Bhopal: Ten years after his passing, the enduring spiritual and social legacy of Fr. Sadanand, widely known as Swami Sadanand, was powerfully remembered at a commemorative gathering in Bhopal that celebrated his life by recognizing individuals committed to justice, reconciliation, and peace.
Around 200 participants, including priests, religious, theologians, and lay faithful, along with members from various faith traditions, gathered at the Samanvaya Campus on April 20 to observe “A Decade of Remembrance of Swami Sadanand.” The event, centred on promoting harmony through interfaith dialogue, evolved into a meaningful space for reflection, renewal, and recommitment to the ideals he lived for.
A key highlight of the gathering was the presentation of the “Peace Builders through Path Breaking Initiatives” Awards. These honors were instituted to reflect the vision and mission of Fr. Sadanand, who dedicated his life to bridging divisions and standing in solidarity with the marginalized. The awards were presented under the leadership of Bishop Thomas Mathew, who emphasized the importance of continuing the prophetic witness of peace in today’s fractured world.
Fr. Sadanand, often remembered as a “prophet of peace,” led an extraordinary life that transcended conventional religious boundaries. Adopting the spiritual identity of a Swami, he became a living symbol of interreligious dialogue and universal brotherhood. His mission was deeply rooted in nonviolence and the principles of Satyagraha, through which he worked tirelessly to mediate conflicts, uplift the oppressed, and promote a culture of peace. Even in his final act, he bore witness to selflessness by donating his body for medical education.
Among those honored was Sr. Sujata Jena of the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts, recognized for her tireless work in empowering women. Her contributions span legal advocacy, journalism, and grassroots activism, including efforts to rescue bonded laborers and combat human trafficking. Accepting the award, she stated that the recognition strengthens her commitment to continue her mission for justice with greater determination.
The awards also acknowledged several other changemakers. Dr. Brijmohan Singh was honored for his work in holistic healthcare and social reform, while Fr. Solomon Kadambattuparambil CMI was recognized for his dedicated efforts in empowering persons with disabilities. Samanvaya Parivar received recognition for promoting interfaith harmony, and Veer Ratna Foundation was honored for its compassionate service to war widows.
Earlier sessions of the programme reflected deeply on the life and mission of Fr. Sadanand, highlighting how his vision remains relevant in a world marked by division and conflict. Speakers stressed the need to translate his ideals of compassion, justice, and unity into concrete actions in contemporary society.
A panel discussion on peacebuilding explored critical themes such as the role of women in leadership, ecological responsibility, healing from trauma, and the importance of interfaith collaboration. These discussions resonated strongly with the values that Fr. Sadanand championed throughout his life.
Personal testimonies shared during the event offered heartfelt insights into the transformative influence of Fr. Sadanand. Many recalled his quiet strength, deep spirituality, and unwavering commitment to peace, which left a lasting impact across communities and religious boundaries.
As the gathering drew to a close, participants carried forward a renewed sense of purpose. Though Fr. Sadanand is no longer physically present, his legacy continues to inspire acts of courage, compassion, and reconciliation. His life remains a guiding light for those striving to build a more just and peaceful world.