Official Declaration of Peace Fellows of IFPNP IV 2025–26

 From Students to Peace Fellows: A Global Commitment to Nonviolence in a War-Weary World


The Fourth International Online Fellowship Programme on Nonviolence and Peace (IFPNP IV) reached its final milestone on March 24, 2026, with the formal declaration of Peace Fellows and the issuance of certifications. Following a rigorous evaluation of monthly assignments and comprehensive project reports submitted by fellows through February, 33 participants were officially designated as Peace Fellows. This four-month initiative was inaugurated on October 2, 2025, to mark the International Day of Nonviolence, and concluded its academic sessions on January 30, 2026, the anniversary of the martyrdom of Mahatma Gandhi.

The programme was a collaborative global effort involving Sevagram Ashram Pratishthan (India), Gandhi International (France), the Academic University for Non-Violence and Human Rights (AUNOHR) (Lebanon), the International Centre of Nonviolence (ICON) at the Durban University of Technology (South Africa), and Portland Community College (USA). To qualify, candidates successfully completed detailed project reports in February covering four core modules: Global Sustainability, Gandhian Nonviolence and Peace, Application of Nonviolent Action, and Conflict Transformation. These fellows were guided by a distinguished panel of mentors, including Prof. John Chelladurai, Prof. D. Jeevankumar, Prof. Dorcas Ettang, and Prof. Michael Sonnleitner.


The 33 Peace Fellows represent a diverse international network spanning 13 countries: India, Nigeria, The Gambia, Kenya, Bangladesh, Syria, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, Lebanon, Sudan, and South Africa. The formal declaration was endorsed by key international partners, including Louis Campana (Founder of Gandhi International), Prof. Dorcas O. Ettang ( Associate Professor, ICON , DUT and UNESCO Co-chair on Education for Peace), Dr.Ogarit Younan (President of the Board of Trustees at AUNOHR), Dr.Michael Sonnleitner (former Trustee of Portland Community College), and Asha Bothra ( President, Sevagram Ashram Pratishthan).


Dr. Siby K. Joseph, Director of IFPNP, emphasized that the Peace Fellow Declaration is far more than an academic recognition; it serves as a profound ethical pledge. It recognizes each recipient as a dedicated practitioner of nonviolence and invites them to rededicate their lives to promoting ahimsa, truth, and service within their professional and community contexts. As a  part of the constant evaluation  , participants were asked to engage in an in-depth evaluation of the course to reflect on the various components of their learning journey and its practical application.

The fellowship concludes at a time when the world is facing a turbulent situation, and it is hoped that these fellows remain steadfast in their commitment to nonviolence and act as catalysts for peace in a war-weary world. Their journey from students to Peace Fellows marks not an end, but the beginning of a lifelong mission of service and reconciliation.


This note was issued by Dr.Siby K.Joseph Director of IFPNP. 




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