In a tribute to the enduring legacies of Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr., a peace pilgrimage is actively promoting non-violence, global peace, and harmony across the USA, Canada, and the UK.
Beginning in July from Pune in India, the ‘Gandhi-King Peace Pilgrimage’ will culminate in November with a symbolic walk to the Gandhi statue in London.
The pilgrimage is spearheaded by ‘VishwaMitra’ Yogesh Mathuria, a global peace advocate and wellness coach. His vision is to inspire individuals and nations to adopt peaceful solutions, fostering understanding, dialogue, and unity.
The Eastern US phase of the pilgrimage began on July 28 in New York and is wending its way through Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana. This phase will culminate in Dallas, Texas, on September 3.
Yogesh has walked 21,000 km on peace pilgrimages, embodying the principle of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (the world is one family).
Mathuria is joined by dedicated co-pilgrims Nitin Sonawane and Rev. Kanshin Ikeda.
Nitin Sonawane:At 33, this engineer and social activist from Pune has cycled through 20 countries and walked across 30 countries, promoting non-violence inspired by Gandhi, Buddha, and Ambedkar. Better known as the Gandhi Peace Walker, he has engaged in peace dialogues with over a hundred thousand youths.
Rev. Kanshin Ikeda:A 45-year-old peace walker and Buddhist monk from the Nipponzan Myohoji Buddhist Order in Tokyo, Japan, he is a devoted follower of Rev. Nichidatu Fujii Guruji (1885-1985), who was known as the ‘Gandhi of Japan’ for building Peace Pagodas across the world. Rev. Kanshin Ikeda has gone on peace walks across 25 countries, chanting the mantra ‘Nam Myoho Renge Kyo’ and beating the peace drum to pray for the well-being of all. He has walked for nuclear disarmament from Tokyo to Hiroshima and Nagasaki and has participated in peace walks in India, Armenia, the UK, the USA, South Africa, Kenya, and more.
Following the completion of the Eastern USA leg of their journey, the pilgrims will fly from Dallas to Halifax, Canada, on September 4 for an international peace program. They will return to embark on the second phase of their pilgrimage in the US, which will cover the West Coast from September 23 to October 31. This segment will start in Seattle and pass through Washington, Oregon, and California.
Mathuria states, “The impact of our Peace Pilgrimage is beyond measure. Guided by the Bhagavad Gita’s teaching, ‘Karmanye Vadhikaraste ma phaleshu kadachana,’ (You have the right to your actions, not the fruits thereof), it has profoundly transformed our lives and those of our close associates.”
Mathuria is grateful for the immense support and blessings they receive from local people, keeping their hearts charged at all times. The pilgrims have invited local people everywhere to join them on this journey.
He adds that the Peace Pilgrimage is a fundamental part of the age-old Indian civilization. Great personages such as their ideal Gandhi and Guru Nanak have walked far and wide to spread the message of peace.
The peace pilgrimage will reach England in early November. Starting from Liverpool, it will conclude at the statue of Mahatma Gandhi in Parliament Square, London, on November 15.
Mathuria upholds the tradition initiated by Gandhi 125 years ago, integrating prayers from all major religions into daily practice. This inclusive spiritual approach encompasses Hinduism, Islam, Zoroastrianism, Sikhism, Jainism, Judaism, Buddhism, and Christianity. At every stop of their pilgrimage, they share these prayers embodying a commitment to unity and peace across diverse faiths. This practice stands as a testament to their belief in the harmony of all religions and the universal pursuit of peace.
Yogesh Mathuria is also dedicated to catalyzing holistic wellness, reversing health challenges, and healing the soul, mind, and body. Having worked for over 30 years in the IT services industry, the turning point in his life came after his wife’s untimely death from cancer despite access to top oncologists.
This tragedy spurred him to explore the true essence of wellness, leading him to conclude the importance of a balanced mind, optimal nutrition, and a regulated life. He successfully applied these principles to first heal himself. He then established the World School of Happiness in 2010 and the Wellness Lounge in 2012, offering alternative healing systems to promote wellness and oneness.
His journey underscores that peace within oneself is essential for global harmony and wellness. With over 30 years in the IT Services industry and extensive travel to 25 countries, Yogesh’s journey took a transformative turn in 2005, focusing on global peace advocacy.
In a message to Lotus, Long Island-based Volunteers of Shanti Fund compliments Mathuria group’s mission to promote peace and nonviolence, which they have supported since 2017-2018.
Source Credit: alotusinthemud.com
