The vision of the founders when they started Shantivanam Ashram was that it should be a meeting place for different religious traditions and cultures of the world – the intermingling of the West and the East. Hence the Ashram gives importance to conduct dialogues between Christianity and other religions such as Hinduism, Islamism, Sikkism, Buddhism, Jainism etc. Every year two meetings are held one on 21st September, the World Peace Day and another in the month of January. Pope Francis stressed that “True openness means remaining firm in one’s deepest convictions, therefore being open to understanding of others.” Ecumenical Dialogues between churches is also held that is aimed at church unity and fellowship and to reclaim the common Christian Heritage. As an activity short field trips are conducted for the guests to nearby temples and other places of interest to explore the local traditions and cultures. Global tolerance and harmony is the main focus.
