16th World confluence on spirituality and secular values to be held in Kolkata on December 26

16th World confluence on spirituality and secular values to be held in Kolkata on December 26 (image: canva)

The 16th World Confluence of Humanity, Power and Spirituality will be held in Kolkata on December 26, bringing together global voices to discuss spirituality, secular values, and ethical leadership. The event will be inaugurated by West Bengal Governor C V Ananda Bose, marking another significant milestone for this internationally recognised forum.

India’s Chief Imam and President of the All India Imam Organisation, Imam Umer Ahmed Ilyasi, will be among the prominent speakers addressing the gathering. This year’s World Confluence focuses on the theme of Spiritual Intelligence, highlighting the growing relevance of inner wisdom, ethical clarity, and emotional awareness in modern society.

The theme also connects spirituality with present-day discussions around artificial intelligence and technology-driven governance. Organisers emphasise that while technology continues to evolve rapidly, human judgment, moral responsibility, and compassion remain irreplaceable.

Spiritual leaders from diverse faiths, along with policymakers, academicians, jurists, diplomats, scientists, corporate leaders, and social activists from India and abroad, are expected to participate. The discussions will centre on shared human values such as empathy, tolerance, ethical conduct, and social responsibility.

The Confluence follows a non-sectarian and inclusive framework, drawing inspiration from constitutional principles of secularism, equality, and peaceful coexistence. It aims to strengthen interfaith dialogue and encourage understanding across religious and cultural boundaries.

Notable speakers at the event include Swami Shri Gyananand Ji Maharaj, Jamling Tenzing Norgay, Swami Suparnananda Maharaj, Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswati, and Rajyogini B.K. Kanani.

The event is being organised by the Universal Spirituality and Humanity Foundation under the initiative of the Kanoria Foundation. Kanoria Foundation Chairman H P Kanoria stated that the World Confluence was envisioned to promote universal humanity beyond divisions of religion, culture, and nationality. He noted that the platform is especially relevant at a time when societies across the world are facing increasing polarisation.

First conceptualised in 2010, the World Confluence has evolved into a respected global platform that explores the intersection of spirituality, governance, and social responsibility. Previous editions have witnessed participation from former Presidents of India, governors, senior ministers, diplomats, scientists, educators, and spiritual leaders, with past themes addressing peace, sustainability, women’s empowerment, and ethical governance.