Pune: Rotary International has announced the launch of the Rotary Peace Center at Symbiosis International University, Pune. This is Rotary’s latest global peace initiative and the first of its kind in India.
Located at the university’s scenic 400+ acre Lavale campus in Maharashtra, the new Rotary Peace Center will host a one-year professional certificate fellowship program, dedicated to empowering mid-career professionals with specialized training in peace studies, conflict transformation, and sustainable development.
Also Read: PhD VISTA: Alliance University Launches Multidisciplinary Doctoral Program
With a capacity to train 20 Rotary Peace Fellows per cohort twice annually, the center aims to create a strong network of peacebuilders equipped to tackle some of Asia’s most pressing challenges, including:
- Land and identity conflicts
- Climate change and environmental degradation
- Food insecurity
- Migration and refugee resettlement
- Post-conflict healing and reconciliation
“Peace is the foundation for prosperity and sustainability,” said Bharat Pandya, Trustee of The Rotary Foundation. “Our partnership with Symbiosis strengthens Rotary’s commitment to empowering local leadership and creating resilient, inclusive communities across Asia.”
Academic Rigor Meets Real-World Impact
The Rotary Peace Fellowship curriculum will include academic coursework, field visits, workshops, and individual peace and development projects that each fellow will implement in their home or host community.
Graduates will be awarded a postgraduate diploma in peace and development studies by Symbiosis International University.
“The Peace Center aligns with our founding motto, Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam – the world is one family,” said Dr Vidya Yeravdekar, Pro Chancellor, Symbiosis International University. “Rotary’s decision to partner with us marks a proud moment and strengthens our shared vision of building globally responsible citizens.”
The Rotary Peace Center at Symbiosis will offer a rich curriculum covering:
- Social justice and human rights
- Population displacement and migration
- Diplomacy and humanitarian response
- Positive Peace frameworks as defined by attitudes, institutions, and structures fostering peaceful societies
Also Read: FireBirdVR and Vishwakarma University Launch XR-Powered GuruVR Metaversity
Designed to suit professionals in active careers, the fellowship integrates academic rigor with practical tools to drive systemic change within communities and institutions.
Since 2002, Rotary Peace Centers have trained over 1,800 peacebuilders worldwide, many of whom now serve in governments, NGOs, international organizations, and multilateral agencies.
