Surendra Ullal
CHICAGO: The Founder of Ahimsa Vishwa Bharti and an eminent Jain Acharya Dr Lokesh Muni is the first Indian to be honored with the US Congressional Danny K Davis Peace Prize for his efforts to promote Inter Faith Dialogue for World Peace and Harmony.
The Award was presented by Congressman Danny Davis, a Ranking Member of the US House Ways and Means Committee, at his Chicago Office. Many eminent people and leaders were present at the ceremony.
Rep. Danny Davis said that Acharya Lokesh is a ray of hope as he always strives to end terrorism, violence and differences from the world. He said that through the Ahimsa Vishwa Bharti international branch, which was launched a few months back in USA, the efforts of world peace will reach different parts of the world.
Acharya Lokesh on this occasion said that violence and terrorism cannot solve any problem. Violence raises counter violence. It is possible to solve every problem through dialogue. Violence in the name of religion is harmful to world peace. Unity in diversity is the fundamental characteristic of Indian culture. By adopting this philosophy we can establish universal harmony and world peace. The Acharya said that India and America should work together to eradicate poverty and terrorism.
Kishor Mehta, Chairman Multi Ethnic Advisory Task Force, 7th Congressional District, Â welcomed the gathering. Dr Vijay G Prabhakar, Founder Multi Ethnic Advisory Task Force & President American Multi Ethnic Coalition Chicago introduced Acharya Lokesh Muni and highlighted his work globally.Dr Mazen Barakat , Senior Vice President , American Association of Multi Ethnic Physicians Inc and Publisher Hyatt Magazine for Middle Eastern Americans, Illlinois felicitated Acharyaji. Dr Gladys Folorunsho, President USA Africa Chamber of Commerce Inc, thanked Acharya Ji for his leadership and appealed to Acharyaji to spread his mission to Nigeria, Ghana & Carrington Ranis Nations.
Dr Zenobia Sowell, National Executive Board Member of Mennonite Church, proposed a vote of thanks. Nagendra Sripada, IIT Alumni Association of America and Rev Jebamoney Jeyasingh, Chaplain American Multi Ethnic Coalition, Green Bay, were present at the ceremony.
