Panaji / Pune, Correspondent
Emphasising the need for value-based education to nurture responsible citizens, Goa Governor Pusapati Ashok Gajapathi Raju has called for collective efforts to promote world peace and the sustainable development of humanity.
“Today, we have learned to unite territories, but have failed to unite people's hearts. By embracing the principle of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ (the world is one family), we can pave the way for peace across the globe. There is a need for a distinct educational model that instils strong moral values in students and prepares them to become responsible citizens,” he said.
The Governor was speaking as the chief guest at the inauguration of the ‘Dialogue of Social Institutions, Religious Sects and Interfaith Communities of Goa for Long-Term Development and World Peace’, jointly organised by World Peace University (WPU), Goa, and the UNESCO Chair at the university.
The event was attended by Goa MLA Nilkant Halarnkar; senior Goa University professor Dr. Malapati Janardhanam; WPU Executive President Dr. Rahul Vishwanath Karad; programme convenor Dr. Sanjay Upadhyay; co-convenor Dr. Milind Patre; WPU Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dr. Raviraja Sitharam; Registrar Dr. Ganesh Pokale; and Advocate Shashikant Joshi.
Prof. Dr. Vishwanath D. Karad, Founder-President of World Peace University, Goa, and Head of the UNESCO Chair, joined the programme online.
Education Must Promote Tolerance and Human Dignity
Governor Pusapati Ashok Gajapathi Raju said that justice, non-violence and respect for all are fundamental principles shared by religions and lie at the heart of humanity.
“Everyone must work with these values in mind. Democracy is the foundation of human dignity, and today's world needs an education system that promotes religious tolerance. Sustainable development must go hand in hand with environmental conservation,” he said.
He stressed that fostering mutual respect, harmony and environmental responsibility through education was essential to building a peaceful and sustainable society.
Goa Can Emerge as a Global Centre for Sustainable Development
Dr. Rahul Vishwanath Karad said that Goa, widely recognised as a tourist destination, is also a meeting ground for scholars and has the potential to become an important global centre for sustainable development.
“Integrating the principle of equality among all religions into the education system is an important step towards ensuring peace and stability in society. We believe in promoting social responsibility through education, as education plays a decisive role in shaping society,” he said.
He added that the university aims to offer a multidisciplinary education system in Goa, guided by a global vision and a commitment to social responsibility.
Science and Spirituality Can Advance World Peace
In his online address, Prof. Dr. Vishwanath D. Karad said the university was consistently working to spread the message of world peace through education that combines science and spirituality.
“The aim is to nurture students who are physically fit, mentally alert and spiritually elevated,” he said, highlighting the importance of holistic education in shaping future generations.
WPU Emphasises Value-Based Education
WPU Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dr. Raviraja Sitharam said the university was committed to imparting value-based knowledge while upholding the principles of peace and harmony.
He noted that the next generation of educational initiatives had introduced new approaches to learning, adding that Dr. Rahul Karad had laid the foundation for a world-class university in Goa. He also referred to earlier initiatives such as LTC, NLC and BCS.
Programme convenor Dr. Sanjay Upadhyay outlined the relevance of the dialogue on social institutions, religious sects and interfaith communities, explaining why such discussions were increasingly important for society.
The programme was anchored by Dr. Gautam Bapat, while Dr. Milind Patre proposed the vote of thanks.
Public Relations Department, MIT World Peace University, Pune
Goa to Launch Movement for World Peace, Value-Based Education and Sustainable Prosperity
A resolution was unanimously adopted at the conference to undertake collective initiatives for world peace, sustainable development and the preservation of Goa's rich historical and cultural heritage.
The resolution calls for coordinated efforts to address rising violence across the world and promote environmental conservation, sustainable water management and stronger enforcement of environmental protection laws.
It also emphasises the need to create public awareness about land degradation, strengthen regulations to control noise pollution in rural and urban areas, and protect Goa's architectural heritage and historical monuments.
A key proposal is the establishment of a World Value-Based Universal Education Management Council to develop a universal education system rooted in human values and guided by the complementary principles of science and spirituality.
The proposed initiatives aim to foster a culture of peace, environmental responsibility and sustainable prosperity while strengthening the role of education in building a more harmonious society.
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