On February 15-16, 2025 Ambassador of Ukraine to India Dr. Oleksandr Polishchuk participated as the guest of honour in the “Sustainability in the Classroom” conference at the World HQ of Heartfulness Institute – Kanha Shanti Vanam in Telangana, India.
The Conference served as a platform for educators and policymakers to discuss strategies for empowering young leaders in sustainable development, ensuring that their actions contribute to keeping their communities green, healthy, and livable for all.
During the panel discussion, the Ambassador emphasized Ukraine’s 10-point Peace Formula, presented by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, as a comprehensive framework for restoring peace in Ukraine in accordance with international law and the UN Charter. He specifically highlighted Point 1: Radiation and Nuclear Safety, stressing the urgent need to address threats posed by Russia’s occupation of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant. Additionally, he underscored Point 8: Environmental Safety, which calls for international efforts to mitigate the devastating ecological consequences of Russia’s war against Ukraine.
The Ambassador also underscored the severe environmental challenges facing Ukraine, noting that approximately 156,000 square kilometres — nearly 25% of the country — are contaminated with landmines and unexploded ordnance. This contamination not only endangers civilians but also disrupts agriculture, hinders economic recovery, and severely damages ecosystems. He emphasized that Ukraine has proposed solutions based on international law, calling for global cooperation in demining, ecological restoration, and ensuring long-term environmental security as a crucial element of post-war recovery.
A key aspect of the visit to World HQ of Heartfulness Institute was Ambassador’s meeting with Shri Kamlesh D. Patel – Daaji, the Head of Heartfulness. The discussion focused on how the Heartfulness programs could be integrated into healing efforts for those affected by the war and play a significant role in helping Ukrainians, particularly children and veterans, cope with post-war trauma. These activities could potentially become an important part of Ukrainian-Indian cultural and humanitarian cooperation under the framework of the Program for Cultural Cooperation between Ukraine and India for 2024-2028 or under the auspices of the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR).
Ambassador also highly appreciated Heartfulness’ approach aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals as well as harmonious integration of nature and human well-being at Kanha Shanti Vanam.
We express our sincere gratitude to the Heartfulness team and personally Daaji, for warm hospitality and meaningful discussions. Looking forward to further fruitful cooperation.
Special thanks to Mr. Arnab Roychurmony - Secretary of the Ukraine-India Society for support and personal dedication to this important cause.