Religions for Peace Awards Ms. Ravinder Kaur Nijjar the Lifetime Service Award for Multi-Religious Peacebuilding

On 17 August 2023, Religions for Peace and the Ansari Institute for Global Engagement with Religion  held the The Pen and the Sword award ceremony to recognise faith actors who have made vital contributions in their communities to advance peace and human dignity.

Ms. Ravinder Kaur Nijjar, Chair of the Religions for Peace United Kingdom Women of Faith Network, was presented the Lifetime Service Award for Multi-Religious Peacebuilding by Chief Rabbi David Rosen, Co-President of Religions for Peace.

Speaking after the presentation, Ms. Nijjar noted that “I am deeply honoured and humbled to receive this prestigious award. First and foremost, I would like to express my gratitude to God for giving me the opportunity to serve, this award belongs to God.” Ms. Nijjar spoke of how she started in interfaith work, the honour given to women by the founders of the world’s religions, values led education being paramount for nurturing compassionate human beings, the leadership role of women and the importance of men and women working together for gender equality.

Also present at the award ceremony were Bhai Sahib Bhai Mohinder Singh, Co-President of Religions for Peace and Sikh Spiritual Leader of Guru Nanak Nishkam Sewak Jatha; Professor Anantanand Rambachan, Co-President of Religions for Peace; Professor Azza Karam, Former Secretary General of Religions for Peace;Dr. William Vendley,  Secretary General Emeritus of Religions for Peace; and Ms. Lyka Mtambo, Member of the Religions for Peace International Youth Committee with other International Youth Committee members.

Ms. Ravinder Kaur Nijjar was also part of the Sikh delegation who served Langar, a vegetarian meal, to all 7,000 participants of the Parliament of the World’s Religions every day. Selfless service to God’s Creation and feeding the hungry is an essential part of the Sikh religion.