T. K. ABOOBAKKER, DISTRICT PRESIDENT, AHMADIYYA MUSLIM COMMUNITY ERNAKULAM
Against the backdrop of growing global unrest and the fear of war, the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, Ernakulam district organised a Hiroshima–Nagasaki remembrance and peace talk 2026 under the theme “A World Longing for Peace”. The event was held on Saturday, 8 August 2026, at 4:30 PM at the YMCA Hall, Ernakulam.
The programme was directly inspired by the global efforts of the Community’s Caliph and World Head, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmadaba, who has been warning the world of an impending world war and raising his voice against weapon profiteering and nuclear proliferation for the past two decades. Remembering the tragedies of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, the conference reflected deeply on the urgent need for lasting peace for the survival and well-being of humanity.
As the District President of the Community in Ernakulam, my humble self chaired the event. The programme commenced with the recitation of the Holy Quran by Mr Mahboob Ahmad, followed by a warm welcome address by Mr Muhammad Safwan.
Delivering the keynote address, Mr E. H. Najeeb, a member of the Community’s Ernakulam District Committee, observed that injustice and the interference of powerful nations remain among the principal causes of conflicts and wars across the world. In light of the warnings of Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmadaba, he expounded on the devastating consequences that a potential nuclear war can bring about and underlined the urgent need for establishing absolute justice at all levels, as that is the sole guarantor of peace.
The chief guest of the event, Swami Gururethnam Jnana Thapaswi, General Secretary of Santhigiri Ashram, reminded the audience that humanity is increasingly becoming consumed by the spirit of war. He emphasised that the true history of war is not confined to battlefields alone; while destroyed cities may be rebuilt, shattered hearts cannot easily be restored. He stressed that only through lofty spiritual values, profound human compassion, mutual respect, and sincere dialogue can sustainable peace be established.
Other distinguished speakers included Justice P. S. Gopinath, writer M. V. Benny, Babu Raj (President, Advaita Prachara Sabha), Iqbal Valiyaveettil (National Vice Chairman, AICC Minority Department), and journalist Ridgen Riballo, all of whom highlighted the social and national imperative of promoting peace and harmony.
One of the participants, P. D. Sebastian, who had personally visited Hiroshima and Nagasaki, was very much influenced by the programme and described the initiative as “an exemplary and inspiring step worthy of emulation”.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Mr B. B. Ahmad Kabir, President Ernakulam chapter, who expressed heartfelt gratitude to all distinguished guests, speakers, volunteers, and participants whose dedicated efforts contributed to the success of the event.
After the programme, attendees were served refreshments and tea, providing a further opportunity to exchange ideas and thoughts with one another.
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