Wednesday, October 29, 2025

PROF. JOHN KURAKAR AND URI

 

PROF. JOHN KURAKAR AND URI

 

Prof. John Kurakar has been closely associated with the United Religions Initiative (URI) for many years and has played an important role in promoting interfaith harmony and peace through URI’s programs in India and globally.

The United Religions Initiative (URI) is a global grassroots interfaith network founded to promote enduring, daily interfaith cooperation, end religiously motivated violence, and create cultures of peace, justice, and healing for the Earth and all living beings. It has Cooperation Circles (CCs) in over 100 countries.

🙌 Prof. John Kurakar’s Role in URI

  • Founder President of URI Global Youth Movement (GYM) Cooperation Circle, which leads the One Billion Youth for Peace campaign.
  • Actively works with URI South India Region to build interfaith understanding and youth leadership.
  • Has organized and participated in several peace conferences, interfaith dialogues, and youth leadership programs under URI.
  • Promotes the values of peace, non-violence, environmental awareness, and global unity through URI activities and his writings.

🌱 Major URI-Related Initiatives by John Kurakar

1.    One Billion Youth for Peace Movement – a global youth peace initiative under URI’s Global Youth Movement (GYM).

2.    Youth Interfaith Leadership Programs – focusing on empowering young leaders to work for social harmony.

3.    Environmental Peace Projects – promoting tree planting, sustainable living, and ecological awareness in connection with peacebuilding.

4.    Interfaith Film & Cultural Programs – using art and film to communicate peace messages.

🕊️ Recognition

Prof. Kurakar is widely respected within the URI global network for his continuous commitment to interfaith dialogue, education, and peacebuilding among youth. His initiatives have connected young people from diverse religions and cultures under the shared goal of peace.

Prof. John Kurakar has been closely associated with the United Religions Initiative (URI) for many years and has played an important role in promoting interfaith harmony and peace through URI’s programs in India and globally.

The United Religions Initiative (URI) is a global grassroots interfaith network founded to promote enduring, daily interfaith cooperation, end religiously motivated violence, and create cultures of peace, justice, and healing for the Earth and all living beings. It has Cooperation Circles (CCs) in over 100 countries.

🙌 Prof. John Kurakar’s Role in URI

·        Founder President of URI Global Youth Movement (GYM) Cooperation Circle, which leads the One Billion Youth for Peace campaign.

·        Actively works with URI South India Region to build interfaith understanding and youth leadership.

·        Has organized and participated in several peace conferences, interfaith dialogues, and youth leadership programs under URI.

·        Promotes the values of peace, non-violence, environmental awareness, and global unity through URI activities and his writings.

🌱 Major URI-Related Initiatives by John Kurakar

1.    One Billion Youth for Peace Movement – a global youth peace initiative under URI’s Global Youth Movement (GYM).

2.    Youth Interfaith Leadership Programs – focusing on empowering young leaders to work for social harmony.

3.    Environmental Peace Projects – promoting tree planting, sustainable living, and ecological awareness in connection with peacebuilding.

4.    Interfaith Film & Cultural Programs – using art and film to communicate peace messages.

Prof. Kurakar is widely respected within the URI global network for his continuous commitment to interfaith dialogue, education, and peacebuilding among youth. His initiatives have connected young people from diverse religions and cultures under the shared goal of peace.

Here’s a detailed summary of Prof. John Kurakar’s contributions to the United Religions Initiative (URI):

🌍 Prof. John Kurakar – Contributions to the United Religions Initiative (URI)

Prof. John Kurakar is a distinguished educator, author, filmmaker, and peace activist who has played a vital role in advancing the mission and vision of the United Religions Initiative (URI) — a global network dedicated to promoting interfaith cooperation and building cultures of peace and justice.

🕊️ 1. Leadership Roles in URI

·        Founder President, Global Youth Movement (GYM) Cooperation Circle, a youth-focused branch under URI.

·        Chairperson, URI South India Region Cooperation Circle.

·        Served as a regional coordinator and advisor for numerous interfaith and peace initiatives within URI’s Indian network.

·        Has represented URI at national and international peace forums.

Founder of “One Billion Youth for Peace”

·        Initiated the “URI One Billion Youth for Peace” campaign — a global youth movement under URI’s Global Youth Movement (GYM).

·        The initiative aims to unite one billion young people worldwide to stand for peace, climate justice, human rights, and nuclear disarmament.

·        The campaign promotes interfaith harmony, volunteerism, and personal commitment to peace.


