A peace walk and an international conference on World peace culminated on July 16 with the signing of a ten-point Ladakh peace declaration which called for an urgent ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine besides a commitment to non-violence and dedication to the cause of peace.

Thousands of religious leaders, imminent scholars, academicians, and scholars participated. The signatories of the Ladakh peace declaration, which aims to promote peace and harmony, included prominent leaders of different faiths, religious bodies, and academic institutions. 

The declaration was signed after the 32-day Padh Yatra of 150 Buddhist monks and laypersons of Thailand culminated at Leh’s Shanti Stupa with a peace walk and a subsequent international conference for world peace was held in Leh, Ladakh. 

Religious and Community Leaders applauded the efforts of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in propagating the message of peace and communal harmony in the world. The participants of the World Peace Conference at Ladakh felt that the global call given by PM Modi to find solutions to global issues through dialogue and mutual understanding has made him a Global Peacemaker. The conference was attended by nearly 2500 leaders, devotees, and eminent scholars of different religions which included convenor of the Indian Minorities Foundation (IMF) Satnam Singh Sandhu as well. 

While speaking at the World Peace Conference in Leh, Jamyang Tsering Namgyal, MP Ladakh, endorsed the words of Bhikkhu Sanghsena, the Founder of Mahabodhi International Meditation Centre (MIMC) who termed Prime Minister Narendra Modi as the ‘Karmyogi ’. 

“Prime Minister Narendra Modi has proved himself as ‘Karmyogi’- a spiritual leader of global level- through his consistent commitment to peace-making in the world. He has been making efforts to revive Buddhism and take the teachings of Buddha across the globe. His decision to organize the Global Buddhist Summit 2023 in Delhi this year proved itself as a landmark initiative for the Buddhist Community, which brought the spiritual leaders, followers, and scholars from more than 30 countries on a common platform,” he said.

Her Excellency Ms. Pattarat Hongtong, Ambassador of Thailand to India, said that Buddhism teaches inner peace which can be achieved through meditation and by practicing the teachings of Lord Buddha. 

She also hailed the relationship between India and Thailand which she said is already working on promoting peace and harmony in the world. 

“We have a strong bilateral relationship based on our shared interests for the welfare of humanity. We respect India for its commitment to spreading the message of peace across the globe,” she said. 

IMF Convenor Satnam Singh Sandhu said, “As the world is facing numerous challenges, the significance and relevance of peace in current times increase even more. Understanding the need for unity among different communities, IMF also works to establish peace and harmony in the world by bringing together people from different religions and cultures and working towards the prosperity and development of India.” 

Bhikkhu Sanghasena, Founder and President of MIMC said, “The world is facing several challenges at present and this event will serve as a ray of hope and will guide us towards peace and harmony. Religious leaders and devotees traveled from different parts of the country and abroad to deliberate on the ways to promote peace in the world.”

“India has set an example of propagating the message of peace in the world and the world is appreciating the efforts of PM Modi who has shown unwavering commitment to bring solutions to global issues through dialogue and understanding,” said Bhikkhu Sanghasena.

Sonam Parvez, Chairman of the Christian Community, and Ravindra Panth, Director of the International Buddhist Confederation also spoke on the occasion.