UNITED RELIGIONS INITIATIVE (URI)
The United
Religions Initiative (URI) is a global
interfaith organization founded in 2000, headquartered in San
Francisco, USA. It was established with the vision of promoting peace, justice, and healing among
people of all religions, spiritual expressions, and indigenous traditions
across the world. URI works through a grassroots network of Cooperation Circles (CCs) — local
groups that carry out community-building and peace-promoting activities.
The movement was inspired by Bishop William E. Swing, former Episcopal
Bishop of California, who envisioned an organization similar in spirit to the
United Nations, but dedicated to religious
cooperation and dialogue rather than politics. Today, URI operates in over 110 countries with more than 1,100 Cooperation Circles
engaging millions of people.
Aims and Objectives of URI
- Promote Interfaith Cooperation
To bring together people from different religions and beliefs to foster understanding, mutual respect, and collaboration instead of division and hostility. - Cultivate Peace and Justice
To work at the grassroots level to resolve conflicts, promote reconciliation, and uphold human rights and social justice globally. - End Religious Violence
To address and prevent violence that arises from religious intolerance, misunderstanding, or discrimination. - Build Cultures of Peace
To encourage communities to live harmoniously and to engage in activities that promote coexistence, compassion, and care for one another. - Support Sustainable Development
and Human Welfare
Many URI Cooperation Circles engage in humanitarian activities such as environmental protection, education, poverty alleviation, gender equality, and youth empowerment. - Empower Youth and Women
To create opportunities for young people and women to become leaders in peacebuilding and interfaith dialogue.
Motto
“Bridging religious and cultural differences to work together
for the good of the Earth and all her people.”
Key Programs and Movements
- Global Youth Movement (GYM)
– Engages young people in peace and interfaith initiatives.
- One Billion Youth for Peace
– A global youth-led initiative to mobilize one billion young people for
peace and justice.
- URI Environmental Network
– Promotes ecological sustainability and climate action.
- Women’s Initiative
– Focuses on empowering women leaders in interfaith peacebuilding.
The United
Religions Initiative (URI) is a global
interfaith organization founded in 2000, headquartered
in San Francisco, USA. It was
established with the vision of promoting peace, justice, and healing among people of all religions, spiritual
expressions, and indigenous traditions across the world. URI works through a
grassroots network of Cooperation
Circles (CCs) — local groups that carry out community-building and
peace-promoting activities.
The movement was inspired by Bishop William E. Swing, former Episcopal Bishop of California,
who envisioned an organization similar in spirit to the United Nations, but
dedicated to religious cooperation and
dialogue rather than politics. Today, URI operates in over 110 countries with more than 1,100 Cooperation Circles engaging
millions of people.
Aims and Objectives of URI
1.
Promote
Interfaith Cooperation
To bring together people from different religions and beliefs to foster
understanding, mutual respect, and collaboration instead of division and
hostility.
2.
Cultivate
Peace and Justice
To work at the grassroots level to resolve conflicts, promote reconciliation,
and uphold human rights and social justice globally.
3.
End
Religious Violence
To address and prevent violence that arises from religious intolerance,
misunderstanding, or discrimination.
4.
Build
Cultures of Peace
To encourage communities to live harmoniously and to engage in activities that
promote coexistence, compassion, and care for one another.
5.
Support
Sustainable Development and Human Welfare
Many URI Cooperation Circles engage in humanitarian activities such as
environmental protection, education, poverty alleviation, gender equality, and
youth empowerment.
6.
Empower
Youth and Women
To create opportunities for young people and women to become leaders in
peacebuilding and interfaith dialogue.
Motto
“Bridging
religious and cultural differences to work together for the good of the Earth
and all her people.”
Key Programs and Movements
·
Global
Youth Movement (GYM) – Engages young people in peace and interfaith
initiatives.
·
One
Billion Youth for Peace – A global youth-led initiative to mobilize one billion
young people for peace and justice.
·
URI
Environmental Network – Promotes ecological sustainability and climate action.
·
Women’s
Initiative – Focuses on empowering women leaders in interfaith
peacebuilding.
Would you like me to also include the history and structure of URI in India (such as South
India Zone and Kerala’s Cooperation Circles)?
