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India to field largest team for world peace meet: PTI

Dharam Shourie in New York

India, described as the spiritual super power, will field the largest delegation comprising more than 100 religious and spiritual leaders and their 200 disciples at the World Peace Summit in New York next week, aimed at finding ways to end conflicts, alleviate poverty and improve environment.

More than 1500 religious leaders from over 100 countries and belonging to all faiths will meet for four days from August 28 for the peace summit, to be followed by the millennium summit of the heads of government, including Prime Atal Bihari Vajpayee. The religious leaders will discuss how they can contribute to these goals and forge relationship with the United Nations to advance the cause of peace and humanity.

UN Secretary General Kofi Annan will deliver the keynote address on August 29. The meet will begin with walking meditation and a solemn procession of religious leaders to the General Assembly on August 28 afternoon.

Lauding the summit, Annan said, "The gathering of the world's prominent religious and spiritual leaders in a united call for peace will hopefully strengthen the prospect for peace."

The Hinduja Foundation, a 'strategic partner' for the peace summit, has proposed establishment of an advisory council of religious and spiritual leaders with a permanent secretariat to assist in the UN's peace-keeping and peace-making operations.

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