In a world where division and conflict often dominate the headlines, the MAHATMA Peace Symposium 2023 emerges as a beacon of hope. Hosted at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS), this event transcends mere commemoration. It serves as a transformative experience that not only celebrates Mahatma Gandhi’s 154th birth anniversary but also pioneers a new standard for global peacebuilding, cultural integration, and social impact. This is not just another event; it's a movement, a revolution in the making.
The MAHATMA Peace Symposium 2023
The Genesis: A Symphony of Cultures
The MAHATMA Peace Symposium is not a new entrant in the world of peace initiatives. Building on last year’s remarkable success of the MAHATMA Peace Symposium 2022, ‘Gandhi Jayanti’ hosted for the first time at the Parliament of NSW, this year's symposium has evolved into a global phenomenon. Orchestrated by Saroni Roy, a woman whose life story is a testament to resilience and vision, the symposium was themed "My Land, My Story - Meri Kahaani, Meri Zabaani", an Australia-India Cultural Synergies Initiative. This theme serves as the soul of the event, encapsulating its commitment to fostering global unity through individual stories and cultural narratives. It's a platform that invites people from all walks of life to share their stories, their struggles, and their dreams, creating a tapestry of human experience that is as diverse as it is unified.
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Gandhi's Philosophies: A Modern Interpretation
The symposium serves as a living, breathing testament to the enduring relevance of Gandhian philosophies in today's complex world. It's not just a tribute to a man who lived over a century ago; it's an exploration of how his ideas can serve as a roadmap for the modern world. "We aim to create a paradigm shift in how the world thinks about peace," said Saroni Roy, the visionary behind the symposium. "We're not just talking about peace; we're building it, one cultural narrative at a time. We implement a 3C’s approach by tapping into the cultural economy, the creative economy, and the circular economy."
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Artistic Expression: The Soul of the Symposium
Art is not just a form of expression; it's a form of peace revolution. The event began with a traditional Australian Aboriginal Smoking Ceremony performed by First Nations elders Uncle John & Aunty Liz, a sacred ritual that set the tone for the day. This was followed by the unveiling of a masterpiece by Australian First Nations Artist Presten Warren. "Art has the power to unite us," said Saroni, who worked remotely with Presten, to curate an authentic and exquisite piece of art, ensconced in the Gandhian values of Ahimsa, Sarvodaya, Swaraj - peace, love, and reconciliation. The intricate patterns portray the Australian Indigenous peoples’ journeys. The artwork incorporates the Indigenous, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander & Indian flag colours, embodying the ancient Australian connection to India - the links between Australian Aboriginal and Indian tribes, aligning with the theme of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam”, celebrating Australia-India friendship. The artwork is also rendered on a Gajji silk saree handcrafted by the artisans of India, an Australia-India cultural synergies heritage piece, draped by Saroni.
The event featured a live music concert by Saroni and world-acclaimed violinist Sagar Nagaraj, powered by SRf Creatists & Australian Indian Orchestra (AIO).
The Global Peacebuilders Forum: A Call-to-Action
The event also featured a Global Peacebuilders Forum, a panel discussion that brought together leading social impact leaders. "This forum is a call-to-action for responsible global citizens to get involved in finding constructive solutions to problems, rather than just leaving responsibilities to the government," said Patricia Garcia AO, one of the keynote speakers. The forum urged individuals and organizations to adopt Gandhian values as a roadmap to sustainable development and peace. The panel discussion focused on “My Land, My Story - Meri Kahaani, Meri Zabaani”, deep-diving into the ancient/historical links between Australian Aboriginal and Indian tribes. And how the Gandhian values of Satyagraha, Sarvodaya & Swaraj, Gandhi’s “Constructive Program”, his ‘Village Economy Model’ was a forerunner to today’s Sustainable Cities.
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Saroni Roy — The Heart and Soul of the MAHATMA Peace Symposium
A Life of Resilience
Saroni Roy is a living testament to the power of resilience and vision. Her journey from a small town in India to the global stage is nothing short of inspiring. "I've faced challenges that could have broken me, but here I am," she says with a smile that speaks volumes. She is a cancer survivor, a body-activist, and her story of struggle, success, and service has inspired several across the globe.
A Creative Powerhouse: Most Influential Asian Australians of the Year 2023
Beyond her personal triumphs, Saroni has carved out an impressive career that spans multiple industries and continents. She is an AACTA-AFI accredited Screen Actor, Model, Creative Consultant, a seasoned PR & Media professional, and a social entrepreneur based in Sydney. Saroni recently finished shooting for Italian-Australian writer-director Parish Malfitano’s supernatural horror thriller film “Salt Along the Tongue”. The screenplay was a semifinalist in the American Zoetrope contest judged by Francis Ford Coppola in 2021 and is set to be released in 2024.
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Saroni’s expertise in peace economics, beauty, wellness, fashion, and lifestyle journalism has made her a sought-after voice in the media landscape. She has interviewed high-profile personalities like Sundar Pichai, CEO of Google & Alphabet, and Bollywood superstar Shahrukh Khan, showcasing her versatility and depth as a journalist.
In the realm of public relations, Saroni has managed PR mandates for tech giants like Google, HP, Visa, and SAP, as well as luxury brands like ITC Luxury Hotels and Seiko. Her knack for rebranding and repositioning products has garnered her recognition in the industry, making her a go-to consultant for businesses looking to make a meaningful impact.
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A Voice for Equity and Inclusion
Saroni is also a champion of diversity, equity, and inclusion. She is the first Indian-origin Australian woman to be elected as a Federal Councillor for the National Performers Committee – MEAA Equity. Her advocacy work extends to her role as an Ambassador for the Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP) and Faces of FOMA (Fabrica Of Multicultural Australia).
In 2018 Saroni won the Ms India Australia Goodwill Ambassador title at the Miss/Mrs/Mr. India Australia beauty pageant, for her extensive contribution to global community welfare and the UN-SDGs, and has won numerous awards like the 2022 Strathfield Citizen of the Year Award and the TAFE NSW Contribution to the Community Award in 2021, to name a few. Young Global Leaders Forum Nominee by the World Economic Forum in 2023, she is also listed as the 100 Most Influential Asian Australians of the Year 2023 by Being Asian Australian, further solidifying her status as a global influencer and thought leader.
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The Visionary
Saroni Roy is not just the organizer; she's the visionary behind the MAHATMA Peace Symposium. "I wanted to create a platform that goes beyond talk, one that actually makes a difference," she says. Under her leadership, the symposium has grown into a global phenomenon, a testament to her vision and determination. She has rebranded and repositioned several products, launched new titles, and handled the PR mandate for Luxury & Tech giants like Google, HP, Visa, SAP, ITC Luxury Hotels, and more.
A Legacy in Progress
Saroni Roy is building a legacy, a more inclusive, more peaceful ‘One World’ to live and love. "I believe in the transformative power of stories and multicultural narratives," she says. "And I believe that each of us has a role to play in making this world a better place." She’s the Creator & Producer of Lashkaaraa Diwali Couture Show, an accelerator platform for BIPOC artisans in the business of fashion, perpetuating cultural & body diversity in the Australian fashion industry.
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For Media Inquiries:
Saroni Roy, Founder & CEO, SARONI ROY Foundation
Email: saroni@saroniroy.com
Website: www.saroniroy.com
