UNLV Screening Host Of AHIMSA-GANDHI One Oct Panelist Include

Rajmohan Gandhi (prerecorded One Oct Opening Address for the Las Vegas community)

Rajmohan Gandhi is a distinguished Indian biographer, historian, and research professor at the Center for South Asian and Middle Eastern Studies at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, in the United States. His illustrious lineage includes being the grandson of Mahatma Gandhi and Chakravarthi Rajagopalachari. Beyond academia, he is known for his enduring commitment to trust-building, reconciliation, and democracy. Rajmohan Gandhi’s contributions extend to activism, where he has played pivotal roles in initiatives for social change, including the establishment of Asia Plateau, a renowned conference center promoting ecological awareness in western India. He has also authored several notable books, including a biography of Mahatma Gandhi, “Mohandas: A True Story of a Man, His People, and an Empire,” which received recognition from the Indian History Congress. Additionally, his political journey includes a stint in the Indian Parliament and involvement with the Aam Aadmi Party. Rajmohan Gandhi’s remarkable life and work reflect his unwavering dedication to India’s history, ideals, and the pursuit of social justice.

Rajmohan Gandhi, a prominent figure in Indian academia and activism, an impressive legacy as the grandson of Mahatma Gandhi and Chakravarthi Rajagopalachari. His multifaceted career spans academia, where he has taught at the University of Illinois, and activism, with a focus on trust-building, reconciliation, and democracy. Notably, he played a pivotal role in establishing the eco-conscious Asia Plateau conference center in India. Rajmohan Gandhi is also an accomplished author, with works like “Mohandas: A True Story of a Man, His People, and an Empire,” receiving accolades. His political engagement includes serving in the Indian Parliament and a brief affiliation with the Aam Aadmi Party. Rajmohan Gandhi’s life and contributions exemplify a dedication to India’s heritage and the pursuit of social justice. 

Ramesh Sharma A well-known India based film producer. He has won numerous awards as a director and producer in international and national film festivals over the course of his career for both films and documentaries.  He produced and co-directed the EMMY-nominated feature documentary “The Journalist” and “The Jihadi- The Murder of Daniel Pearl.” His latest feature documentary “AHIMSA- Gandhi: The Power of the Powerless” earned many awards from around the world including the United Nations Celebration of Peace Award. Ramesh served as the Chairman of the Jury of the Non-Feature National Awards and has been on the board of governors of National Institute of Technology Sikkim, and the Central University of Himachal Pradesh is a central research university headquartered from Dharmsala, Himachal Pradesh, India. 

Sam Pitroda – Mr. Sam Pitroda is an internationally respected development thinker, policymaker, inventor, and entrepreneur who has spent over 55 years in Telecom developments.  Credited with having laid the foundation of India’s Technology and Telecommunications revolution in the 1980s, during Rajiv Gandhi’s government, Mr. Pitroda has been a leading campaigner to help bridge the global digital divide. In the mid-1990s, He founded Worldtel in London to help privatize telecom in developing countries. He invented the electronic diary in 1974, mobile wallet in 1996, and set up C-SAM Inc., acquired by Master Card in 2013. From 2005 -2014 Mr. Pitroda was Chairman of the National Knowledge Commission and Advisor to the Indian prime minister with a cabinet minister’s rank. He was also Chairman of the National Innovation Council, Smart grid task, Railway modernization, and public broadcast reforms. He is the founder, investor, and Chairman of six start-ups and five nonprofit foundations. Mr. Pitroda holds over 100 patents, 20 Hon. Ph.Ds. and has published and lectured extensively globally. He is a member of the American Academy of Engineers. His biography was published in 1992, and Penguin published his autobiography “Dreaming Big” in 2015. 

Bishop Dr. Luonne Abram Rouse, a distinguished American United Methodist retired minister, licensed marriage and family therapist, and a multifaceted leader, embodies a life dedicated to peace, justice, and inclusivity. With a background that includes military service, activism, and religious leadership, Dr. Rouse has made significant contributions to promoting social justice, peace, and equality. His extensive service as a Lieutenant Commander in the US Navy Reserve Chaplain Corps, work for peace in Burundi alongside global leaders, and engagement with Prison Fellowship underscore his commitment to making the world a better place. Dr. Rouse’s inclusive church ministry, groundbreaking work in racial harmony within the Methodist Church, and efforts to foster interfaith relationships have left a lasting impact. Moreover, his contributions extend to entrepreneurship and published works, with books like “Mending the Crack in the Rock,” “In Search of Peace,” “Reading and Praying Through Psalms 9/11 – 2/7,” and “Laptop Theologian” sparking important conversations about ministry and spirituality. Dr. Rouse’s unwavering dedication to peace, reconciliation, and justice continues to inspire individuals and communities globally, making him a highly respected figure in his field.

