Applications for Rotary’s one-year Postgraduate Diploma Program 2027 open from February 1 to May 15, 2026

Pune, India | January 28, 2026 — In a move that reinforces its long-standing commitment to global peace and leadership development, Rotary International on January 26 inaugurated a Rotary Peace Center at Symbiosis International University (SIU), positioning Pune as a new hub for peace and development education in Asia.

Set against the backdrop of Symbiosis’ sprawling 400-acre Lavale campus, the newly launched center will offer a fully funded, one-year postgraduate diploma in Peace and Development Studies. The program is tailored for mid-career professionals working in peacebuilding, development, and related fields across Asia or within Asian communities, and will admit up to 40 Rotary Peace Fellows annually.

The center represents a convergence of Rotary’s century-old service ethos and Symbiosis’ academic legacy rooted in international understanding and inclusivity.

“In today’s deeply interconnected world, peace cannot remain an abstract aspiration—it must be intentionally built through education, ethical leadership, and action,” said Francesco Arezzo, Rotary International President for 2025–26. He noted that the Peace Center at SIU will play a vital role in preparing leaders capable of responding to complex regional conflicts while contributing to a shared global responsibility for peace.

For Symbiosis, the partnership carries special significance. Dr. Vidya Yeravdekar, Principal Director of Symbiosis and Pro Chancellor of SIU, said the inauguration coincides with the institution’s 55th anniversary and reflects the founding vision of Prof. Dr. S. B. Mujumdar. “Guided by the ideal of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam—the world is one family—Symbiosis has always believed that quality education is the strongest pathway to international understanding and harmony,” she said.

Highlighting India’s unique social and cultural landscape, Bharat S. Pandya, Trustee of The Rotary Foundation (2022–2026), described the center as a strategic investment in Asia’s future peace leaders. “This collaboration creates an environment where emerging and experienced professionals can develop the insight, empathy, and innovation required to navigate conflict and drive sustainable solutions,” he said.

The postgraduate diploma will be delivered through a blended learning model that combines interdisciplinary academic study with experiential learning. According to Dr. Sulakshana Sen, Head of the Rotary Peace Center at SIU, the program is designed to translate theory into practice. “Our goal is to empower mid-level professionals to produce measurable, sustainable outcomes for social change across the Asia region,” she said.

Applications for the 2027 intake will be open from February 1 to May 15, 2026. Prospective candidates can learn more at rotary.org/peace-fellowships.

Globally, Rotary supports up to 170 fully funded peace fellowships each year across eight Rotary Peace Centers. Since their launch in 2002, the centers have trained more than 1,800 peace and development professionals, many of whom now serve in leadership roles within governments, international organizations, and civil society worldwide.