It was historic and exciting. Victor Kazanjian, URI International Executive Director, presented the first URI Asia Peace award to Most. Rev. Dr. Philipose Mar Chrysostom Mar Thoma Valiya Metropolitan. The award consisted of 25,000 rupees and a citation. Chrysostom could be the longest-living bishop in the world, as he was anointed as a bishop in 1953.
There is no one who is as truly an interfaith bishop as Chrysostom. He is revered by all communities in India today. Even at 100, he is quite sharp in wit and memory; his contributions are great in promoting inter-religious harmony and peace.
Chrysostom was the one who inaugurated the first URI National Assembly in India. He also inaugurated the first Holy Books conference, fourteen years ago. He inaugurated the Traveling Peace Academy Training Session of 2016, too, during a colourful function at Hotel Shilpa Regency, Kalayapuram.
The URI Karmashreshta Award was also presented to former FOMA president Sasidharan Nair (Houston, Texas).
Dr. Abraham Karickam presided over this award ceremony. Sally Mahe, Susan Anayatin, Sasidharan Nair, Prof. John Kurakar, K. O. Rajukutty, George Panicker, and P. K. Ramachandran offered FELICITATIONS.
