The Global Gandhi Network organized a deeply moving International All-Faith Peace Prayer Meet on 27th April 2025, to pay tribute to the innocent lives lost in the recent terrorist attack at Pahalgam, Kashmir.
The virtual gathering aimed to foster peace, unity, and non-violence in the wake of the tragedy.
The online event brought together nearly two hundred participants from different parts of the world — including India, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, UK, USA, Mexico, and others. Despite being continents apart, participants joined hands in a collective prayer for peace, demonstrating that humanity stands united beyond borders.
The meeting expressed profound grief over the tragic incident that shook the very soul of humanity, where innocent civilians fell victim to violence. Speakers emphasized that even amidst darkness, peace must be our answer. They highlighted the importance of standing together in prayer, solidarity, and the spirit of non-violence — ideals that Mahatma Gandhi devoted his life to.
Distinguished Personalities and Thought Leaders
The prayer meet was honored by the presence of several eminent figures:
- Shri Chandan Pal, President, Sarva Seva Sangh
- Prof. Anand Kumar, Sociologist and President, Citizens for Democracy
- Shri Ram Dutt Tripathi, Former BBC Correspondent and Sarvodaya Activist
- Dr. Anamik Shah, Former Vice-Chancellor, Gujarat Vidyapeeth
- Dr. Sudarshan Iyengar, Director, Gandhi Research Foundation
- Shri A. Annamalai, Director, National Gandhi Memorial Museum
- Ms. Lubna Yeasmin, Advocate, Supreme Court of Bangladesh
- Dr. Siby K Joseph, Eminent Gandhian scholar at Sevagram
In their heartfelt addresses, the speakers urged the transformation of collective sorrow into a resolute pursuit of peace, encouraging nonviolent initiatives to emerge from this darkest hour.
Musical Tributes
The gathering was deeply enriched by soulful musical performances:
- Fraz Khan moved the audience with a touching rendition of “Vaishnav Jan To,” Mahatma Gandhi’s favorite hymn.
- Sonia Deotto and her team from Ora WorldMandala, Mexico, offered heartfelt prayers and reflections.
- Dr. Prema Annamalai delivered a stirring Tamil devotional song.
- Vaibhav Kumar performed “Raghupati Raghav Raja Ram,” a timeless Gandhian bhajan that echoed the call for peace.
Notable Attendees
Several distinguished personalities graced the event, including:
- Ms. Medha Patkar, Renowned Social Activist
- Mr. Sam Pitroda, Technocrat and Policy Leader
- Mr. Uday Dandavate, Gandhian and Urban Strategist
- Mr. Mohammad Reza Rafat, Former Director of Environment Protection, Afghanistan
- Mr. Vijay Tambe, Secretary, Sevagram Ashram Pratishthan
A Collective Call for Action
The program concluded with a powerful two minutes of silence, where all participants honored the victims and expressed solidarity with the grieving families.
It was resolved that participants would continue to organize similar peace programs in their local communities and share their initiatives with the Global Gandhi Network.
🕊️ “When prayer comes from the heart, words are not needed.” — Mahatma Gandhi
