Awards 2010

Peace, Justice, and Religious Freedom
Emphasized at IFC Bridge Builder's Awards

A capacity crowd filled the Pope John Paul II Cultural Center for IFC’s Second Annual Bridge Builders Awards, honoring individuals from the Sikh, Muslim and Hindu faiths for their inter-religious work. Deepak Chopra, world renowned leader in mind-body medicine, and Archbishop Pietro Sambi, Apostolic Nuncio to the United States, presented awards and participated in a private dialogue with guests.

 

Awards were presented to: Tareq and Walid Alassi for their mother, Mrs. Mona Ismail (posthumously), a Muslim and former IFC Director of Events and Communications; IFC Board member Dr. Rajwant Singh, DDS, a Sikh leader active in peace, justice and religious freedom in the United States and India; and IFC Board member, Dr. K.N. Siva Subramanian, MD, Founder and Chair of the Sri Siva Vishnu Temple, Founder of the United Hindu-Jain Temples Association and Hindu Temples of the USA. The countries of Pakistan and India were also given awards for their ground-breaking work to open their borders and strengthen peace in South Asia.

 

During a spirited event honoring religious leaders from three faiths for their work toward religious understanding and collaboration, the challenge of achieving peace in a world rife with religious violence also was discussed during a private roundtable dialogue led by Archbishop Pietro Sambi and Deepak Chopra.

 
Archbishop Pietro Sambi, Dr. Siva Subramanian, and Deepak Chopra light the candle of a traditional Indian rangoli

 

Guests enjoying the reception before the award presentation

Deepak Chopra speaking to a member of the media

All photos by Richard Bloom except top photo by Bill Sanda


Guests participating in a roundtable discussion with Archbishop Pietro Sambi and Deepak Chopra


Archbishop Pietro Sambi


IFC Board member Simeon Kriesberg with Archbishop Pietro Sambi


IFC Board Member Brother Ed Adams with Archbishop Pietro Sambi


Archbishop Pietro Sambi, Rev. Dr. Clark Lobenstine, Deepak Chopra, and Tareq Alassi


Sikh Musicians


Award Winner Dr. Siva Subramanian


Award Winner Dr. Rajwant Singh


Muhammad Aslam Khan accepting the award on behalf of the Pakistani Embassy


Rev. Dr. Clark Lobenstine, Executive Director of the IFC


Dr. Rajwant Singh with family, friends, and members of the Sikh community

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