightened leaders with an inter-religious and eco-spiritual outlook. He called for efforts to secure economic, social, and moral freedom for every citizen. Presiding over the inaugural session, Dr Hussain Madavoor, Chief Imam of Palayam Juma Masjid, Kerala, urged the need for leaders who transcend religion, region, and politics, leading with wisdom, compassion, and vision.

Speakers including Mr Nixon Fernando, social activist from Chennai, and Dr S. K. Singh, Director General of Dharma Bharathi National Institute, Lucknow, shared perspectives on grassroots leadership inspired by Gandhi’s spiritual vision. Brahmakumari Gitanjali highlighted the spiritual leadership models practised by women-led organisations of the Brahmakumaris worldwide.

In the valedictory address, Bishop Joseph Susainathan of the Archdiocese of Bangalore and Chairman of the KRCBC Commission for Dialogue and Ecumenism, spoke on “Servant Leadership in the Church and the World.” Drawing from the biblical act of Jesus washing his disciples’ feet, he underscored leadership rooted in humility, love, and service.

The seminar concluded with participants adopting a plan of action to promote the movement for enlightened leadership across India, dedicated to advancing peace, justice, reconciliation, and harmony.

By Fr. Denzil Fernandes, SJ,

Head of the Department of Peace and Reconciliation,

Indian Social Institute, Bengaluru.

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