You said:
activities
of India zone
ChatGPT said:
Activities of the United Religions Initiative (URI) – India Zone
The India
Zone of the United
Religions Initiative (URI) is one of the most vibrant and active regions of the
global URI network. It includes hundreds of Cooperation Circles (CCs) spread across India, each working at the grassroots level to promote interfaith harmony, peace,
social justice, and sustainable development.
Below is a detailed overview of the main activities and focus areas of URI India:
🌏 1. Interfaith Harmony and Dialogue
·
Organizing interfaith
conferences, prayer
meetings, and peace
gatherings that bring together people of different religions—Hindu,
Muslim, Christian, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, and others.
·
Conducting inter-religious
festivals and cultural
exchange programs to promote understanding and respect among diverse
communities.
·
Hosting World
Interfaith Harmony Week celebrations across multiple Indian states every
February.
🕊️ 2. Peacebuilding and Conflict Resolution
·
Conducting peace
marches, workshops, and seminars to resolve local communal tensions and promote
reconciliation.
·
Launching peace education programs in schools and
colleges, teaching nonviolence, empathy, and conflict management.
·
Organizing International
Day of Peace events each September 21, with the participation of
youth, educators, and community leaders.
🌿 3. Environmental and Climate Action
·
Promoting environmental awareness through tree planting,
clean-up drives, and eco-friendly living campaigns.
·
Observing World
Environment Day and Earth Day with public
awareness programs, rallies, and eco-education projects.
·
Some Cooperation Circles, such as those in Kerala, have
created model green campuses and organic farming initiatives.
👩🎓 4. Youth Empowerment
·
URI India runs Youth for
Peace, Global
Youth Movement (GYM), and One
Billion Youth for Peace initiatives.
·
Encourages youth participation in leadership, interfaith
service, and digital peace campaigns.
·
Organizes training programs on leadership development, communication, and volunteerism for young peace ambassadors.
👩👩👧 5. Women’s Empowerment and Gender Equality
·
Conducting women’s
leadership forums and skill
development workshops.
·
Raising awareness on issues such as domestic violence,
gender discrimination, and women’s rights.
·
Promoting women’s participation in peace and interfaith
initiatives.
📚 6. Education and Social Service
·
Running educational
awareness campaigns, scholarships, and literacy programs for underprivileged
children.
·
Conducting health
awareness camps, blood donation drives, and cancer awareness programs.
·
Providing support for orphanages, old-age homes, and
disaster relief efforts.
🌍 7. National and International Collaboration
·
Partnering with UN agencies, NGOs, and academic institutions for projects on peace, justice, and
environment.
·
Regular participation in international URI assemblies and
global summits.
·
Hosting visits from URI global leaders and peace
ambassadors to strengthen international understanding.
🇮🇳 8. Zonal and Regional Structure
·
India is divided into several regional zones such as:
o URI North India Zone
o URI South India Zone
o URI East India Zone
o URI West India Zone
·
Each zone is guided by a Regional Coordinator, and within these, Cooperation Circles (CCs) work independently on local initiatives.
💬 Example – South India Zone (Kerala and Tamil Nadu)
·
Active Cooperation Circles in Kerala include:
o URI South India Region CC
o Global Youth Movement CC
o John Kurakar Foundation CC
o Round Circuit Films Society CC (promotes
peace through art and short films)
·
Activities include interfaith gatherings, educational
programs, cultural events, and film-based awareness campaigns.
The United
Religions Initiative (URI) is a global
interfaith organization founded in 2000, headquartered
in San Francisco, USA. It was
established with the vision of promoting peace, justice, and healing among people of all religions, spiritual
expressions, and indigenous traditions across the world. URI works through a
grassroots network of Cooperation
Circles (CCs) — local groups that carry out community-building and
peace-promoting activities.
The movement was inspired by Bishop William E. Swing, former Episcopal Bishop of California,
who envisioned an organization similar in spirit to the United Nations, but
dedicated to religious cooperation and
dialogue rather than politics. Today, URI operates in over 110 countries with more than 1,100 Cooperation Circles engaging
millions of people.
Aims and Objectives of URI
1.
