A discussion on world peace, organised by the B.V. Foundation for Peace and Harmony, an affiliated body of the International Association for Religious Freedom (IARF), was held at the Gandhi Centre on the Dr. Lankapalli Bullayya College campus in Visakhapatnam on Sunday.

The meeting, presided over by IARF chairman Narava Prakasa Rao, began with participants paying floral tributes to Mahatma Gandhi. In his address, Mr. Prakasa Rao underlined the need for dialogue and highlighted IARF’s role in promoting peace and its consultative engagement with the United Nations.

Former Nagarjuna University Vice-Chancellor V. Balamohan Das expressed concern over rising global conflicts and warned against the growing culture of hatred. He urged governments to initiate programmes that promote peace. Former Krishna University Vice-Chancellor S. Ramakrishna Rao said violence can never be justified and called upon governments, scientists and citizens to work together for peace. Former Andhra University professor K. Ravi and Concerned India Trust Managing Trustee P.K. Jose also addressed the gathering.

Participants resolved to work towards promoting peace and announced plans to organise a peace walk along the beach in the near future.