3. Promoting Interfaith Cooperation

·        Organized numerous interfaith dialogues, peace conferences, and youth workshops across Kerala and India under the URI banner.

·        Brought together leaders and youth from Hindu, Muslim, Christian, Sikh, Jain, Buddhist, and Baha’i communities.

·        Encouraged grassroots cooperation between people of different faiths to address local and global challenges.

🌳 4. Environmental and Peace Projects

·        Spearheaded tree-planting drives, clean environment campaigns, and eco-awareness programs under URI’s “Environmental Peace” theme.

·        Integrated climate action with interfaith service, highlighting the connection between peace and environmental sustainability.

·        Promotes the philosophy of “Peace with Nature”, aligning with URI’s global goals.

🎬 5. Peace Education and Media Initiatives

·        Used film and media as tools for spreading URI’s message of peace.

·        Produced several short films and documentaries that promote interfaith understanding, human rights, and moral education.

·        Conducts youth film festivals and awareness programs in association with URI.

🏅 6. Representation and Recognition

·        Represented URI in international interfaith gatherings, World Parliament of Religions, and peace summits.

·        Honored for his contributions to interfaith education, youth empowerment, and global peacebuilding.

·        Recognized as a mentor and inspiration to hundreds of young URI leaders worldwide.


💬 7. Philosophy and Vision

Prof. John Kurakar believes that:

“Peace begins when young people of different faiths work together for justice, compassion, and a sustainable planet.”

Prof. John Kurakar has been closely associated with the United Religions Initiative (URI) for many years and has played an important role in promoting interfaith harmony and peace through URI’s programs in India and globally.

Here’s a brief overview of Prof. John Kurakar’s connection with URI:

🌍 About URI

The United Religions Initiative (URI) is a global grassroots interfaith network founded to promote enduring, daily interfaith cooperation, end religiously motivated violence, and create cultures of peace, justice, and healing for the Earth and all living beings. It has Cooperation Circles (CCs) in over 100 countries.

🙌 Prof. John Kurakar’s Role in URI

·        Founder President of URI Global Youth Movement (GYM) Cooperation Circle, which leads the One Billion Youth for Peace campaign.

·        Actively works with URI South India Region to build interfaith understanding and youth leadership.

·        Has organized and participated in several peace conferences, interfaith dialogues, and youth leadership programs under URI.

·        Promotes the values of peace, non-violence, environmental awareness, and global unity through URI activities and his writings.

🌱 Major URI-Related Initiatives by John Kurakar

1.    One Billion Youth for Peace Movement – a global youth peace initiative under URI’s Global Youth Movement (GYM).

2.    Youth Interfaith Leadership Programs – focusing on empowering young leaders to work for social harmony.

3.    Environmental Peace Projects – promoting tree planting, sustainable living, and ecological awareness in connection with peacebuilding.

4.    Interfaith Film & Cultural Programs – using art and film to communicate peace messages.


🕊️ Recognition

Prof. Kurakar is widely respected within the URI global network for his continuous commitment to interfaith dialogue, education, and peacebuilding among youth. His initiatives have connected young people from diverse religions and cultures under the shared goal of peace.

Prof. John Kurakar is a distinguished educator, author, filmmaker, and peace activist who has played a vital role in advancing the mission and vision of the United Religions Initiative (URI) — a global network dedicated to promoting interfaith cooperation and building cultures of peace and justice.


🕊️ 1. Leadership Roles in URI

·        Founder President, Global Youth Movement (GYM) Cooperation Circle, a youth-focused branch under URI.

·        Chairperson, URI South India Region Cooperation Circle.

·        Served as a regional coordinator and advisor for numerous interfaith and peace initiatives within URI’s Indian network.

·        Has represented URI at national and international peace forums.


🌱 2. Founder of “One Billion Youth for Peace”

·        Initiated the “URI One Billion Youth for Peace” campaign — a global youth movement under URI’s Global Youth Movement (GYM).

·        The initiative aims to unite one billion young people worldwide to stand for peace, climate justice, human rights, and nuclear disarmament.

·        The campaign promotes interfaith harmony, volunteerism, and personal commitment to peace.


🤝 3. Promoting Interfaith Cooperation

·        Organized numerous interfaith dialogues, peace conferences, and youth workshops across Kerala and India under the URI banner.

·        Brought together leaders and youth from Hindu, Muslim, Christian, Sikh, Jain, Buddhist, and Baha’i communities.

