UPF-India held its first meeting in 2008 on the theme “UPF-India Vision for 2008 and Beyond” at the beautiful India Islamic Cultural Centre, New Delhi with 70 Ambassadors for Peace and friends in attendance on February 29. Several of them traveled for many hours from their home towns in Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and Rajasthan in order to be with us on that day. We extend our deep gratitude to them for their sincere investment.
Hon. Eduardo Faleiro, Chairman of UPF-India, presided the function and Amb. K.V. Rajan, Executive Vice-Chairman of the India chapter, conducted the proceedings. Mrs. Ursula McLackland gave an overview of the many new developments and expansion of the work of UPF in India and abroad.
The two major UPF initiatives are its International Leadership Conferences (ILC) on the theme "Leadership and Good Governance" as well as programs promoting the common vision of humanity as One Family Under God-Vasudhaiv Kutumbakam. UPF-India plans to host a series of ILCs in the various states of the country starting with Goa in March. Wherever possible, these conferences can be accompanied by projects for the underprivileged or the Religious Youth Service (RYS). The Ambassadors for Peace will be entrusted with leading such initiatives in their respective areas of location and professional expertise.
During the time for interaction, participants commented on their keen interest in UPF's character education initiative as the need of the hour. Many Ambassadors for Peace have already started such character education programs in their own institutions, and it was suggested that Peace Clubs be formed in each school and college. UNESCO New Delhi has also expressed its deep appreciation for the UPF character education text books "Discovering the Real Me" for providing hands-on lesson plans from Class 1 through12, accompanied by teacher’s manuals. The Delhi ILC will focus on the "Educators for Peace" component.
Hon. Faleiro and Amb. Rajan appointed six new distinguished Ambassadors for Peace and three Campus Ambassadors for Peace. One of the awardees, Mr. Mukesh Anand, Founder, Chairman and CEO of Healing Touch, shared his work for the underprivileged. UPF is partnering with his organization as well as Pepsi Co. and the Chaudhury Group of Nepal to offer new hope for victims of violence in Nepal. UPF-India hopes to initiate similar projects in the Northeast and other parts of India.