Truth and Reconciliation

Mar 09 2007 to Mar 09 2007

Conference proceedings and speakers

It emphasized the equality of all human beings and end social discrimination based on birth. As a symbolic gesture, the leaders partook in a community feast or samuhik priti bhoj.

Some of the prominent leaders included:

Dr Bindeshwar Pathak, founder of Sulabh International Social Service Organization
Udit Raj, Dalit leader and President of Indian Justice Party
Sanjay Paswan, Dalit leader
Sabina Srivastav of All India Kayasta Samaj
Bal Kishan Mahaar of Valmiki Samaj
Ram Nagina Singh, president of Akhil Bharatiya Bhumihar Brahman

Excerpts from His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar’s address

“We need to make people realize that discrimination is not sanctioned by religion. It’s time to move forward and not to reel in past mistakes. Fear and communication gap between communities are what is keeping us apart. We must accept the reality and reconcile the differences,” he said.

Stating that many organizations which didn’t see eye-to-eye have come together for the first time at the conference, he said, “What we have started today will resonate across the country and unite people. My main concern is how to bring people together. This is not about one religion only. I want to bring all communities together on one platform.”