3th Zonal Assembly of United Religions Initiative (URI),Eastern India at Bodhgaya, Bihar

The 13th Zonal Assembly of the United Religions Initiative (URI) Eastern India Zone was successfully organized at the sacred city of Bodhgaya, Bihar, from November 22 to 24, 2025. The assembly brought together a diverse gathering of Cooperation Circle (CC) leaders, interfaith practitioners, youth ambassadors, environmental activists, educators, and social workers from various states across Eastern India including West Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha and neighbouring Nepal.

The principal aim of the assembly was to strengthen collaboration among CCs, promote interfaith harmony, and enhance collective strategies for peace building, sustainable development, and community outreach. The assembly provided a platform for CC members to exchange experiences, celebrate achievements, and collectively reflect on URI’s mission of fostering peaceful coexistence among people of different faiths and cultures.

The assembly commenced with a warm welcome from zonal coordinators and host CC members. A multi-faith prayer session set the tone for the gathering, featuring chants and prayers. Distinguished guests highlighted the importance of Bodhgaya—a global symbol of peace and enlightenment—as a meaningful venue for promoting URI’s vision. The focus of this program has been strengthening interfaith cooperation in Eastern India, supporting the role of CCs in reducing communal tensions and significance of collective leadership and shared responsibility

Highlights of the 3-day programme included interfaith dialogue and peace building sessions engaging participants in panel discussions exploring themes such as building bridges across religious communities, tackling religious prejudice and social polarization, highlighting the role of women and youth in promoting peace, integrating spiritual values into social action together with emphasis on sustainable agriculture, establishing pollinator gardens and Sanctuaries across Eastern India, promoting organic farming and adopting sustainable eco-friendly practices. Facilitators encouraged reflective group activities that allowed CCs to share field experiences from rural villages to urban neighbourhoods.

A series of interactive workshops  strengthened practical skills and knowledge linking environmental protection with spiritual values; promoting tree planting, water conservation, and climate-friendly initiatives. Speakers highlighting on including organic farming, beekeeping, waste management, and skill development for marginalized groups; together with leadership development for the youths through communication, project planning, and conflict transformation. Issues,around gender sensitivity and equity, empowerment, and the need for inclusive decision-making was also discussed.

Representatives from different CCs from Easyern India and Nepal presented their successful projects, including: interfaith peace activities, environmental education and awareness programme, ecorestoration initiatives, ground level youth mentoring and women empowerment initiatives, projects on health camps, disaster management and relief, organizing community workshops on health, sanitation, and social welfare. These presentations enhanced regional understanding and encouraged replication of effective practices. The assembly incorporated spiritually enriching activities such as interfaith prayer circles, and cultural performances showcasing regional traditions. Participants emphasized the transformative impact of gathering in Bodhgaya, a place associated with enlightenment and compassion.

The final message of this comprehensive program day has been to encourage cooperation among CCs for more coordinated regional programme, encouraging green initiatives, ecological education, and climate action at community levelsSupporting young leaders with training, fellowships, and opportunities for leadership. The management authorities agreed upon improving reporting, digital networking, and sharing of success stories. Last but not the least the platform highlighted upon the need for intensifying peace and reconciliation efforts; especially in conflict-prone and marginalized communities.

The 13th Zonal Assembly of URI Eastern India at Bodhgaya was a vibrant, insightful, and spiritually uplifting gathering. It successfully fostered unity, enhanced leadership capacities, and strengthened the collective resolve to work for peace, harmony, and sustainable development. Participants departed with renewed inspiration to deepen URI’s mission within their communities and extend its message of compassion, understanding, and global solidarity.