Dialogue for Peace with KAICIID, GIWA and World Scouts Org

A four day KAICIID Dialogue for Peace Training was held at Parmarth Niketan, Rishikesh, in joint association with the Global Interfaith WASH Alliance and the World Scouts, was held from the 14-17th of February.

Youth leaders from South East, South Asia, Europe, and the Middle East attended, representing over a dozen countries, including Austria, Switzerland, India, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Myanmar, Phillipines, Egypt, Kenya, Tunisia, Russia, Bulgaria and America. We had the Honour to have Former Ambassador Niranjan Man Singh Basnyat, Ambassador of Nepal to Malaysia Valeriane Bernard, Brahma Kumaris Representative to UN in Geneva, and Mridal Upadhyay, UN Youth. We gave a Vote of Thanks to Katerina Khareyn who heads the Youth Programme at KAICIID, Renata Nelson, Anastassia Nikolova, and Kaleb Warnock. Also a special thanks to the Trainers; Syd Castillo, Grace Michuki, Mohammad Omar, Sarath Raj, Amal Ridene.

During the four days, many engaging sessions were held in which topics such as What is Dialogue, Identity Dynamics, Sterotypes, Conflict Management Styles, Peace Building Activities and SDGs 13 and 16 were discussed. By the end of the third day of trainings youth leaders dove into facilitating dialogue circles themselves. The group had special interactions with HH Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji, Founder/Chair, GIWA and Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswatiji, Secretary General, GIWA. With Pujya Sadhviji they enjoyed a very beautiful question and answer session on the last day out in the picturesque Parmarth Yoga Garden.

In addition to the sessions, many enriching cultural exchanges and experiences were added to deepen the youth leaders visit such as morning hikes through the foothills of the Himalayas, a visit to the Beatles Ashram, where music, meditation, and a short Yoga session was organised. There were special cultural performances with the Parmarth Rishikumars and an open mic night to share the talents of the participants. The group also had the opportunity to experience the Ganga Aarti and evening question and answer sessions.

On the last night, everyone came together for an extraordinary bonfire in which the leaders were inspired to offer any remaining feelings to the fire that might of been stopping their path to achieve further success in life. They also had a special session to learn about GIWA and in addition connecting with KAICIID for all of the amazing resources they have available on continuing Dialogue. GIWA expresses it’s interest and enthusiasm to continuing the program annually to see how it can build for this experience to inspire the youth throughout the world.

Click here to see photos!