MIT-WPU’s Dr. Rahul Karad Honoured With 2025 Global Business And Interfaith Peace Award In Washington, D.C.
The programme was organized by the International Religious Freedom (IRF) Secretariat
Dr. Rahul Vishwanath Karad, Executive President of MIT World Peace University (MIT-WPU), has been conferred with the prestigious 2025 Global Business and Interfaith Peace Award at the inaugural IRF Builders Forum & Roger Williams IRF Awards Dinner held in Washington, D.C.
Organized by the International Religious Freedom (IRF) Secretariat, the two-day international forum gathered global leaders and institutions dedicated to promoting religious freedom, intercultural dialogue, and peaceful coexistence. The award honors individuals who have made significant contributions at the intersection of business, education, and interfaith peacebuilding.
With this recognition, Dr. Karad joins a distinguished league of global changemakers, including past recipients such as the CEO of Intel, Chair of Tyson Foods, CCO of American Airlines, and Chairman of Godrej Industries. Instituted in 2016 in collaboration with the UN Global Compact and former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s Business for Peace initiative, the award has previously been hosted in cities like Rio de Janeiro, Tokyo, Seoul, New Delhi, and now, Washington, D.C.
Dr. Karad was honored for his pioneering work in promoting peace education at MIT-WPU, particularly through values-based learning and interfaith dialogue initiatives. Central to his vision is the integration of spirituality and science, embodied by the World Peace Dome in Pune — one of the largest domes in the world, housing statues of 54 revered spiritual and philosophical leaders from all faiths.
In his heartfelt acceptance speech, Dr. Karad said: “This is my motherland — the sacred land of Mahatma Gandhi and Gautam Buddha. I thank you for recognizing me, but it is my father who is the true champion of world peace. Inspired by Swami Vivekananda’s timeless vision — that the unification of science and spirituality alone can bring peace to mankind — he devoted his life to this cause.”
Highlighting the university’s commitment to fostering interfaith understanding, he added: “At MIT World Peace University, we have embedded this ethos into our academic framework through a six-credit Peace Studies program. Over 85,000 students are engaging with teachings from all major religions, fostering interfaith harmony from a young age. I invite you all to visit the World Peace Dome and be part of this ongoing journey.”
This global recognition reaffirms MIT-WPU’s growing role as a beacon for peace-centric education and its commitment to shaping responsible global citizens through the fusion of academic excellence and ethical leadership.
