Two champions, one mission: Peace through interfaith dialogue
Hofstra Awards $50K Guru Nanak Prize to Oxford Interfaith Forum & United Religions Initiative
Hofstra University, in collaboration with the Sardarni Kuljit Kaur Bindra Charitable Foundation, has announced the 2024 recipients of the Guru Nanak Interfaith Prize: Dr. Thea Gomelauri, founder of the Oxford Interfaith Forum, and the United Religions Initiative (URI), the world’s largest grassroots interfaith network.
The biennial $50,000 prize – split between the winners – recognizes extraordinary efforts to build peace through faith-based dialogue. The award ceremony will take place on April 22, 2025, at the Crest Hollow Country Club, Woodbury, NY.
“Our parents envisioned this prize to spread Guru Nanak’s message of universal equality and interfaith harmony,” said T.J. Bindra of the Bindra family. “We’re honored to recognize these two powerful forces of unity.”
Scholarship meets spirit – Dr. Thea Gomelauri
A biblical scholar at the University of Oxford in London, Dr. Gomelauri’s Oxford Interfaith Forum convenes global scholars to explore sacred texts across traditions. Her research on Georgian Jewry – the oldest Jewish diaspora – has uncovered rich, overlooked narratives.
“This award, in Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s name, is a call to keep advancing peace through education,” she shared.
Recently, her Forum was also awarded the UN World Interfaith Harmony Week Award by King Abdullah II of Jordan for its role in fostering religious literacy and harmony.
From local to global: United Religions Initiative
Founded by Rt. Rev. William E. Swing, URI spans over 100 countries, empowering people at the grassroots to resolve conflicts, protect the planet, and uplift human rights – all in the spirit of mutual respect.
“Guru Nanak’s heart was vast. This award expands that spirit,” said Bishop Swing.
“This honor belongs to every URI activist working for a world built on trust, love, and unity,” added Eric Roux, URI Global Council Chair.
Legacy of founder of Sikhism
Launched in 2006 by Sardar Ishar Singh Bindra and family, the Guru Nanak Interfaith Prize celebrates the timeless message of the 15th-century Sikh Guru: equality, service, and unity beyond divisions. Past honorees include His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Eboo Patel.
“Scholarly and grassroots efforts are both essential to global understanding,” said Dr. Julie Byrne, chair of Hofstra’s Religion Department. “This year’s winners represent a powerful synergy of intellect and impact.”
For more information, please visit hofstra.edu/gurunanakprize
