Shri. Koshy O. Thomas received

Queens, New York: The Closing Ceremony of the 41st Annual World Interfaith Festival and the 16th Annual World Interfaith Harmony Week Celebrations was a resounding success on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at Santoor Hall in Queens. This prestigious event convened leading religious and spiritual figures, elected officials, diplomats, and representatives from prominent non-governmental organizations associated with the United Nations, including esteemed trustees of the Parliament of the World's Religions. Community leaders and representatives from various faith traditions came together to powerfully convey the imperative themes of unity, peace, and mutual respect, which are essential in our world’s rich tapestry of diverse religions and cultures.

The festival was masterfully organized by the World Yoga Community, a recognized NGO associated with the United Nations Department of Global Communications and accredited to the United Nations Economic and Social Council with Special Consultative Status. Guru Dileepji, the Secretary of the Committee of Religious NGOs at the United Nations and an Executive Committee Member of the Interfaith Council at the New York State Office of Faith and Non-Profit Development Services, led this month-long celebration of interfaith collaboration.



The concluding Interfaith Celebration was expertly coordinated by Shri. Koshy O. Thomas, an influential and prominent community leader from the Indian diaspora in New York, in partnership with Rev. K.L.S. Bhushan Esq., a Trustee and NGO Representative of the World Yoga Community at the United Nations.

Among the distinguished special guests were New York State Assembly Members Hon. Edward C. Braunstein and Hon. Nader Sayegh, Diplomat Mr. Robert Poveda Brito, Captain Douglas Moodie of the NYPD's 105th Precinct, Dr. Kusumita Pedersen, Mr. Carl Murrell, Rev. Dr. Kathleen Regan, Dr. Oluremi Alapo, Rev. Dr. Toshikazu Kenjitsu Nakagaki, and Dr. Harish Shukla. Together, they participated in a traditional lamp-lighting ceremony, thereby blessing the festival with united prayers and greetings. The gathering also included representatives from various NGOs affiliated with the United Nations, all acknowledging the significant contributions of the organizing committee.



The World Interfaith Festival asserts a crucial role in advancing understanding, tolerance, and collaboration among diverse religious and faith communities every year. During this year's celebration, Guru Dileepji recognized Shri. Koshy O. Thomas with the esteemed "Vishwa Shanthi Padmam," an Interfaith Leadership Award honoring his lifelong dedication to community service and the principle of "Unity in Diversity." 
 

The festival underscored the critical importance of interfaith dialogue in nurturing harmony within our increasingly complex global society and garnered strong support from distinguished community leaders such as Mrs. Kirthi Shukla, V M Chacko, Dr. Cynthia Prabakar, Usha George, Ujwala Moses, Shaji Ennaseril Moses, Dr. Mariam Singh, Dunesh Kaur, Johny Zachariah, Mary Philip, Siva Balan, Vanita Ravi, Febin Simon, Dincil George, Sunder Venugopal, Supriya Jaswal, Priyanka Vaid, and Shaimi Jacob, alongside various committed local organizations.


The program unfolded as a vibrant tapestry of interfaith prayers, with representatives from a variety of religious traditions uniting in harmony. Attendees were inspired by an exceptional lineup of guest speakers who shared transformative insights and uplifting stories, encouraging profound reflection and connection. The atmosphere was alive with the melodies of devotional music, as harmonious tunes resonated alongside inspiring lyrics. Throughout the event, religious leaders delivered impassioned prayers and messages that emphasized themes of peace, compassion, and the collective strength of community.

The evening also showcased esteemed diplomats, influential NGO leaders, and community figures reflecting on the vital role of faith communities in fostering social harmony and global understanding. A significant highlight was the awards ceremony, which celebrated individuals and organizations whose contributions to interfaith collaboration and humanitarian efforts are truly exemplary.



Musical performances from talented multicultural artists, including Jose Jokin, Ujwala Moses, Jose Kurian, Bimal Ramani, and Kavya Ramani, further enriched this vibrant atmosphere. Attendees regarded the event as a powerful platform for forging relationships across diverse communities and promoting meaningful dialogue that transcends religious and cultural boundaries. The evening concluded with a firm commitment to building enduring bridges of peace, respect, and understanding among all faiths.