World Peace Parliament of Science, Religion, and Philosophy

The World Peace Parliament of Science, Religion, and Philosophy is an international initiative that brings together thought leaders, scientists, religious figures, and philosophers to promote global peace and harmony. This event is held annually at the World Peace Dome in Pune, India, and focuses on how science, religion, and philosophy can work together to address major global challenges, such as conflict, environmental sustainability, and human well-being.

The 10th World Peace Parliament was held at the World Peace Dome in Pune, India, from October 3 to 5, 2024. The World Peace Dome is recognised as the largest dome in the world and stands as a symbol of peace, unity, and knowledge. It was the brainchild of Dr. Vishwanath D. Karad, a key figure behind this initiative, honoured with the UNESCO Chair for Human Rights, Democracy, Peace, and Tolerance in 1998. 

Dr. Karad, the founder of the Maharashtra Institute of Technology (MIT), established this space to promote dialogue between science, religion, and spirituality. Dr. Karad founded MIT in 1983 to promote holistic education, and the institution was later renamed MIT World Peace University (MIT WPU) in 2017. MIT WPU has integrated peace studies as a core part of its curriculum, aligning with Dr. Karad’s vision of value-based universal education. Dr. Karad was deeply inspired by Swami Vivekananda’s call for youth to shape the future of the nation, and he dedicated his life to establishing a "Culture of Peace" in the world. His mission is to merge science and spirituality, advocating for a global education system based on time-tested human values.

The World Peace Centre (Alandi) is part of MAEER’s MIT, Pune, India, established on 1st December 1996. It was created following the World Philosophers Meet, a conference held in November 1996, which brought together over 700 delegates from 47 countries. The delegates included scientists, scholars, philosophers, and religious leaders, who discussed the global challenges of the time and the urgent need for peace.

The World Peace Humanity Index, introduced by Dinis Guarda at the 10th World Peace Parliament, is an innovative concept that aims to quantify global peace using a data-driven approach. This index integrates factors such as emotional intelligence, resource inequality, literacy rates, and environmental degradation to measure peace on a scale from 0 to 1. Dinis proposes using artificial intelligence (AI) to assess humanity's capacity to achieve peace, using historical data and lessons from nonviolent leaders like Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr. The index is designed to serve as a practical tool for policymakers and global leaders to predict potential conflicts and offer solutions based on data.

The World Peace Dome, located in Pune, serves as a space for these dialogues, symbolising the principle of “Vasudhaiv Kutumbakam” (The World is One Family). The dome also houses the World Peace Library, a repository of knowledge, and features statues of saints, scientists, and philosophers who have contributed to humanity's progress. Dr. Karad’s work and his vision for peace are the driving force behind the Parliament and MIT WPU.

The Parliament also addresses the need for a value-based education system that incorporates scientific and spiritual components to develop a more peaceful society.

UNESCO awarded the World Peace Centre at MIT the prestigious UNESCO Chair for Human Rights, Democracy, Peace, and Tolerance on 12th May 1998. This accolade reflects the Centre's commitment to promoting peace through a value-based education system that seamlessly integrates science, technology, and spirituality. 

Additionally, the Vishwa Shanti Sangh (VSS) or World Peace Association was established in 2000 to extend the Centre’s peace-building activities to the global level. VSS is a network of individuals and institutions dedicated to promoting peace, tolerance, and human welfare worldwide.

The World Peace Parliament of Science, Religion, and Philosophy was established as an international platform to promote dialogue between scholars, scientists, and religious leaders from across the world. Its primary goal is to address global challenges through the integration of scientific knowledge, religious wisdom, and philosophical inquiry. The Parliament was initiated by Rev. Prof. Dr. Vishwanath D. Karad, a visionary educator and peace advocate from India, who believed that the convergence of these three fields could help in resolving the crises that humanity faces today. Dr. Karad's efforts are rooted in his commitment to promoting world peace through a value-based education system.

The origins of the Parliament can be traced back to 1996, when Dr. Karad organised the first "World Philosophers Meet" in Pune. This event, held under the auspices of the Maharashtra Institute of Technology (MIT), gathered thinkers and leaders from various disciplines to discuss how science, spirituality, and philosophy could contribute to world peace. The success of this event led to the formalisation of the World Peace Parliament, which has since been held annually in Pune at the World Peace Dome, a monumental structure built by Dr. Karad to symbolise the union of science and spirituality.

The World Peace Dome was completed in 2018, and it quickly became the central venue for the World Peace Parliament. It is the largest dome in the world, with a diameter of 160 feet and a height of 263 feet. The dome houses the World Peace Library and the World Peace Prayer Hall, which together serve as spaces for learning and interfaith dialogue. The dome also features 54 bronze statues of prominent saints, philosophers, and scientists, representing the diverse sources of wisdom that the Parliament seeks to bring together. These figures include historical personalities from Eastern and Western traditions, reflecting the Parliament’s commitment to global inclusivity.

