The World’s Popular Evangelist and Founder of the Global Peace Initiative (GPI), Dr. K. A. Paul on 2nd March addressed a Press Conference at the Press Club of Kolkata, outlining his global peace efforts and urging West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to support his ongoing international peace initiatives.
Dr. Paul said that India must lead the world in promoting peace and emphasized that he has been engaged in global peace missions since 1981. He referred to his recent address in the U.S. Parliament in Kansas on January 15, where he called for an end to ongoing global conflicts, and subsequent meetings in the United States, including interactions with senior American leadership.
According to Dr. Paul, he conducted a global peace rally on February 22 in Chennai alongside religious leaders and tens of thousands of participants from multiple faiths, advocating unity and dialogue. He stressed that peace efforts must transcend political affiliations and highlighted that leaders from various political parties have previously participated in his international missions.
Explaining his visit to West Bengal, Dr. Paul said he seeks to personally connect with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and request her support for peace initiatives in the Middle East. He described her as a strong and influential leader whose endorsement of peace would resonate globally.
Dr. Paul further stated that peace and development are interconnected, asserting that “where there is peace, there is prosperity and development”. Drawing parallels with Hyderabad’s growth, he said he intends to collaborate with the West Bengal government to attract global investments and generate employment opportunities in Kolkata and across the state just like he did for Hyderabad for the past 40 years.
Responding to questions on global conflicts, Dr. Paul reiterated his long-standing involvement in mediation efforts across multiple countries and called upon citizens, NGOs, faith leaders, and political representatives to collectively support peace-building initiatives. He emphasized that democracy and dialogue remain essential pillars for resolving disputes.
Dr. Paul also announced his intention to organize a large-scale peace rally in West Bengal, similar to previous gatherings held in major Indian cities. He appealed to the people of West Bengal to join the Global Peace Initiative as peace partners, clarifying that the movement does not solicit donations but seeks participation and solidarity.
Dr. Paul said he is ready to meet Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to discuss both global peace efforts and potential development collaborations for the state, reiterating that collective action is essential to prevent further escalation of conflicts worldwide.