Promote
Interfaith Cooperation
To bring together people from different religions and beliefs to foster
understanding, mutual respect, and collaboration instead of division and
hostility.
2.
Cultivate
Peace and Justice
To work at the grassroots level to resolve conflicts, promote reconciliation,
and uphold human rights and social justice globally.
3.
End
Religious Violence
To address and prevent violence that arises from religious intolerance,
misunderstanding, or discrimination.
4.
Build
Cultures of Peace
To encourage communities to live harmoniously and to engage in activities that
promote coexistence, compassion, and care for one another.
5.
Support
Sustainable Development and Human Welfare
Many URI Cooperation Circles engage in humanitarian activities such as
environmental protection, education, poverty alleviation, gender equality, and
youth empowerment.
6.
Empower
Youth and Women
To create opportunities for young people and women to become leaders in
peacebuilding and interfaith dialogue.
Motto
“Bridging
religious and cultural differences to work together for the good of the Earth
and all her people.”
Key Programs and Movements
·
Global
Youth Movement (GYM) – Engages young people in peace and interfaith
initiatives.
·
One
Billion Youth for Peace – A global youth-led initiative to mobilize one billion
young people for peace and justice.
·
URI
Environmental Network – Promotes ecological sustainability and climate action.
·
Women’s
Initiative – Focuses on empowering women leaders in interfaith
peacebuilding.
Would you like me to also include the history and structure of URI in India (such as South
India Zone and Kerala’s Cooperation Circles)?
You said:
activities
of India zone
ChatGPT said:
Activities of the United Religions Initiative (URI) – India Zone
The India
Zone of the United
Religions Initiative (URI) is one of the most vibrant and active regions of the
global URI network. It includes hundreds of Cooperation Circles (CCs) spread across India, each working at the grassroots level to promote interfaith harmony, peace,
social justice, and sustainable development.
Below is a detailed overview of the main activities and focus areas of URI India:
🌏 1. Interfaith Harmony and Dialogue
·
Organizing interfaith
conferences, prayer
meetings, and peace
gatherings that bring together people of different religions—Hindu,
Muslim, Christian, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, and others.
·
Conducting inter-religious
festivals and cultural
exchange programs to promote understanding and respect among diverse
communities.
·
Hosting World
Interfaith Harmony Week celebrations across multiple Indian states every
February.
🕊️ 2. Peacebuilding and Conflict Resolution
·
Conducting peace
marches, workshops, and seminars to resolve local communal tensions and promote
reconciliation.
·
Launching peace education programs in schools and
colleges, teaching nonviolence, empathy, and conflict management.
·
Organizing International
Day of Peace events each September 21, with the participation of
youth, educators, and community leaders.
🌿 3. Environmental and Climate Action
·
Promoting environmental awareness through tree planting,
clean-up drives, and eco-friendly living campaigns.
·
Observing World
Environment Day and Earth Day with public
awareness programs, rallies, and eco-education projects.
·
Some Cooperation Circles, such as those in Kerala, have
created model green campuses and organic farming initiatives.
👩🎓 4. Youth Empowerment
·
URI India runs Youth for
Peace, Global
Youth Movement (GYM), and One
Billion Youth for Peace initiatives.
·
Encourages youth participation in leadership, interfaith
service, and digital peace campaigns.
·
Organizes training programs on leadership development, communication, and volunteerism for young peace ambassadors.
👩👩👧 5. Women’s Empowerment and Gender Equality
·
Conducting women’s
leadership forums and skill
development workshops.
·
Raising awareness on issues such as domestic violence,
gender discrimination, and women’s rights.
·
Promoting women’s participation in peace and interfaith
initiatives.
📚 6. Education and Social Service
·
Running educational
awareness campaigns, scholarships, and literacy programs for underprivileged
children.
·
Conducting health
awareness camps, blood donation drives, and cancer awareness programs.
·
Providing support for orphanages, old-age homes, and
disaster relief efforts.
🌍 7. National and International Collaboration
·
Partnering with UN agencies, NGOs, and academic institutions for projects on peace, justice, and
environment.
·
Regular participation in international URI assemblies and
global summits.
·
Hosting visits from URI global leaders and peace
ambassadors to strengthen international understanding.
