On Sunday, the Gandhi Centre on the Dr. Lankapalli Bullayya College campus in Visakhapatnam became the venue for a landmark discussion on world peace, organized by the B.V. Foundation for Peace and Harmony in association with the International Association for Religious Freedom (IARF). The gathering brought together scholars, former university administrators, and civil‑society leaders to examine the pressing need for peace in a turbulent world.

Opening and Leadership

The session was presided over by IARF chairman Narava Prakasa Rao, who began the proceedings with a floral tribute to Mahatma Gandhi, symbolising the enduring legacy of non‑violence. In his opening address, Rao underscored that dialogue, not doctrine, must drive international relations, and highlighted IARF’s consultative status with the United Nations as a platform for fostering peace initiatives.

Voices from Academia and Civil Society

Former Nagarjuna University Vice‑Chancellor V. Balamohan Das warned of escalating global conflicts and the alarming rise of hatred culture. He urged governments to launch comprehensive programmes that nurture tolerance and mutual respect. Similarly, former Krishna University Vice‑Chancellor S. Ramakrishna Rao declared that violence can never be justified, calling on policymakers, scientists, and citizens to unite in a collaborative peace‑building effort.

Other notable speakers included former Andhra University professor K. Ravi and Concerned India Trust Managing Trustee P.K. Jose, both of whom emphasized the moral imperative of sustaining peace through education and community engagement.

Concrete Outcomes and Future Plans

The assembly concluded with a unanimous resolution to promote peace through actionable steps. Participants announced an upcoming beach‑side peace walk, intended to galvanise public participation and raise awareness across the coastal region. The organizers plan to coordinate with local NGOs, academic institutions, and municipal authorities to ensure the event’s success.

Historical Context and Potential Impact

Choosing the Gandhi Centre—a site intrinsically linked to India’s non‑violent heritage—reinforces the symbolic weight of the dialogue. Visakhapatnam’s shoreline offers a powerful backdrop for future peace demonstrations, potentially turning the city into a regional hub for peace advocacy. If sustained, such initiatives could deepen India’s role in global peace diplomacy and inspire similar movements worldwide.