Kolkata is gearing up to host a significant global gathering focused on fostering unity and ethical leadership. The 16th edition of the World Confluence of Humanity, Power and Spirituality is scheduled to be inaugurated by West Bengal Governor C V Ananda Bose on December 26 in the city.
Theme and Key Participants
This year's event will revolve around the compelling theme of "Spiritual Intelligence." The forum aims to highlight crucial ideas like religious tolerance, secular coexistence, and meaningful dialogue between different faiths. In an era dominated by technological advances, the emphasis on spiritual intelligence seeks to engage with contemporary debates on artificial intelligence and tech-led governance. It will underline the enduring importance of human judgment, ethical clarity, and emotional awareness.
The confluence is expected to attract a diverse array of participants from India and abroad. Alongside spiritual leaders from multiple traditions, the event will see policymakers, academicians, jurists, diplomats, scientists, corporate leaders, and social activists coming together. A key speaker addressing the gathering will be Imam Umer Ahmed Ilyasi, India’s Chief Imam and president of the All India Imam Organisation.
A Platform for Universal Values
Organized by the Universal Spirituality and Humanity Foundation under the initiative of the Kanoria Foundation, the event follows a non-sectarian framework. It draws inspiration from the constitutional values of secularism and equality. Discussions will center on shared human principles such as compassion, empathy, ethical conduct, and social responsibility.
Other notable speakers at the program include Swami Shri Gyananand Ji Maharaj, Jamling Tenzing Norgay, Swami Suparnananda Maharaj, Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswati, and Rajyogini B.K. Kanani, among others.
Legacy and Vision of the Forum
Now in its 16th edition, the World Confluence was first conceived in 2010. Over the years, it has grown into a prominent platform that bridges conversations at the intersection of spirituality, governance, and social responsibility. H P Kanoria, Chairman of the Kanoria Foundation, stated that the World Confluence was conceptualized to promote the idea of universal humanity, cutting across divisions of religion, culture, and nationality.
"The forum seeks to encourage dialogue and ethical leadership at a time when societies across the world are witnessing growing polarization," he explained. Past editions have seen participation from former presidents of India, governors, senior ministers, diplomats, scientists, educators, and spiritual leaders. Themes in earlier years have ranged from peace and sustainability to women’s empowerment and ethical governance.
This gathering in Kolkata represents a continued effort to build bridges and foster a global dialogue rooted in humanity's highest spiritual and ethical ideals.
