Gandhi Global Family and the Church of Scientology Netherlands Collaborate on Peace and Human Rights
AMSTERDAM, The Netherlands — 19 August 2026 — Representatives from the Gandhi Global Family, the Church of Scientology Netherlands, and civil society from the Netherlands and India gathered at the Mahatma Gandhi statue on Churchilllaan in Amsterdam. They paid tribute to peace, non-violence, and human dignity with a floral ceremony.
The ceremony featured attendees including Mr. Ram Mohan Rai of Gandhi Global Family; Mrs. Krishnakanta Rai; Gerbrig Deinum, a human rights activist from the Church of Scientology Amsterdam; Patricia Haveman, a Gandhian and human rights advocate; and Robert Kruijt of the Church of Scientology Amsterdam. Members of the Indian and Dutch communities were also present.
Participants highlighted Gandhi’s enduring principles of truth, non-violence, satyagraha, and compassion, noting their relevance in today’s world marked by conflict and intolerance. Speakers emphasized the universal applicability of these principles in addressing injustice.
Rai underscored Gandhi Global Family’s mission of promoting Gandhian philosophy, interfaith harmony, and human rights. He portrayed Gandhi as a global moral figure, emphasizing individual responsibility in addition to institutional roles.
In remarks reported by Punjab Kesari, Rai reiterated Gandhi’s teachings on truth and moral courage, encouraging actions beyond mere admiration.
Deinum remarked on the symbolism of Gandhi’s statue on Churchilllaan, noting how non-violence outlasts imperial power. She stressed that Gandhi’s ideals of truth and non-violence have transformative historical significance.
Rai described Deinum as a Gandhian ally, illustrating the bonds formed across diverse backgrounds through shared humanitarian values.
The bronze statue by Dutch sculptor Karel Gomes, depicting Gandhi with his staff, was unveiled on 2 October 1990. The design features interwoven natural stone, symbolizing Gandhi’s efforts towards reconciliation.
Gandhi’s birth anniversary is recognized by the United Nations as the International Day of Non-Violence, highlighting his global impact on peace and tolerance.
Patricia Haveman commended the Rais for their commitment to peace and proposed a global Gandhian event on 2 October, inviting international participation.
Future collaboration talks between the Gandhi Global Family and United for Human Rights in India included human rights education and peace initiatives, influenced by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and Gandhi’s non-violent vision.
United for Human Rights, supported by the Church of Scientology, offers educational resources on the Universal Declaration’s articles in understandable terms, utilized by a wide spectrum of educators and advocates.
Inspired by Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard, the Church emphasizes the indelibility of spiritual freedom and fundamental human rights, promoting educational initiatives to enhance understanding.
Ivan Arjona of Scientology emphasized the synergy of civic responsibility and human rights knowledge as pillars for European peace and democracy.
Involvement from the Church of Scientology Amsterdam in local interfaith activities remains strong, collaborating on educational and social responsibility projects since its 1972 inception.
Robert Kruijt linked Gandhian and modern human rights education, advocating for younger generations to engage with Gandhi’s teachings on non-violence and courage.
The event concluded with a collective commitment to Gandhi’s principles, represented by the floral tribute, fostering cooperation between Indian and Dutch participants transforming these ideals into community action.
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