Butalia recognized for peacemaking efforts

Dr. Tarunjit Butalia, Research Associate Professor in the Department of Civil, Environmental and Geodetic Engineering, is the 2016 recipient of the Luminosa Award for Unity. The award is given by the Focolare Movement, an international organization that brings together people of various faiths, along with those persons who do not subscribe to any particular religion, in order to create a more peaceful and united world.

The Luminosa Award, presented to Professor Butalia, in a ceremony held on September 18, 2016 in Hyde Park, New York, "recognizes institutions or persons who have given a significant contribution to the building of universal brotherhood through their work in ecumenism, interreligious dialogue, and other aspects of social life" states the organization's website.

In a statement given shortly after he learned of the honor, Dr. Butalia stated that “It is an honor to receive this Focolare award focusing on unity. Our faiths call upon us to be peacemakers — it is time we step up to the challenge and walk the talk.”

The Luminosa Award for Unity has been sponsored by the North American Focolare Center for Education in Dialogue since 1988. Past recipients include the late Cardinal John O’Connor, Archbishop of New York; Norma Levitt, former president of Religions for Peace (RFP) and honorary president of Women of Reform Judaism; Rev. Nichiko Niwano, President of the Japanese lay Buddhist organization,Risshō Kōsei Kai; His Royal Highness Lukas Njifua Fontem, King of the Bangwa People of Cameroon; and Imam Warith Deen Mohammed, American Muslim leader.

 

This article was prepared with the assistance of the Focolare Movement. Read more about this organization and the Luminosa Award HERE.