Kalam, Lama part of global peace initiative

New Delhi, Jan 21: The former Indian President Dr A P J Abdul Kalam and Tibetan spiritual leader, His Holiness the Dalai Lama, would be the chief guests at the formal launch of the Global Foundation for Civilisational Harmony [India], a global initiative for conflict avoidance with Indian and Eastern perspective, at the Chinmaya Mission Hall, Lodhi Road, in Delhi on Tuesday.

The event is being hosted by Trustees of GFCH India, including Essel Group Chairman Subhash Chandra, former Intelligence Bureau Director Ajit Doval and former Delhi Lt Governor Vijai Kapoor who are all eminent persons from different walks of life.

Swami Dayananda Saraswati, Convenor of the Hindu Dharma Acharya Sabha, will preside over the function while the other spiritual leaders who will participate as Guests of Honour and bless the initiative include Sri Sri Ravishankar, the head of the Art of Living movement, Cardinal Oswald Gracias, Archbishop of Mumbai , Swami Ramdev, the great yoga exponent, Dr Mahmood Ali Madani, the head of the Deoband Islamic School, Swami Mitrananda, Director of Chinmaya Yuvak Kendra, Paramahamsa Nithyananda, the head of Gnanapeedam, Jain Muni Sumer Malji, Rabbi Ezekiel Isaac Malekar of Delhi Jewish Synagogue and Akal Takht Chief Jathedar Joginder Singh Vedanti.

Noted intellectuals and academics, including vice-chancellors of several universities, thinkers, professionals, businessmen and activists from across the country and the world including a large delegation from abroad are attending the historic event.

A launch book titled "Transcending Conflicts -- Indian and Eastern Way', edited by a board of eminent persons headed by Dr Kireet Joshi, to which 20 scholars, thinkers and activists have contributed their thoughts will also be released on that day.

ANI