🇮🇳 8. Zonal and Regional Structure
·
India is divided into several regional zones such as:
o URI North India Zone
o URI South India Zone
o URI East India Zone
o URI West India Zone
·
Each zone is guided by a Regional Coordinator, and within these, Cooperation Circles (CCs) work independently on local initiatives.
💬 Example – South India Zone (Kerala and Tamil Nadu)
·
Active Cooperation Circles in Kerala include:
o URI South India Region CC
o Global Youth Movement CC
o John Kurakar Foundation CC
o Round Circuit Films Society CC (promotes
peace through art and short films)
·
Activities include interfaith gatherings, educational
programs, cultural events, and film-based awareness campaigns.
Would you like me to give a detailed report on URI South India Zone (Kerala) — including
key leaders like Dr. Abraham Karickam, Prof. John Kurakar, and their main peace projects?
You said:
detailsof
uri south zone
ChatGPT said:
United Religions Initiative (URI) – South India Zone
The URI South
India Zone is one of the most dynamic and influential regions of
the United Religions Initiative
(URI) in Asia. It has played a pioneering role in interfaith harmony, youth leadership, and
peacebuilding in India and the wider South Asian context.
Headquartered in Kerala, the South India Zone connects diverse Cooperation
Circles (CCs) across Kerala,
Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana, and
collaborates with regional, national, and global URI networks.
🌏 Overview
·
Regional
Head: Dr. Abraham Karickam (Regional Coordinator, URI
South India)
·
Advisor
and Leader: Prof. John Kurakar (Peace educator, writer, and
interfaith activist)
·
Affiliation: United
Religions Initiative Global (Headquarters: San Francisco, USA)
·
Key
Office: Kottarakara, Kerala, India
The South India Zone is known for its grassroots activism, youth engagement, and creative peace initiatives, blending education, environment, culture, and interfaith dialogue.
🕊️ Main Objectives
1.
Promote peace and
harmony among people of different faiths and cultures.
2.
Foster youth
leadership through education and interfaith cooperation.
3.
Encourage environmental
stewardship and sustainable living.
4.
Strengthen women’s
empowerment and gender justice.
5.
Support education
and humanitarian work for marginalized communities.
6.
Use media,
art, and culture (like short films, books, and blogs) to spread messages
of peace.
🔶 Key Activities and Programs
1. Interfaith Cooperation
·
Organizes interfaith
prayer gatherings, dialogues, and peace conferences uniting leaders of Hinduism, Islam,
Christianity, Buddhism, Sikhism, and Jainism.
·
Celebrates World
Interfaith Harmony Week every February with seminars, peace walks, and cultural
exchanges.
·
Promotes local-level dialogue to resolve religious and
cultural misunderstandings.
2. Youth Empowerment
·
Operates the Global
Youth Movement (GYM) Cooperation Circle, which leads the URI One Billion Youth for Peace campaign.
·
Trains young people as peace ambassadors through workshops, social media campaigns,
and leadership retreats.
·
Encourages student involvement in environmental,
cultural, and interfaith programs in schools and colleges.
3. Peacebuilding and Education
·
Conducts peace
education programs in schools, colleges, and communities.
·
Organizes lectures, film screenings, and discussions on nonviolence, tolerance, and compassion.
·
Runs Kurakar
Education Center and similar institutions that focus on moral and civic
education.
4. Environmental and Social Initiatives
·
Hosts tree
planting drives, clean
village campaigns, and environmental
awareness seminars.
·
Promotes climate
justice and eco-friendly lifestyles through the URI Environmental Network.
·
Carries out health
awareness and social
service projects, including cancer awareness and blood donation
campaigns.
5. Cultural and Media Engagement
·
Supports Round
Circuit Film Society, a URI-affiliated group producing short films and
documentaries on peace and social issues.
o Notable works
include Good Morning Doctor, Thamogartham, Uneru Vegam
Nee, Chillumedu, etc.
·
Encourages cultural performances, literary programs, and
art exhibitions promoting interfaith harmony.
·
Publishes books, magazines, and blogs on peace and
spirituality—like “Window of Knowledge” and “Kurakar Cultural Forum Blog”.
