Join us in our mission to create a culture of peace and nonviolence. Together, we can make a real difference in the lives of others.
Picture Credit: Adelaide Cole, CMU - OM, and MLK Mural - 2013
Our Philosophy
Our strength lies not just in words, but in our actions. Since our inception in 2000, we have understood the power of unity in overcoming challenges. This led to the establishment of AHINSA (Alliance for Humanitarian Initiatives Nonviolence and Spiritual Advancement) by sOm Sharma, where we aim to bring about positive change through our initiatives. AHINSA is an Interfaith, Inter-cultural forum for Peace, Nonviolence, and Spirituality
Our Impact
Making a Difference
AHINSA is committed to addressing the pressing issues in our society and creating lasting change. Our focus is broad, encompassing various programs that contribute to our mission.​​
Upcoming AHINSA Events
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September 21, 2026 - Actions for Peace Workshop, CCAC Allegheny Campus​
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October4, 2026 - Gandhi Day Celebrations, Carnegie Mellon University​
Read our second Newsletter, AHINSA VOICE (click the image or the link)
Music . Meditation . Healing
AHINSA proudly hosted a memorable fundraising concert at the historic Carnegie Music Hall in Pittsburgh, featuring Grammy Award-winning artist Chandrika Tandon. The evening brought together supporters from across the community for an inspiring celebration of music, culture, spirituality, and service. A special highlight of the evening was the extraordinary collaboration between Chandrika Tandon and renowned jazz guitarist Marty Ashby. Their seamless fusion of Eastern and Western musical traditions created a truly magical performance that captivated the audience from beginning to end. Chandrika Tandon’s uplifting performance filled the hall with incredible energy. It was a beautiful blend of music and spirituality that touched hearts, inspired the audience, and created a profound sense of connection. More than just a concert, the evening demonstrated the power of community coming together in sup port of AHINSA’s mission.
The event was the culmination of seven months of planning and collaboration among dedicated AHINSA volunteers, Chandrika Tandon’s team, the Carnegie Music Hall staff, audiovisual professionals, and many others who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to create an unforgettable experience. Guests enjoyed a pre-concert reception before the performance, while sponsors were invited to an exclusive reception with Chandrika Tandon in appreciation of their generous support.
The event welcomed 418 attendees and raised approximately $76,500 through sponsorships, donations, and ticket sales. With event expenses of approximately $22,300, the fundraiser generated net proceeds of approximately $54,200 to support AHINSA’s programs and mission. The expenses do not include the significant contributions made by Chandrika Tandon, who generously covered the costs of her troupe of musicians, their travel, audiovisual expenses, and more. Her extraordinary gift enabled the funds raised to directly support AHINSA’s work and reflected her deep commitment to advancing the organization’s mission.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Chandrika Tandon, Marty Ashby, our sponsors, volunteers, partners, and every attendee whose generosity and support made this extraordinary evening a resounding success.
2025 Gandhi Day was celebrated on Sunday, September 28th featuring keynote speaker was Dr. Joseph S. Alter, Director of Asian Studies Center and Professor of Anthropology, University of Pittsburgh. This year’s Gandhi Day theme was "Peace Begins With Me: Embracing Gandhian Values in Daily Life".
Participants gathered for an uplifting interactive session led by Srujana Kanjula and Bhavini Patel. The session invited everyone to pause, reflect, and embody Mahatma Gandhi’s time less message that peace is not merely the absence of conflict, but a way of life that begins within each of us. Quoting Gandhi’s words — “The greatest power in the world is that of the Soul and Peace is its highest expression” — the facilitators reminded the audience that peace starts in our thoughts, words, and daily choices. The interactive activity encouraged participants to form small groups, discuss what peace means to them, and create Peace Pledges—personal or collective promises to live by Gandhian principles such as nonviolence, compassion, empathy, and truth.​
2024 Gandhi Day was celebrated on Sunday, October 6th featuring Creative Expressions winners and participants from elementary (grades 3 - 5), middle (grades 6 - 8), and high (grades 9 - 12) school students. This year’s Gandhi Day theme was "Crafting Harmony in the Contemporary World". More details can be found here
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2024 and 2025 Gandhi Day events were held at 2 pm in Rangos Ballroom of Jared L. Cohon University Center at Carnegie Mellon University. The Mahatma Gandhi Birthday Celebrations were organized by AHINSA with programming support from the Center for Student Diversity and Inclusion at Carnegie Mellon University.
Shaler Area Students Explore the Life and Legacy of Mahatma Gandhi
A remarkable learning experience unfolded in the Shaler Area High School library on March 10, 2026, as three organizations — LIGHT, the CCAC Honors Program, and AHINSA — joined together to bring a special program to our students. Titled “Mahatma Gandhi: Life, Legacy, and Lasting Impact,” the event was open to all tenth-grade students enrolled in a World Cultures class and drew 29 students who gathered during third and fourth period for an engaging morning of history, personal storytelling, and reflection. The collaboration was a testament to the power of community partnerships in enriching student learning beyond the traditional classroom.
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Featured speakers include:
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Jignesh Shah and sOm Sharma from AHINSA
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A group of CCAC students, Emma Keenan, Jaden Razum, Marci Demaio, Sharlyn Barrett, and Will Griffin, along with faculty mentors Dave Manel and Srujana Kanjula, who had traveled to India on a study abroad trip in January 2026​
Building a Beloved Community
We had an engaging and transformative workshop focused on the principles and practices of peacebuilding and nonviolence on September 21, 2024 at Assembly Room, William Pitt Union. This workshop is a collaborative effort between the Center on Race and Social Problems, the David C. Frederick Honors College, and AHINSA.
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Featured speakers include:
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Dr. Raja Rosenhagen, Associate Professor of Philosophy at Fresno State, Bhagawan Vasu Pujya Swami Post-Doctoral Fellow in Jain Studies
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Morgan Overton, Artist-in-Residence at Frederick Honors College
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Dr. Sal Corbin, Board Chair for DC Peace Team, Training Coordinator for Maryland Harm Reduction Institute
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Rev. Paul Abernathy, Director of the Neighborhood Resilience Project
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Dr. Kyaien Conner, Director of the Center on Race and Social Problems​