Bengaluru: A clarion call for a new generation of leaders guided by compassion, moral courage, and interfaith harmony echoed through the halls of the Indian Social Institute (ISI), Bengaluru, as scholars, clergy, and social activists gathered for a one-day National Seminar on “Enlightened Leadership for a Greater India of Peace & Unity.” The event, jointly organised by Dharma Rajya Vedi (DRV) and ISI Bengaluru, sought to reignite the nation’s moral conscience and inspire leadership that bridges divides and upholds the dignity of every citizen.
The seminar commenced with the Gandhian hymn “Raghupati Raghava Rajaram,” setting a deeply spiritual and reflective atmosphere for the day. The invocation underscored the essence of the seminar’s theme that authentic leadership flows from inner enlightenment and a shared spiritual foundation.
In his welcome address, Dr. Selvaraj Arulnathan, SJ, Director of ISI Bengaluru, emphasised that India’s progress depends on leaders who embody ethical integrity and inclusiveness. “We are living in a time when minorities and marginalised communities face increasing challenges,” he observed, calling for “leaders who listen, heal, and build bridges rather than walls.”
Dr. Denzil Fernandes, SJ, Head of the Department of Peace and Reconciliation at ISI, introduced the seminar’s core vision nurturing transformative leadership inspired by faith and social justice. In his lecture titled “A Greater India of Peace and Unity: A Jesuit Vision & Mission,” he elaborated on the Jesuit tradition of peacebuilding through education, research, and grassroots engagement. He highlighted ongoing initiatives under the Peace and Reconciliation Network of the Jesuit Conference of South Asia, stressing that peace and unity must be “taught, lived, and sustained through dialogue.”
A significant moment of the seminar was the launch of the book “Enlightened Leadership for the Greater India Movement,” published by Dharma Rajya Vedi. The book was released by Bishop Emeritus Joshua Mar Ignathios, Chairman of the CBCI Commission for Dialogue and Ecumenism, who praised the organisers for promoting leadership modeled on Christ’s compassion and Gandhi’s inclusivity. “Leadership,” he said, “is not about authority but about responsibility the responsibility to love, to unite, and to uplift.”
The keynote address was delivered by Acharyasri Sachidananda Bharathi, founder of Dharma Rajya Vedi. Outlining his vision for the Greater India Movement, he described enlightened leadership as a spiritual calling rather than a political pursuit. “We must strive for economic, social, and moral freedom for every citizen,” he asserted, urging religious and civic leaders alike to adopt an inter-religious and eco-spiritual approach to governance.
Presiding over the inaugural session, Dr. Hussain Madavoor, Chief Imam of Palayam Juma Masjid in Kerala, echoed the call for unity. “India’s strength lies not in uniformity but in harmony,” he said. “We need leaders who rise above the narrow barriers of religion, region, and politics leaders who serve with compassion, vision, and moral clarity.”
Throughout the day, speakers from diverse faiths and disciplines reflected on the need for leadership that uplifts communities and restores faith in moral governance. Mr. Nixon Fernando, social activist from Chennai, and Dr. S. K. Singh, Director General of Dharma Bharathi National Institute, Lucknow, discussed grassroots leadership inspired by Mahatma Gandhi’s model of servant leadership.
Brahmakumari Gitanjali presented insights into the Brahmakumaris’ global model of spiritual leadership, emphasizing the vital role of women in peacebuilding and value-based education. Her reflections on compassion, nonviolence, and inner transformation resonated strongly with the seminar’s central message.
In the valedictory session, Bishop Joseph Susainathan of the Archdiocese of Bangalore and Chairman of the KRCBC Commission for Dialogue and Ecumenism, delivered a poignant address on “Servant Leadership in the Church and the World.” Drawing from the biblical image of Jesus washing the feet of His disciples, he reminded participants that true leaders serve with humility and love. “A nation is renewed not through power, but through service,” he said, urging all to lead by example.
As the seminar drew to a close, participants adopted a Plan of Action to advance the Movement for Enlightened Leadership across India. The resolution pledged collaborative efforts to promote peace, justice, reconciliation, ecological responsibility, and interfaith harmony through education, dialogue, and civic engagement.
The National Seminar thus concluded not merely as an academic gathering but as a spiritual movement a reaffirmation that India’s greatness lies in the wisdom of its conscience and the compassion of its people.