6. Women’s Leadership and Empowerment
·
Provides platforms for women to participate in peacebuilding, education, and community leadership.
·
Organizes workshops on women’s rights, health, and gender
equality.
·
Empowers rural women through skills training and
awareness programs.
🌍 Major Cooperation Circles (CCs) under URI South
India Zone
1.
Global
Youth Movement (GYM) CC – Focuses on youth-led peace initiatives.
2.
John
Kurakar Foundation CC – Works on education, literature, and cultural
peacebuilding.
3.
Round
Circuit Film Society CC – Uses visual media to promote social awareness and
interfaith understanding.
4.
Kerala
Kavya Kala Sahithya CC – Engages in cultural and literary peace activities.
5.
Maramon
Interfaith Circle – Focuses on interreligious dialogue and social unity.
6.
Peace and
Justice Forum CC – Works for human rights and justice-related issues.
🏅 Awards and Recognition
·
URI South India Zone has received multiple national and
international recognitions for promoting interfaith peace, environmental action, and youth leadership.
·
Dr.
Abraham Karickam and Prof.
John Kurakar have been honored for their lifelong contributions to
interfaith dialogue and education.
💬 Motto
“We unite to bridge religious and cultural differences
and work together for the good of Earth and all her people.”
The United
Religions Initiative (URI) is a global
interfaith organization founded in 2000, headquartered
in San Francisco, USA. It was
established with the vision of promoting peace, justice, and healing among people of all religions, spiritual
expressions, and indigenous traditions across the world. URI works through a grassroots
network of Cooperation Circles (CCs) — local groups
that carry out community-building and peace-promoting activities.
The movement was inspired by Bishop William E. Swing, former Episcopal Bishop of California,
who envisioned an organization similar in spirit to the United Nations, but
dedicated to religious cooperation and
dialogue rather than politics. Today, URI operates in over 110 countries with more than 1,100 Cooperation Circles engaging
millions of people.
Aims and Objectives of URI
1.
Promote
Interfaith Cooperation
To bring together people from different religions and beliefs to foster
understanding, mutual respect, and collaboration instead of division and
hostility.
2.
Cultivate
Peace and Justice
To work at the grassroots level to resolve conflicts, promote reconciliation,
and uphold human rights and social justice globally.
3.
End
Religious Violence
To address and prevent violence that arises from religious intolerance,
misunderstanding, or discrimination.
4.
Build
Cultures of Peace
To encourage communities to live harmoniously and to engage in activities that
promote coexistence, compassion, and care for one another.
5.
Support
Sustainable Development and Human Welfare
Many URI Cooperation Circles engage in humanitarian activities such as
environmental protection, education, poverty alleviation, gender equality, and
youth empowerment.
6.
Empower
Youth and Women
To create opportunities for young people and women to become leaders in
peacebuilding and interfaith dialogue.
Motto
“Bridging
religious and cultural differences to work together for the good of the Earth
and all her people.”
Key Programs and Movements
·
Global
Youth Movement (GYM) – Engages young people in peace and interfaith
initiatives.
·
One
Billion Youth for Peace – A global youth-led initiative to mobilize one billion
young people for peace and justice.
·
URI
Environmental Network – Promotes ecological sustainability and climate action.
·
Women’s
Initiative – Focuses on empowering women leaders in interfaith
peacebuilding.
Would you like me to also include the history and structure of URI in India (such as South
India Zone and Kerala’s Cooperation Circles)?
You said:
activities
of India zone
ChatGPT said:
Activities of the United Religions Initiative (URI) – India Zone
The India
Zone of the United
Religions Initiative (URI) is one of the most vibrant and active regions of the
global URI network. It includes hundreds of Cooperation Circles (CCs) spread across India, each working at the grassroots level to promote interfaith harmony, peace,
social justice, and sustainable development.
Below is a detailed overview of the main activities and focus areas of URI India:
🌏 1. Interfaith Harmony and Dialogue
·
Organizing interfaith
conferences, prayer
meetings, and peace
gatherings that bring together people of different religions—Hindu,
Muslim, Christian, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, and others.
·
Conducting inter-religious
festivals and cultural
exchange programs to promote understanding and respect among diverse
communities.