In addition to the annual meetings, the Parliament has been active in promoting various peace-related initiatives. One of the key themes has been the importance of value-based universal education. Dr. Karad has consistently emphasised the need for a holistic approach to education that integrates scientific knowledge with spiritual values. This philosophy has been institutionalised at MIT World Peace University (MIT WPU), which Dr. Karad founded in 1983 as the Maharashtra Institute of Technology. 

In 2017, the institution was renamed MIT WPU to reflect its expanded focus on peace studies and holistic education. The university’s curriculum now includes peace studies as a core component, preparing students to contribute to global peace efforts.

In 2024, at the 10th World Peace Parliament, a significant development was the introduction of the World Peace Humanity Index by Dinis Guarda. This index, inspired by the principles of artificial intelligence (AI) and based on 12,000 years of human civilisation, seeks to quantify peace using a data-driven approach. The index includes several factors, such as emotional intelligence, resource inequality, literacy rates, and environmental degradation, to measure the likelihood of peace or conflict in different regions. This initiative reflects the Parliament’s commitment to using modern technology to address age-old problems.

The Parliament also hosts various sessions focused on pressing global issues, such as climate change, sustainable development, and nonviolent conflict resolution. The 10th Parliament, held from October 3 to 5, 2024, included discussions on the role of political leaders in minimising global conflicts, the need to harmonise science, spirituality, and philosophy, and the importance of value-based education in fostering global peace. Religious leaders from major world religions also participated in a Divine Blessing Ceremony, symbolising the Parliament’s emphasis on interfaith unity.

One of the lasting legacies of the Parliament is the creation of the Pune Declaration, which is adopted at the end of each annual event. This declaration outlines the resolutions and recommendations made by the Parliament’s participants, focusing on how different sectors of society can contribute to world peace. The Declaration serves as a guide for policymakers and global leaders, offering concrete steps to address the challenges discussed during the sessions.

The World Peace Parliament of Science, Religion, and Philosophy continues to evolve, with its focus on promoting peace through education, dialogue, and collaboration. Under the leadership of Dr. Vishwanath D. Karad, the Parliament has established itself as a unique platform where scientific knowledge, religious ethics, and philosophical inquiry meet to address the complex issues of modern times. The World Peace Dome remains a symbol of this mission, bringing together people from different walks of life to work towards a peaceful and harmonious world. 

The World Peace Parliament of Science, Religion, and Philosophy was created to promote global peace through the integration of scientific knowledge, religious understanding, and philosophical thinking. Its main purpose is to bring together leaders and thinkers from different fields to find solutions to the complex challenges that humanity faces today, such as conflict, environmental degradation, and social inequality.

One of the Parliament’s key aims is to bridge the gap between science and spirituality. It believes that while science provides the tools to solve material challenges, spirituality offers the moral and ethical guidance needed to use these tools wisely. By uniting these disciplines, the Parliament seeks to create a holistic approach to peacebuilding.

The Parliament also focuses on creating a value-based universal education system. This system promotes a balanced education that includes both scientific and spiritual teachings. The goal is to educate future generations to be both knowledgeable and morally conscious, equipping them to contribute to global peace.

Another important goal is the World Peace Humanity Index, introduced by Dinis Guarda in 2024. This index aims to measure peace using data and artificial intelligence, providing policymakers with a tool to predict and prevent conflicts. The index integrates factors like emotional intelligence, resource inequality, literacy, and environmental sustainability.

The Parliament’s purpose is also to foster interfaith dialogue. Religious leaders from around the world participate in its sessions to promote understanding between different faiths and to emphasise the shared values of peace, compassion, and unity.

The World Peace Parliament of Science, Religion, and Philosophy has had a significant impact on global peace efforts by promoting dialogue between scientists, religious leaders, and philosophers. One of its key achievements is the creation of the World Peace Dome, the largest dome in the world, which serves as a symbol of unity and a centre for knowledge sharing. The Parliament has also encouraged the development of a value-based universal education system that integrates science with spiritual values. This system aims to educate future generations to think not only scientifically but also morally, contributing to a more peaceful society.

The introduction of the World Peace Humanity Index by Dinis Guarda is another major impact. This tool uses data and artificial intelligence to measure peace and predict potential conflicts. It provides practical insights for policymakers to prevent violence and promote harmony.

Through annual events, the Parliament has facilitated interfaith dialogue, bringing together leaders from different religions to promote mutual understanding and unity. By focusing on education, technology, and interfaith cooperation, the World Peace Parliament continues to play a key role in shaping a more peaceful and sustainable future for all.