Lahore, Pakistan: Dr Tarunjit Singh Butalia, Executive Director of Religions for Peace USA, was honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 8th International Conference on World Religions, hosted by Minhaj University in Lahore. The two-day global event was held under the theme “Building Resilient Societies: Preventing Extremism at its Roots.”
The recognition celebrates Dr Butalia’s decades of commitment to promoting interfaith harmony and safeguarding Sikh heritage. His ongoing involvement in peacebuilding and cultural understanding has earned him global respect as a leading advocate for interreligious collaboration.
The award was presented by Dr Hussain Mohi-ud-Din Qadri, Chairman of Minhaj University, along with Vice-Chancellor Dr S.M. Shahzad. During the ceremony, Bishop Samuel Robert Azariah, Director of the Christian Study Centre in Rawalpindi, was also recognised with a national lifetime award for his work in Christian scholarship and dialogue.
The conference gathered international scholars, peace activists, and religious leaders to explore strategies for strengthening interfaith dialogue and fostering unity amid growing societal divides. Discussions centred on promoting understanding, reducing polarisation, and addressing the roots of extremism through education and collaboration.
In his acceptance remarks, Dr Butalia expressed gratitude to Minhaj University and the conference organisers. He noted that the award represents not just his personal achievements but the shared efforts of many who dedicate their lives to building bridges between diverse faiths. He underscored that open dialogue and mutual respect are key to countering intolerance and nurturing peaceful coexistence.
Throughout the event, participants examined the shared responsibility of faith communities, academia, and civil organisations in addressing the social and emotional factors that contribute to extremism. The gathering reaffirmed the importance of compassion, cooperation, and collective action in creating inclusive and resilient societies.
