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Fr John Peter Muringathery CMI

Rev. Fr. John Peter CMI (1938–2024), a member of the Preshitha Province of the Carmelites of Mary Immaculate (CMI), devoted his life to the values of peace, justice, and unity, drawing deeply from his Christian faith and a profound respect for all religious traditions. 

In 1980, he founded the Divyodaya Interreligious Centre in Coimbatore, envisioning it as an open space for interactions, reflection, and cooperation among religious and cultural communities. His life was guided by the belief that 'the bonds that unite us are stronger than the barriers that separate us.' Through his visionary leadership, Divyodaya became a beacon of unity and mutual respect. His spiritual wisdom, simplicity, and unwavering commitment to the dignity of every person continue to inspire Divyodaya’s mission.

In honour of his enduring legacy, Divyodaya has instituted the Fr. John Peter Peace and Harmony Award. This award meant to recognize and celebrate individuals who have made outstanding contributions toward promoting peace, inter-religious harmony, and inclusive social transformation. By conferring this award, we reaffirm our commitment to carry forward Fr. John Peter’s dream of a world united in diversity and rooted in peace and universal love.