·
Hosting World
Interfaith Harmony Week celebrations across multiple Indian states every
February.
🕊️ 2. Peacebuilding and Conflict Resolution
·
Conducting peace
marches, workshops, and seminars to resolve local communal tensions and promote
reconciliation.
·
Launching peace education programs in schools and
colleges, teaching nonviolence, empathy, and conflict management.
·
Organizing International
Day of Peace events each September 21, with the participation of
youth, educators, and community leaders.
🌿 3. Environmental and Climate Action
·
Promoting environmental awareness through tree planting,
clean-up drives, and eco-friendly living campaigns.
·
Observing World
Environment Day and Earth Day with public
awareness programs, rallies, and eco-education projects.
·
Some Cooperation Circles, such as those in Kerala, have
created model green campuses and organic farming initiatives.
👩🎓 4. Youth Empowerment
·
URI India runs Youth for
Peace, Global
Youth Movement (GYM), and One
Billion Youth for Peace initiatives.
·
Encourages youth participation in leadership, interfaith
service, and digital peace campaigns.
·
Organizes training programs on leadership development, communication, and volunteerism for young peace ambassadors.
👩👩👧 5. Women’s Empowerment and Gender Equality
·
Conducting women’s
leadership forums and skill
development workshops.
·
Raising awareness on issues such as domestic violence,
gender discrimination, and women’s rights.
·
Promoting women’s participation in peace and interfaith
initiatives.
📚 6. Education and Social Service
·
Running educational
awareness campaigns, scholarships, and literacy programs for underprivileged
children.
·
Conducting health
awareness camps, blood donation drives, and cancer awareness programs.
·
Providing support for orphanages, old-age homes, and
disaster relief efforts.
🌍 7. National and International Collaboration
·
Partnering with UN agencies, NGOs, and academic institutions for projects on peace, justice, and
environment.
·
Regular participation in international URI assemblies and
global summits.
·
Hosting visits from URI global leaders and peace
ambassadors to strengthen international understanding.
🇮🇳 8. Zonal and Regional Structure
·
India is divided into several regional zones such as:
o URI North India Zone
o URI South India Zone
o URI East India Zone
o URI West India Zone
·
Each zone is guided by a Regional Coordinator, and within these, Cooperation Circles (CCs) work independently on local initiatives.
💬 Example – South India Zone (Kerala and Tamil Nadu)
·
Active Cooperation Circles in Kerala include:
o URI South India Region CC
o Global Youth Movement CC
o John Kurakar Foundation CC
o Round Circuit Films Society CC (promotes
peace through art and short films)
·
Activities include interfaith gatherings, educational
programs, cultural events, and film-based awareness campaigns.
Would you like me to give a detailed report on URI South India Zone (Kerala) — including
key leaders like Dr. Abraham Karickam, Prof. John Kurakar, and their main peace projects?
You said:
detailsof
uri south zone
ChatGPT said:
United Religions Initiative (URI) – South India Zone
The URI South
India Zone is one of the most dynamic and influential regions of
the United Religions Initiative
(URI) in Asia. It has played a pioneering role in interfaith harmony, youth leadership, and
peacebuilding in India and the wider South Asian context.
Headquartered in Kerala, the South India Zone connects diverse Cooperation
Circles (CCs) across Kerala,
Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana, and
collaborates with regional, national, and global URI networks.
🌏 Overview
·
Regional
Head: Dr. Abraham Karickam (Regional Coordinator, URI
South India)
·
Advisor
and Leader: Prof. John Kurakar (Peace educator, writer, and
interfaith activist)
·
Affiliation: United
Religions Initiative Global (Headquarters: San Francisco, USA)
·
Key
Office: Kottarakara, Kerala, India
The South India Zone is known for its grassroots activism, youth engagement, and creative peace initiatives, blending education, environment, culture, and interfaith dialogue.
🕊️ Main Objectives
1.
Promote peace and
harmony among people of different faiths and cultures.
2.
Foster youth
leadership through education and interfaith cooperation.
3.
Encourage environmental
stewardship and sustainable living.
4.
Strengthen women’s
empowerment and gender justice.
5.
