Global Unity Dinner 2024

This year’s Global Unity Dinner (GUD) was a remarkable evening where 250 friends, family, colleagues, business leaders, politicians, and community representatives came together to celebrate unity at the prestigious Dorchester Hotel in central London.

A Celebration of Global Harmony

On 3 July, my family and I had the privilege of hosting this special event. Alongside my wife, Tharshiny, and our daughters, Sharanie and Dharanie, we welcomed our guests to an evening dedicated to promoting worldwide harmony, unity, and commonality. As joint CEOs of Regent Global—a company focused on technology-enabled education, impactful investment, and economy building—it was an honor to bring together so many individuals who share our vision for a peaceful world.

The Importance of Forgiveness and Understanding

The Global Unity Dinner and Dance is more than just an event; it’s a platform to foster peace among all nations and communities. This year, our daughters, Sharanie and Dharanie, took on the role of masters of ceremony with great humor and grace, setting the tone for an evening of reflection and celebration.

Tharshiny and I spoke about the importance of forgiveness and understanding as foundational elements for peace. We encouraged everyone present to carry the spirit of forgiveness with them beyond the evening, into their everyday lives. It was truly humbling to receive a message of support from Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, further emphasizing the significance of our cause.

A Meaningful Recognition from Sri Lanka

Our journey began when Tharshiny and I fled the civil war in Sri Lanka during the 1980s, seeking refuge and new beginnings in the UK. It was from this experience that we established the Global Unity Forum, initially focused on promoting peace within the Sri Lankan diaspora. A highlight of the evening was when the Sri Lankan High Commissioner to the UK, Rohitha Bogollagama, presented us with Sri Lankan citizenship. This recognition was particularly meaningful as it coincided with our recent gift of Public Learn, an education platform, to Sri Lanka—a gesture that symbolizes our deep connection to our homeland.

Embracing the Spirit of Unity

We intentionally created a relaxed atmosphere at the Global Unity Dinner, free from fundraising activities, allowing our guests to fully embrace the spirit of unity and togetherness. From the champagne reception to the delicious three-course dinner in the ballroom, every detail was designed to foster an evening of connection and celebration.

The entertainment, featuring performances by Arjun and Navin Kundra along with his angel dancers, kept the energy high and the celebrations going well into the night. It was a joyful reminder of the power of music and dance to bring people together.

Looking ahead, my family and I are excited about the possibility of hosting a Global Unity Dinner in Dubai, continuing our mission to promote peace and unity on a global scale.

SP