Students at Manav Rachna University during a peacebuilding leadership workshop hosted by GPF India.
In a dynamic step toward cultivating the next generation of peacebuilders and ethical leaders, the Global Peace Foundation (GPF) India, in collaboration with Manav Rachna University (MRU), hosted a transformative Peacebuilding and Leadership Training at the I-Block Auditorium of MRU in Faridabad, India, on April 17, 2025. The initiative, titled “Empowering Youth as Peacebuilders for Viksit Bharat 2047,” brought together over 150 enthusiastic students for a full-day immersion into peace education, leadership development, and civic responsibility.
The event opened with a ceremonial lamp lighting, symbolizing the illumination of minds and hearts, followed by a warm welcome from Dr. Sangita Banga, Pro–Vice Chancellor of MRU. In her remarks, Dr. Banga lauded the contributions of Dr. Markandey Rai, Chairman of GPF India and member of MRU’s advisory board, whose keynote address laid a compelling foundation for the day’s activities. Dr. Rai urged the youth to take ownership of India’s development journey, emphasizing that a peaceful and progressive nation begins with the values and vision of its young citizens.
Throughout the day, expert facilitators from GPF India engaged students in interactive sessions focused on foundational peacebuilding principles, conflict resolution, and youth leadership on a global scale. Ms. Shaivya Pathak introduced the core concepts of peace and the mission of GPF India. Ms. Anjali Tyagi led a dynamic session on resolving conflict through peaceful means, while Ms. Priya Raghav explored how youth can connect local action to global impact.
The training was enriched by hands-on activities, including a quiz, group discussions, and scenario-based role plays addressing critical issues like drug abuse and unemployment. These exercises encouraged students to critically evaluate societal challenges and propose collaborative solutions rooted in shared values. A milestone moment of the day was the launch of the Youth Peace Club (YPC MRU), a student-led initiative committed to sustaining peacebuilding efforts within the university and beyond. The club will conduct regular meetings, lead community outreach, and foster peer dialogue under the mentorship of GPF India and MRU’s faculty.
Prof. Geeta Thakur, Director of the Centre for Peace and Sustainability, closed the event with heartfelt appreciation for the students’ participation and commitment. Each participant received a certificate recognizing their contribution to the peacebuilding mission. Participants left with a deeper understanding of their role as agents of change and demonstrated a renewed commitment to building inclusive and harmonious communities. The training’s impact extended beyond knowledge; it inspired action, empathy, and a sense of collective responsibility.
The training is part of a broader vision aligned with India’s national goals under Viksit Bharat 2047, a roadmap for transforming India into a developed nation by its 100th year of independence. The program emphasized character development, ethical leadership, and a culture of service, core tenets of the Global Peace Foundation’s philosophy. To maintain momentum, monthly meetings of the Youth Peace Club are planned, alongside potential collaborations with other universities and non-profit organizations. GPF India and MRU also envision hosting annual review events to assess the program’s progress and recognize outstanding contributions.
This initiative exemplifies how meaningful collaboration between academia and civil society can nurture a generation equipped to lead with vision, values, and purpose. As one participant, Kultaran Singh, reflected, “It was an enriching experience that not only covered the basics of peace but also made us think and act through engaging activities.”
As India strides toward 2047, youth-led peace initiatives like this will be crucial to shaping a more just, compassionate, and resilient society.
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