Support education
and humanitarian work for marginalized communities.
6.
Use media,
art, and culture (like short films, books, and blogs) to spread messages
of peace.
🔶 Key Activities and Programs
1. Interfaith Cooperation
·
Organizes interfaith
prayer gatherings, dialogues, and peace conferences uniting leaders of Hinduism, Islam,
Christianity, Buddhism, Sikhism, and Jainism.
·
Celebrates World
Interfaith Harmony Week every February with seminars, peace walks, and cultural
exchanges.
·
Promotes local-level dialogue to resolve religious and
cultural misunderstandings.
2. Youth Empowerment
·
Operates the Global
Youth Movement (GYM) Cooperation Circle, which leads the URI One Billion Youth for Peace campaign.
·
Trains young people as peace ambassadors through workshops, social media campaigns,
and leadership retreats.
·
Encourages student involvement in environmental,
cultural, and interfaith programs in schools and colleges.
3. Peacebuilding and Education
·
Conducts peace
education programs in schools, colleges, and communities.
·
Organizes lectures, film screenings, and discussions on nonviolence, tolerance, and compassion.
·
Runs Kurakar
Education Center and similar institutions that focus on moral and civic
education.
4. Environmental and Social Initiatives
·
Hosts tree
planting drives, clean
village campaigns, and environmental
awareness seminars.
·
Promotes climate
justice and eco-friendly lifestyles through the URI Environmental Network.
·
Carries out health
awareness and social
service projects, including cancer awareness and blood donation
campaigns.
5. Cultural and Media Engagement
·
Supports Round
Circuit Film Society, a URI-affiliated group producing short films and
documentaries on peace and social issues.
o Notable works
include Good Morning Doctor, Thamogartham, Uneru Vegam
Nee, Chillumedu, etc.
·
Encourages cultural performances, literary programs, and
art exhibitions promoting interfaith harmony.
·
Publishes books, magazines, and blogs on peace and
spirituality—like “Window of Knowledge” and “Kurakar Cultural Forum Blog”.
6. Women’s Leadership and Empowerment
·
Provides platforms for women to participate in peacebuilding, education, and community leadership.
·
Organizes workshops on women’s rights, health, and gender
equality.
·
Empowers rural women through skills training and
awareness programs.
🌍 Major Cooperation Circles (CCs) under URI South
India Zone
1.
Global
Youth Movement (GYM) CC – Focuses on youth-led peace initiatives.
2.
John
Kurakar Foundation CC – Works on education, literature, and cultural
peacebuilding.
3.
Round
Circuit Film Society CC – Uses visual media to promote social awareness and
interfaith understanding.
4.
Kerala
Kavya Kala Sahithya CC – Engages in cultural and literary peace activities.
5.
Maramon
Interfaith Circle – Focuses on interreligious dialogue and social unity.
6.
Peace and
Justice Forum CC – Works for human rights and justice-related issues.
🏅 Awards and Recognition
·
URI South India Zone has received multiple national and
international recognitions for promoting interfaith peace, environmental action, and youth leadership.
·
Dr.
Abraham Karickam and Prof.
John Kurakar have been honored for their lifelong contributions to
interfaith dialogue and education.
💬 Motto
“We unite to bridge religious and cultural differences
and work together for the good of Earth and all her people.”
Would you like me to prepare a profile-style article (suitable for publication or a website) on
URI South India Zone, including key
leaders, events, and contact details?
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uri south
indian leaders
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🌏 Leaders of the United Religions Initiative (URI) – South India
Zone
The URI South
India Zone has been guided and strengthened by a dedicated team of interfaith leaders, educators, writers, and social activists who have
worked tirelessly to promote peace, unity, and mutual understanding among
communities in India and beyond.
Below is a detailed list and introduction of key leaders associated with the URI South India Zone:
🕊️ 1. Dr. Abraham Karickam
Position: Regional
Coordinator, URI South India Zone
Background: Educator,
writer, interfaith activist, and peace leader
Contributions:
·
Founding leader and the main architect of the URI South
India movement.
·
Has represented India at numerous international interfaith conferences and URI Global Assemblies across Asia, Africa, Europe, and the U.S.
