Peacebuilding and Leadership Training at Manav Rachna University: From Vision to Action: Empowering Youth for Peace and Progress by 2047

Group photo with participants of the Peacebuilding and Leadership Training Program held at Manav Rachna University

-Shaivya 

On 17th April 2025, the Auditorium of the I-Block at Manav Rachna University hosted a Peacebuilding and Leadership Training conducted by GPF India trainers. The event was graced by esteemed chief guests, Chairman Dr. Markandey Rai and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Deependra Kumar Jha. Dr. Sangita Banga, Pro–Vice Chancellor, and Mr. Ramesh Nair, Registrar, were also present as distinguished guests. 

The event was organised by Prof. Geeta Thakur, Director of the Manav Rachna Centre for Peace and Sustainability and Professor in the Department of Education, along with Ms. Lipika Kala, Coordinator of the Centre for Peace and Sustainability, in collaboration with GPF India. 

The program commenced with a traditional lamp-lighting ceremony followed by the Saraswati vandana. Pro–Vice Chancellor Dr. Sangita Banga delivered the welcome address, appreciating this remarkable initiative inspired by the visionary leadership of Dr. Markandey Rai. She highlighted how his leadership continues to be a beacon not only for Manav Rachna University but also for the world. Dr. Banga also mentioned the recent honour bestowed upon Dr. Rai—the World Peace Award at the Justice, Love and Peace Summit 2025 in Dubai—and emphasised how his work is shaping a brighter future. 

A soulful flute performance by student Akshit Bindal set a harmonious tone for the event. The Chairman and GPF India trainers were felicitated with plants as a gesture of gratitude and respect. 

Dr. Markandey Rai, also a member of the Advisory Board of Manav Rachna University, addressed the gathering and encouraged participants to reflect on their purpose for attending the training. Through his powerful address on the Vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, he outlined upcoming challenges, opportunities, and the crucial role of youth in nation-building. He emphasised how deliberate actions can lead to meaningful results in shaping a developed India. 

The training sessions began with Ms. Shaivya Pathak, who introduced the Concept of Peace and Peacebuilding. She elaborated on the vision and mission of the Global Peace Foundation, focusing on how universal principles pave the way for value-based, community-driven peacebuilding inspired by the ideal of “One Family Under God” and the philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam. 

 Following her session, A peacebuilding trivia quiz was conducted which enhanced participants' understanding by actively engaging them through varied formats like fill-in-the-blank, multiple choice, and guessing peacebuilders. These activities reinforced key concepts, encouraged critical thinking, and deepened awareness of real-world peacebuilding efforts. By connecting theory with practice, the quiz also inspired leadership qualities such as empathy and collaboration and at last the finalist were gifted with GPF India memento to keep as a keepsake to remember their important role in peacebuilding. 

Next, Ms. Anjali Tyagi led a session on Peace and Conflict Resolution. She shared practical examples and engaged students in an interactive discussion on various conflict resolution strategies. She emphasised that peacebuilding is the most effective path to achieving long-lasting peace. 

This was followed by a session by Ms. Priya Raghav on Local to Global, where she introduced the Global Peace Leadership Corps. She explained how the program empowers youth to network and share their ideas on a global platform.  

As part of an engaging activity, participants were divided into six groups and presented with real-life scenarios requiring conflict resolution. Issues discussed included drug abuse, migration due to unemployment, and more. Students debated both the pros and cons of each case and attempted to mediate and propose solutions. This activity encouraged deep discussion and ignited a movement toward actionable outcomes and self-driven change. Dr. Markandey Rai also participated in this session, guiding students on how to address complex issues with effective, small-scale steps. 

At the conclusion of the training, the Youth Peace Club (YPC MRU) was officially formed. The participating students expressed their commitment to continue their engagement in peacebuilding activities. 

Certificates of participation were distributed to all attendees by Dr. Rai. Participants also provided their feedback on the training. Ms. Anjali Tyagi shared her plans to conduct an orientation session for new YPC members to explain the structure and functioning of the club. 

Dr. Geeta Thakur concluded the event with a formal vote of thanks, expressing her appreciation to the esteemed guests, speakers, and the actively participating students. She congratulated the participants on successfully completing the training and encouraged them to continue their journey as peacebuilders.