World Interfaith Leader Award goes to Hindu statesman from Reno

The National Association of Interchurch and Interfaith Families recently announced their "World Interfaith Leader Award" for acclaimed Hindu statesman Rajan Zed of Reno.

Announcing this in the Stagecoach headquarters of NAIIF, the Rev. Michael Slater and Barbara Slater, NAIIF founders and co-chairs, said their panel of judges found that Zed "demonstrated extraordinary world leadership, courage and capacity for inspiring in others the urge of interfaith dialogue and cordial relations between faith communities."

This award will be given to Rajan Zed in a special ceremony during the "Day of Recollection" event at NAIIF's TAMBO Retreat Center on Dec. 13. "The purpose of this award is to enhance awareness of the critical role of religious dialogue in the pursuit of world peace as well as to provide support for the furtherance of these activities," the Slaters said.

"Rajan Zed has worked with many Christian (various denominations), Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, Jewish, Baha'i, Jain, Zoroastrian, Native American, etc., leaders and organizations for a deeper, broader and more inclusive understanding of religion; seeking unity that celebrated diversity, and attempted to overcome prejudices and stereotypes passed on to us from previous generations."