Minister Katherine Duncan is a dedicated advocate for social harmony, community development, and sustainable living, making significant contributions as a panelist in various forums. With a strong background in business administration and a commitment to universal moral principles, she brings a unique perspective to discussions on fostering cooperation across diverse boundaries. Katherine’s work with the Universal Peace Federation underscores her dedication to promoting reconciliation and peace beyond the constraints of religion, race, ethnicity, and nationality. Her leadership as the Chairwoman of the Universal Peace Federation in Las Vegas from 2015 to 2018 highlights her commitment to these ideals.

Furthermore, Katherine’s extensive involvement in community-building and her role as the Executive Director of the Harrison House, a cultural center aimed at healing families and nurturing sustainable communities, demonstrates her practical approach to positive change. Her dedication to promoting Eastern medicine in Nevada to combat the opioid crisis reflects her holistic view of addressing pressing issues. Her passion for education and commitment to empowering parents in their role as educators, as well as her efforts in growing businesses through the Ward 5 Chamber of Commerce, showcase her multifaceted approach to making a lasting impact.  She is a Director of the ACLC National Nonviolence Commission, who is on a mission to establish clergy coalitions in cities across America centered on 4th April, further demonstrating her unwavering commitment to promoting nonviolence and fostering cooperation in communities nationwide. As a panelist, Katherine Duncan-Reed brings a wealth of experience and a strong moral compass to discussions, contributing to the advancement of important social and community-focused initiatives.

Dr. Sulekh C. Jain, Ph.D., is a distinguished scholar and a dedicated advocate for nonviolence, pluralism, and ethical living. He is the author of Ahimsa Crises: You Decide. As a Past President of Federation of Jain Associations in North America (JAINA) and  Past Chair of the JAINA Academic Liaisons Committee, he has tirelessly worked to promote the principles of Jainism, particularly Ahimsa (nonviolence) and Anekaant (multi-sided viewpoints). Dr. Jain’s expertise extends to diverse topics, including the role of religions in environmental sustainability, interfaith dialogue, ethics in business, and the profound wisdom of Jainism. He is also closely affiliated with the International School for Jain Studies and  for many years served as a board member of the Mahatma Gandhi Library in Houston, Texas. Dr. Jain’s commitment to community leadership is evident through his past roles as Secretary and President of various Jain associations, including the Jain Society of Houston and the Jain Center of Cincinnati/Dayton. Alongside his wife, Ravi Jain, he actively engages in numerous organizations, advocating for causes such as veganism and beyond. Currently residing in Henderson, Nevada, a suburb of Las Vegas, Dr. Sulekh C. Jain continues to be a driving force in promoting compassion, peace, and sustainability in today’s world.

Lynnea Bylund, Panel Moderator | Founder and President of Ahimsa Peace Institute and author of several publications. She founded Catalyst House in 1999 and served on the Board of Directors of Gandhi Worldwide Education Institute (GWEI) from early 2010. GWEI is in Consultative Status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council since July 23, 2015, with Lynnea serving as its UN EcoSoc representative.  She served as Managing Director of Gandhi Legacy Tours from 2012 through 2019. Lynnea’s career spans four decades, marked by her expertise in administration, marketing, and business development. During the 1990s, she gained national recognition as a spokesperson for emerging alternative video and information delivery industries. During that time, she also founded two wireless trade associations, engaged in lobbying efforts on Capitol Hill and at the FCC, and passionately advocated against the cable TV monopoly, illegal spectrum warehousing, and misguided congressional attempts to auction the nation’s airwaves.  Notably, Lynnea’s women owned company South Seas Satellite made history in 1995 as one of only 18 winners in the world’s largest cash auction, securing a Broadband PCS operating permit alongside industry giants like Sprint, AT&T, and Verizon, in the biggest cash auction in world history, raising a whopping $7.7 billion. Additionally, she played a pivotal role in launching the first wireless cable TV network in the South Pacific islands. The Universal Peace Federation recognized Ms. Bylund as an Ambassador for Peace on September 21, 2023 The United Nations International Day of Peace.

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Also, on the program performing Gandhiji’s favorite Bhajan Vaishnav jana toh

Sweta Verma started her public performance at an early age and went on to win several interstates and all India music competitions and awards. After obtaining her Hindustani classical vocal music master’s degrees from Allahabad University, India, she continued her intense musical training under the guidance of Late Pt. Shayam Lal Mishra.

As a composer, performer, and teacher, Sweta has showcased her talents in various parts of India, USA, and Australia. She has also appeared on programs aired on TV, Radio, and President house in India. With more than 15 years of experience, she is a dedicated music teacher, sharing her knowledge and passion with others. Sweta’s powerful voice has the ability to deeply touch the hearts of every listener. She is a devoted musician of high caliber, offering quality music not only through her performances but also through her teaching.