·        Encouraged grassroots cooperation between people of different faiths to address local and global challenges.


🌳 4. Environmental and Peace Projects

·        Spearheaded tree-planting drives, clean environment campaigns, and eco-awareness programs under URI’s “Environmental Peace” theme.

·        Integrated climate action with interfaith service, highlighting the connection between peace and environmental sustainability.

·        Promotes the philosophy of “Peace with Nature”, aligning with URI’s global goals.


🎬 5. Peace Education and Media Initiatives

·        Used film and media as tools for spreading URI’s message of peace.

·        Produced several short films and documentaries that promote interfaith understanding, human rights, and moral education.

·        Conducts youth film festivals and awareness programs in association with URI.


🏅 6. Representation and Recognition

·        Represented URI in international interfaith gatherings, World Parliament of Religions, and peace summits.

·        Honored for his contributions to interfaith education, youth empowerment, and global peacebuilding.

·        Recognized as a mentor and inspiration to hundreds of young URI leaders worldwide.


💬 7. Philosophy and Vision

Prof. John Kurakar believes that:

“Peace begins when young people of different faiths work together for justice, compassion, and a sustainable planet.”

Through URI, he continues to inspire a global generation of peacemakers who act locally but think globally.


Would you like me to format this into a profile article or brochure version (with a short introduction, headings, and photo caption style)? It would be ideal for publishing on URI’s website or in an event souvenir.

You said:

more details of john kurakar

ChatGPT said:

Here’s a comprehensive profile of Prof. John Kurakar, focusing on his life, education, career, writings, cultural work, and global peace contributions — including his involvement with the United Religions Initiative (URI):


🕊️ Prof. John Kurakar – Educator | Writer | Environmentalist | Interfaith Leader

🌿 Introduction

Prof. John Kurakar is a distinguished Indian educationist, writer, filmmaker, environmentalist, and interfaith leader from Kottarakara, Kerala. He is widely recognized for his dedicated work in education, literature, social service, environmental protection, and global peacebuilding.

He is one of the key figures in the United Religions Initiative (URI) in India and the founder of the URI Global Youth Movement (GYM) and the international peace campaign “One Billion Youth for Peace.”


🎓 Academic and Professional Background

·        Retired Professor of Malayalam of St. Gregorios College, Kottarakara.

·        A leading educationist and administrator, known for his innovative teaching methods and youth mentorship.

·        Served in academic bodies, college associations, and community development programs.

·        Guided numerous students in literature, leadership, and moral education.


✍️ Author and Publisher

Prof. John Kurakar is a prolific author, having written over 70 books covering a wide range of subjects:

·        Literature and poetry

·        Environmental studies

·        Interfaith relations

·        Social reform

·        Human rights and education

·        Peacebuilding and moral science

📚 Selected Works

1.    Good Morning Doctor – A book promoting health and awareness.

2.    Cancer Awareness – Educational work on health consciousness.

3.    Window of Knowledge – His widely-read online knowledge blog.

4.    Pathways to Peace – On interfaith harmony and URI’s philosophy.

5.    Kottarakara History Series – Documenting the cultural and historical legacy of his region.

His writings have been appreciated for their clarity, compassion, and social commitment.


🎬 Cultural and Film Contributions

Founder President of Round Circuit Films, Kottarakara — a cultural organization promoting social awareness through cinema.
He has written stories for and produced around 15 short films and documentaries, including:

·        Unaru Vegam Nee

·        Good Morning Doctor

·        Darpanam

·        Chillumedu

·        Thamogartham

·        Vivaahakambolam

These films carry social, moral, and environmental messages, reflecting his deep sense of humanism.


🌎 Role in United Religions Initiative (URI)

Prof. John Kurakar has been a pillar of URI South India Region and one of the pioneers of URI’s youth engagement globally.

Major URI Roles and Achievements:

·        Founder President, URI Global Youth Movement (GYM) Cooperation Circle.

·        Founder, One Billion Youth for Peace campaign.

·        Organized numerous interfaith youth conventions, global peace summits, and environmental programs.

·        Promotes climate justice, nonviolence, and interreligious cooperation.

·        Has represented URI in several international interfaith forums, including the World Parliament of Religions.

His vision is to build a world where “young people become ambassadors of peace, justice, and compassion.”


🌳 Environmental Leadership

Prof. Kurakar is also an active environmentalist.

·        Founder of Kurakar Ecological Centre and Kurakar Gardens, Kottarakara.

