diplomat and writer

Alan Nazareth is a man of exceptional insight. His extensive experience from diplomatic missions around the world and his deep knowledge of historical contexts make him an inexhaustible treasure trove of knowledge. Another of his strengths is his ability todeliver engaging lectures.

In 2006, Alan Nazareth launched his debut book on Gandhi in New Delhi:“Gandhi’s Outstanding Leadership”in the presence of former Indian Prime Minister Dr. I.K. Gujral, and later at the United Nations in New York in the presence of Deputy Secretary-General Shashi Tharoor. In September 2017, Alan Nazareth visitedPrague, where he was received at the Parliament by the Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee, then-Minister of Foreign Affairs Lubomír Zaorálek, and other committee members; together, they launched the Czech edition of this book, titled“Gandhi and His Extraordinary Leadership”.

In October 2009, through the initiative ofSri Chinmoy: The Peace Meditation at the United Nationshe was awarded theU Thant Peace Awardfor his lifelong contributions and global service based on the promotion of Gandhi’s values of truth, nonviolence, social harmony, and humanitarian service. Past recipients of this award include Pope John Paul II, the Dalai Lama, Mother Teresa, Mikhail Gorbachev, Nelson Mandela, and Desmond Tutu, among others.

In October 2012he delivered a keynote address on the International Day of Nonviolence at the United Nations in New York. In September 2014, he presented a paper as part of the “Culture of Nonviolence” program at the“Dialogue of Civilizations”in Rhodes, Greece.

The book“Gandhi and His Exceptional Leadership”presents Mahatma Gandhi in all aspects of his life as a model of ideal leadership, emphasizing the importance of nonviolent resistance, which has practical implications and a message for today’s world as well. The foreword to the latest edition was written by former President Mikhail Gorbachev.

Nazareth’s other book is titled“Gandhi – the Soul Force Warrior”. In it, drawing on historical contexts and national revolutions that liberated countries from European colonialism, he highlights an important aspect of Gandhi’s work—namely, spiritual energy, which, as Alan Nazareth explains, “is something very simple and means establishing a connection with the divine within each of us. It thus far transcends the boundaries of religion and contributes to the transformation of a better and more peaceful humanity.”

The latest title“A Ringside Seat to History”, published in September 2020, isan autobiographical accountof his diplomatic career spanning more than 35 years. The book describes some of the fascinating eventsin world history, such as the Dalai Lama’s flight to India, the military coup in Liberia, the capture of a fraudulent tycoon in the U.S., and others, in which Alan Nazareth was often not only a close witness but also played an important role.