The Interfaith Forum Manipur (IFM) conferred its first Annual Peaceful Coexistence Award 2026 to Rev. (Dr.) Vumthang Sitlhou, President, Thadou Baptist Association of India (TBAI) & Former Gen Secy, Manipur Baptist Convention (MBC) and Bhaktisvarupa Swami Damodara, founder of Mani Mandir, ISKCON Temple and pioneer in interfaith spirituality in Manipur, posthumously, on the 3rd Foundation Day IFM on Friday, the 5th June.
A press release of the IFM said the function brought together about hundred persons including religious leaders, scholars, lawyers and members of various faith communities to reaffirm their commitment to peace, harmony, and mutual understanding in creating a democratic space for peace which everyone longs for.
The release further said the function was graced by Thokchom Satyabrata Singh, Speaker of the Manipur Legislative Assembly and Vice President of Sri Sri Govindaji Temple Board, as the Chief Guest, while Sandham Gandharaj, Member Secretary, Lainingthou Sanamahi Temple Board (LSTB), attended as the Guest of Honour.
The programme was presided over by Aribam Brajakumar Sharma, Founding Member of IFM and President of MCIC. Notable among the special invitees present on the occasion were Ashok Atale, Vivekananda Kendra, Swami Gopalkrishnananda, Divine Life Society, Shri K. Brajamani Sharma, SSGTB, Mandeep & Charanjit Singh, Sikh Samaj; Roopchand & Manoj, Jain Samaj, Advocate S. Rabindra, Acharya Leihaothabam Saratchandra Sharma, and Nanao, India Peace Centre, Manipur chapter, the release added.
Addressing the gathering, the speakers highlighted the importance of interfaith dialogue, mutual respect, and peaceful coexistence in strengthening the social fabric of Manipur, the release said.
The Speaker emphasized that unity amidst diversity remains essential for building a peaceful and prosperous society and expressed his willingness to support IFM at his level capacity, it added.
The first Annual IFM Peaceful Coexistence Award Manipur 2026, conferred posthumously upon His Holiness Swami Bhaktisvarupa (Dr.) Damodara and Rev. Dr. Vumthang Sitlhou in recognition of their exemplary contributions towards promoting interfaith harmony, reconciliation, peacemaking and peaceful coexistence in Manipur, the release further said.
The awards were handed over to Prabhu Banamali of ISKCON and Archbishop Linus Neli of Catholic Diocese of Imphal, respectively. The award comes with a Citation, IFM Lengyan and Rs 10,000/- as peace money to honour individuals whose lives and work have inspired understanding and cooperation among diverse communities.
Acharya Kh. Nepolean, founder of One Consciousness Foundation, gave welcome address while highlighting the importance of peace as spiritual growth of every person. Acharya Deben Bachaspatimayum, Convener, IFM presented the Annual Report, stating that the interfaith initiative is a continuation of composite cultural heritage of Manipur as diverse religions come into the central valley to enrich a unique culture of interfaith understanding for peaceful coexistence of all.
Acharya Deben further highlighted the launch of IFM Locally sponsored One Year Youth Peacebuilding Fellowship program with an aim to produce 100 young peacebuilding professionals across the religious and ethnic communities; Foundation Stone laying at Lainingthou Sanamahi Temple complex for a World Peace Centre Manipur; and initiative for a public discourse on “Politics as Freedom from Violence from Theological and Philosophical perspectives” as an attempt to separate violence from politics as sacred human affairs.
Underlining that peace is the intrinsic value of every individual and religion, he also stated that the responsibilities for building local capacities for peace also lie with every individual and religion, including the government elected by the people. He concluded his report by inviting 5 youth peacebuilding fellows to share how each of the are experiencing transformative experiences through series IFM’s peacebuilding fellowship program.
The celebration concluded with a renewed pledge by participants to work collectively for peace, understanding, and communal harmony across Manipur, the release reiterated.