·        Promotes tree planting, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable living.

·        Conducts environmental awareness classes and campaigns for students and communities.

He often links ecological balance with spiritual peace, calling it “Peace with Nature.”


🕊️ Peace and Social Work

·        Advocate of nonviolence, interfaith understanding, and human rights.

·        Involved in community welfare and moral education projects.

·        Conducts youth motivation programs to promote peace and unity.

·        His URI-based projects have connected thousands of youth across India and abroad.


🏅 Awards and Recognition

Prof. John Kurakar has received several honors for his service in education, literature, and peacebuilding, including:

·        URI Global Peace Leadership Award

·        Environmental Protection Award (Kerala level)

·        Educational Excellence Award

·        Cultural Contribution Award

·        Kottarakara Pravasi Cultural Award


💬 Philosophy

“Peace begins in the human heart and spreads through understanding, cooperation, and compassion.”
— Prof. John Kurakar

His life reflects this belief — blending education, culture, environment, and spirituality into a lifelong mission for peace and human progress.

 

 

Monday, October 27, 2025

URI ONE BILLION YOUTH FOR PEACE

 

URI ONE BILLION YOUTH FOR PEACE

 U.R.I One Billion Youth for peace is  a global initiative started by the United Religions Initiative (URI)'s Global Youth Movement (GYM) Cooperation Circle. It aims to bring together one billion young people worldwide to raise their voices against global threats, like nuclear weapons, and advocate for causes such as climate justice and human rights. The movement fosters a culture of peace through interfaith cooperation and personal action, inspired by URI's mission.

It was a coincidence that on 24th day of August, 2019, during the URI Youth Assembly at Karickam International Public school, a humble beginning of a process started; the process of a beautiful transformation. It has immense implications in saving humanity from the verge of total annihilation. By now we have received encouraging note to take the campaign to reach as many educational institutions as possible.

We did not create this world; we inherited this beautiful formation, which is a blessing beyond description. It is a pity that the human beings could not fully realise the purpose of the cosmic order; we were competing to forge a hell out of a heaven. We have to reverse this erroneous process and straighten our paths to progress. If we don’t do it now, it will be too late to lament; we may not get a moment to repent, when the rockets fly and fill the space with fire.With immense faith in the young ones, we rise up to regain sanity. We will have one billion voices together, appealing to the conscience of the world and the masters on the driving seat on the fragments of the given earth. We aspire to leave a glorious globe for our children and grand- children to thrive. Let us be peace ambassadors all over the world, saying no to war and terror. We will not rest until we win. This victory will not be for a fortunate few, but for all the ones who are fortunate to be born on this planet, our planet.

Cosmic Community Centre Cooperation Circle (CC), a URI member group in South India, celebrated the first anniversary of “One Billion Youth for Peace.”The movement, “One Billion Youth for Peace,” is a collaborative interfaith campaign. Cosmic Community Centre CC states that they “foster empathy, invite understanding, and advance common action between people of diverse faiths through the shared efforts.”

After working in collaboration with various groups for many years, Cosmic Community Centre CC became aware that there was a demand to further integrate “young peace lovers” in interfaith dialogue. Following this realization came the fruition of the “One Billion Youth For Peace” campaign. This initiative was launched during the URI Annual Youth Assembly on August 24, 2019, which was held at Karickam International Public School in Kottarakkara, India. There were around 200 young people from a variety of educational institutes at this event.

Cosmic Community Centre CC works in collaboration with volunteers to bring the “One Billion Youth For Peace” campaign to schools, colleges, other educational institutions, youth clubs, etc.Following the “One Billion Youth for Peace” launch, The First International Students’ Summit of Religions on Climate Justice was organized by URI, South India Region in partnership with John Paul II Centre for Interreligious Dialogue based in Rome. The Summit was hosted by several schools and took place in Kerala, India from January 9-12, 2020. Miss Kehkashan Bause, Founder President of Green Hope Foundation and recipient of International Children’s Peace Prize, was among the youth leaders who spoke at the Summit.Our goal is to enrol one billion youth as peace ambassadors in a course of ten years . We will help them take the following pledge:

Cosmic Community Centre is a reputed NGO serving since 2000 as a catalyst of peace. It is registered under the Society’s Act, vide Reg. No. Q 632/04. It is governed by an executive body having 13 members from a wide a range of varied skills and service experience in the fields of education, humanity, arts, public & private services, etc.