·
Instrumental in forming dozens of Cooperation Circles (CCs) throughout
South India.
·
Founder of the Global
Youth Movement (GYM) and URI One
Billion Youth for Peace initiatives.
·
Author of books and papers on interfaith dialogue, global ethics, and peace education.
·
Recognized internationally for his leadership in youth peace empowerment and religious harmony.
📘 2. Prof. John Kurakar
Position: Senior Advisor
and Leader, URI South India Zone; President, Global Youth Movement (GYM) CC
Background: Professor,
author, cultural leader, filmmaker, and peace educator
Contributions:
·
Founder of several Cooperation Circles, including the John Kurakar Foundation CC and Round Circuit Film Society CC.
·
Promotes peace
through art, literature, and film.
·
Author of over 80 books on topics like
social issues, education,
environment, and interfaith understanding.
·
Produced and scripted more than 15 short films on social awareness, such as Good
Morning Doctor, Thamogartham, and Unaru Vegam Nee.
·
Actively involved in URI youth programs, environmental protection, and interfaith seminars.
·
Serves as an inspiration for cultural and educational
integration under the URI banner.
👩🎓 3. Mrs. Moly John Kurakar
Position: Leader and
Educator, URI Women’s Empowerment Programs
Background: Retired
professor and social worker
Contributions:
·
Plays a leading role in women’s empowerment and educational awareness projects within the URI South India
network.
·
Organizes workshops for gender equality, literacy, and family health.
·
Actively supports youth and cultural initiatives under
the John Kurakar Foundation CC.
👩💼 4. Dr. (Mrs.) Shobha Rani Thomas
Position: Regional Woman
Coordinator, URI South India Zone
Background: Academic and
women’s rights activist
Contributions:
·
Leads women’s initiatives focusing on gender justice and interfaith leadership.
·
Promotes peace
education for girls and women in both urban and rural communities.
·
Organizes interfaith workshops emphasizing compassion, dialogue, and empowerment.
🌿 5. Mr. Babu Varghese (Mangalam Babu)
Position: Environmental
and Cultural Coordinator, URI South India Zone
Background: Environmental
activist, cultural organizer, and writer
Contributions:
·
Conducts environmental
awareness programs, tree
planting campaigns, and eco-friendly
lifestyle workshops.
·
Plays a key role in integrating environmental action with
URI’s peace and interfaith goals.
·
Promotes arts and
cultural programs through the Kerala Kavya Kala Sahithya CC.
🎬 6. Mr. Neelaswaram Sadasivan
Position: Film and Media
Coordinator, URI South India Zone
Background: Filmmaker,
media activist
Contributions:
·
Works closely with Prof. John Kurakar in producing peace-oriented short films and documentaries.
·
Uses visual
storytelling as a tool for social change and interfaith awareness.
·
Member of Round
Circuit Film Society CC.
📗 7. Mr. Kunjachan Paruthiyara
Position: Cultural and
Educational Leader, URI South India Zone
Background: Poet, writer,
and educational activist
Contributions:
·
Active member of Kerala Kavya Kala Sahithya CC.
·
Organizes literary and cultural meets promoting intercultural understanding and moral education.
·
Encourages youth involvement in poetry and art for peace.
🌺 8. Dr. S. Somarajan
Position: Advisor and
Social Activist, URI South India Zone
Background: Writer, social
worker, and academician
Contributions:
·
Works in education
and health awareness programs, especially on cancer awareness and moral values.
·
Collaborates with Prof. John Kurakar in community
development and humanitarian work.
·
Promotes ethical
living and civic responsibility as part of URI’s peace mission.
🌿 9. Rev. Fr. C. Itty Mathew
Position: Spiritual
Advisor
Background: Christian
clergy and interfaith advocate
Contributions:
·
Promotes spiritual dialogue and cooperation among
different faiths.
·
Involved in inter-religious
gatherings and ecumenical
initiatives.
✨ Summary
The URI South
India Zone Leadership represents a blend of
educators, writers, filmmakers, environmentalists, and social reformers who unite
under a common goal —
“To promote enduring, daily interfaith
cooperation, to end religiously motivated violence, and to create cultures of
peace, justice, and healing.”
