Q. What is Global Peace Initiative? Is it some type of political organization?
A. Absolutely not. GPI is a non-profit, non-religious, non-political humanitarian organization that is registered as a legitimate 501-c3 organization by the Internal Revenue Service in the United States.
Q. Dr. K.A. Paul is a fascinating person who has achieved a lot. What is his background? Is he a physician or professor?
A. There would be few life stories as rich and fruitful as the story of K.A. Paul. He is neither a physician, nor a professor. He is, however, arguably one of the world's most prolific speakers and grassroots humanitarians/peacemakers. Born in a village in India, Dr. Paul has an honorary doctor's degree and is considered to be spiritual and humanitarian leader in many cultures and countries of the world and thus is addressed as Dr. K.A. Paul. His life experience and service to humanity is most widely recognized in the developing world. However, K.A. Paul set out to be a businessman and for a short time owned his own small business.
Q. When was GPI founded and how long has it been working on the world scene?
A. GPI Founder and President Dr. K.A. Paul has been involved in humanitarian activities since 1982 when he began working with one widow and several street orphans in his home country of India. Since that time he has traveled to over 81 countries and worked on many humanitarian efforts. GPI was formally
certified as a S01-c3 in America in 1999; however, it's roots and genesis spans three decades. 4
Q. There are a lot of groups out there doing humanitarian work. How is GPI unique?
A. Thank goodness there are many great organizations and people serving the world today, we need them all. GPI is only a part of that solution; but
nonetheless, is playing a very unique and critical role in the humanitarian world. GPI is unique because of the vision of its founder and the
unprecedented grassroots following it commands in so many developing countries. K.A. Paul's ability to enlist, empower, and to mobilize literally
hundreds of thousands of people at one time in peace rallies is GPI’s great asset. These hundreds of thousands of persons can quickly become millions of people distributing supplies, serving others, fostering peace...one heart and home at a time. In addition, GPI programs like Little Teresa's are unmatched in there innovativeness and effectiveness. Also the model of Charity Cities in places like Hyderabad are cost effective examples of how to serve children, provide medical relief, provide clean water and teach environmental stewardship. GPI longs to build partnerships with governments, other NGO’s, and corporations to build on everyone’s unique strengths as we all try to bring peace and hope in our world.
Q. Who runs your organization and what are your credentials?
A. GPI is governed by a board of directors that represent successful business professionals, community leaders, and philanthropists. GPI maintains tight accounting standards. In addition, GPI has a board of advisors that includes persons such as the former Prime Minister of India, the Honorable H.D. Deve Gowda. The founder and President of GPI is Dr. K.A. Paul. Dr. Paul is well-known to leaders in government, religion, and business around the world.
Q. I see that you have a 747 airplane. How can a non-profit do that?
A. The aircraft was a gift to GPI and the renovation, operation of the aircraft is done by a combination of financial gifts and donated services by professional pilots, mechanics, ground crew, flight attendants, etc. The uniqueness of this aircraft will allow GPI to take relief supplies and skilled relief workers to disaster sites in matters of hours, not days...thus saving lives. Individuals and corporations are welcome to sponsor flights, peace missions.
Q. How are you funded? Doesn't it take lots of funds to do what you do?
A. Absolutely, it takes lots of money to help reach millions in need. As a registered non-profit, GPI receives donations of all sizes from people in the United States and all over the world. Millions of dollars are given “in—kind" in the form of volunteer hours, and products.
Q. Your programs like the Little Teresa's Program are amazing, but how does that really work...are you a Catholic organization?
A. GPI's programming is unique in the humanitarian world. GPI is not affiliated directly with the Catholic Church or any religious organization. However, many religious leaders and groups of all faiths are attracted to GPI because of its pureness in helping the poorest of the poor and delivering hope to all people. The life of Mother Teresa was characterized by the same philosophy...she helped and loved people of all faiths and was accepted as a universal lady of peace. Therefore, in tribute to her service, women of many faiths and cultures seek to immolate her life by becoming Little Teresa's.
Q. What does GPI do? I live in America and have not heard much about GPI?
A. GPI is most widely known in the countries of great need where it has been operating for years like India, Nepal, Nigeria, and Rwanda. In fact GPI and its founder, Dr. K.A. Paul has shared a message of hope and peace to tens of millions of citizens in peace rallies around the world. Only in the last couple of years has GPI begun to build a greater presence in the United States. Today GPI is aggressively trying to link the world's wealthiest people and countries to their neighbors in need. You will hear more and more about GPI in America in the days ahead.