It is functioning as one of URI Cooperation Circles and the regional hub of URI. The CCC seeks to build a community where peace and harmony prevails. Its primary motive is to end religiously motivated violence and to work for the healing of the earth and all living beings.

The Cosmic Community Centre, has become like a mother organization for several other groups that are drawn to the same ideals. Major activities include promotion of Interfaith Students’ Movements in schools and colleges, peace building programs, celebrations of UN Interfaith Harmony Week and UN International Day of Peace, Holy Books Conferences at regular intervals, publication of Books, Publication of the journal Interfaith Link , disaster management and community preparedness for disaster risk reduction, response and so on. We encourage a lot of activities for the protection of the environment also. International Peace Research Institute (IPRI) is an important wing of our organization.

The Cosmic Community Centres’ aims and objectives are:-

·        To serve as a national, non-governmental organization in India, in order to proclaim all humanity as children of one God, to promote dialogue, peace, communal Harmony and social and spiritual well being of all people irrespective of their religion, caste, colour or creed.To conduct and assist studies on various religions and burning social and global issues like poverty, hunger, nuclear proliferation, justice and world peace.To establish a Community Centre for the above said purposes and to undertake different training programs.To establish contact with or affiliate with other organizations national and international with similar objects and to aid, assist, guide, organize and co-ordinate all such activities.To bring the notice of the public, the activities of the society and further to start a Study Centre of International repute and to publish monographs, periodicals, journals, reviews, papers and other literature either free of cost or no profit-no loss basis in furtherance of the objects of the society.To accept, hold or administer any gifts, donations or contributions in kind or money and whether upon trust or not, to undertake and execute project which may be deemedTo facilitate study exchange programs in co-operation with other related organizations.

In an era of unprecedented global interconnection, cultural diversity is one of humanity’s greatest assets. Yet, realizing its full potential requires a new kind of leadership—one that places dialogue, empathy, and intercultural understanding at the heart of collective action. As societies grow more interconnected and complex, intercultural leadership has become an essential strategy for building cohesive communities, addressing shared challenges, and fostering sustainable peace.

Navigating today’s global landscape—shaped by mobility, technological transformation, and accelerating change—calls for leaders who can bridge divides, cultivate inclusive solutions, and inspire cooperation across cultures. Traditional leadership paradigms are no longer sufficient; the future demands leaders who can turn diversity into strength and dialogue into action.The students and staff of Kips  hereby l work tirelessly and always for lasting peace in the whole world.

 

Prof. John Kurakar

 

Saturday, October 25, 2025

Prof. John Kurakar and his short film Good Morning Doctor,and Cancer awareness book” Good morning doctor”

    Prof. John Kurakar and his short film Good Morning Doctor,and      Cancer awareness book” Good morning doctor”

Prof. John Kurakar is a distinguished educationist, writer, and social activist from Kottarakara, Kerala, widely known for his literary, cultural, and humanitarian contributions. A visionary in the field of education and social awareness, he has authored numerous books and produced several short films carrying deep moral and social messages. Among his most acclaimed works is the health-awareness film Good Morning Doctor — a moving portrayal of compassion, courage, and the true spirit of the medical profession.

The film reflects Prof. Kurakar’s lifelong commitment to blending education, art, and social service. Through a simple yet powerful narrative, Good Morning Doctor reminds viewers that the essence of medicine lies not only in scientific skill but in human empathy and moral strength. The story encourages awareness about cancer prevention and underscores the importance of emotional support and optimism in healing.

Created under the banner of Round Circuit Films, Kottarakara, and written and directed by Prof. Kurakar himself, the film has been screened at various cultural and educational events, earning wide appreciation for its inspiring message. It stands as a fine example of how creative expression can serve as a tool for social transformation and public health education.

The Malayalam edition of the autobiography titled "Good Morning Doctor," written by Prof. John Kurakar, sold thousands of copies within a few days of its release. The Malayalam edition was released by Kerala Deputy Speaker, Shri Chittayam Gopakumar. The English edition was released by Dr. Suresh Patankar, Managing Director of ACA Hospital, Pune. This book is a cancer awareness book. "Good Morning Doctor" illustrates the various stages and methods of cancer treatment that Prof. Kurakar underwent. It is a bestseller. "Good Morning Doctor" is also the best short film that describes the life of Prof. John Kurakar and his courage in overcoming cancer. Suresh Kumar is the director of this film. Mangalam Babu, Paul Raj, and others acted in it. "Good Morning Doctor" is a short film that has been considered for several film awards.

Suresh Kumar