The Universal Peace Federation (UPF) of India organized a Leadership Conference under the theme, “A New Paradigm of Leadership and Good Governance” in Darjeeling, West Bengal, India on July 5. The conference was attended by over 300 leaders from civil society, politics, education, academia, business, and the media, in addition to youth leaders. Many participants from the neighboring districts traveled for hours as they were eager to learn more about the UPF. The UPF-India representatives from Delhi received a hearty welcome with many scarves, in the traditional Darjeeling style.
Mr. Bimal R. Singh, UPF representative in Darjeeling, welcomed the guests and conducted the program. Amb. K.V. Rajan, Executive Vice-Chairman of UPF-India, discussed issues relating to leadership, governance, development, education, human security and the role of faith and spirituality in his keynote address. After a video presentation about UPF International, Mrs. Ursula McLackland, Secretary General of UPF-Asia, gave a PowerPoint presentation about the various activities and projects of UPF in India. During the lively interactive session, Mrs. Kalpana Tripathee addressed many of the participants’ concerns in their native language, Nepali.
The telecast of the program on the Darjeeling Himalyan Channel, Mirik Channel & All India Radio, Kurseong was deeply appreciated throughout the beautiful hill station of Darjeeling.