Dr. Rahul Vishwanath Karad, a visionary educator from India, stood in the spotlight in Washington, D.C., receiving the 2025 Global Business and Interfaith Peace Award for his work weaving together education, business, and harmony. Honored at a heartfelt gathering, Karad’s efforts to foster understanding across cultures struck a chord in a world hungry for unity.
The award was presented during the first-ever IRF Builders Forum, a two-day event bringing together global leaders to champion religious freedom and mutual respect. As executive president of MIT World Peace University in Pune, India, Karad has turned his campus into a beacon of peace, blending lessons in ethics with business and tech. His interfaith programs and push for sustainable practices have touched thousands, earning him a place alongside corporate giants from companies like Intel. At the Roger Williams IRF Awards Dinner, Karad’s humility shone through as he said, “This award is for everyone working to make peace more than a dream—it’s our shared calling.”
Katrina Lantos Swett, who leads the forum’s organizing group, hailed Karad’s impact, saying, “He’s showing the world that teaching young minds to value peace can change everything.” The recognition comes at a time when divisions—religious, cultural, and political—are fueling strife from Asia to Europe. Karad’s university has become a model, hosting global interfaith gatherings since 2017 and inspiring Indian businesses to go green, aligning with worldwide climate efforts.
People on both sides of the globe felt the moment’s weight. In India, student Priya Mehra, studying at Karad’s university, said, “He’s taught us business can lift people up, not tear them apart.” In Washington, community organizer Michael Brooks called the award “a reminder to listen to each other, no matter our differences.” Some, like analyst Priya Sen, wonder if such efforts can truly bridge deep divides. “Karad’s work is beautiful, but it needs bigger systems—like governments—to amplify it,” she said.
This award carries big implications. In India, with 1.4 billion people and countless faiths, Karad’s approach could ease tensions that sometimes flare into conflict. Globally, his ideas offer a roadmap for schools everywhere, including in the U.S., where campuses grapple with polarization. Small businesses, often family-run, could adopt his sustainable practices, strengthening local communities. His work shows how education can be a quiet but mighty force for good.
Karad’s not slowing down. He’s planning new interfaith programs for 2026, and the forum hopes to take its message to Asia and beyond. “Peace isn’t just a goal—it’s a way of living,” Karad said. His award shines a light on what’s possible, though its success will depend on others joining the cause. For now, his moment in Washington is a powerful reminder that even in tough times, hope can take root through shared understanding.
