NEW DELHI: Celebrated internationally as a symbol of peace and compassion, Aloka, the “Peace Dog”, arrived in Delhi on Monday with an international delegation of Buddhist monks and peace advocates, meeting former Union minister Maneka Gandhi.The gathering at Gandhi’s Jor Bagh residence brought together Buddhist monks, peace walkers and animal welfare supporters who highlighted Aloka’s remarkable journey from a community dog born as a stray in Odisha to a globally recognised mascot of peace, coexistence and non-violence, a statement said.Members of the delegation said Aloka first appeared during one of their peace walks and chose to remain with the group. Over time, he accompanied them across long distances, difficult terrain and varying weather conditions, becoming both a companion and a guardian.They described him as a dog who would sense danger and alert walkers while maintaining a calm and gentle temperament, qualities that endeared him to people across countries and cultures.Speaking on the occasion, Gandhi, who is also an animal rights activist, said it was inspiring that an Indian street dog had come to represent peace and compassion around the world while many community dogs continued to face misunderstanding and hostility in India.“If people could see in every community dog even a fraction of what the world sees in Aloka, our attitudes would be very different. Aloka embodies the very best qualities of India’s street dogs: loyalty, courage, resilience, peace and unconditional love,” she said.According to the delegation, Aloka was born on the streets of Odisha and joined the peace walkers of his own accord, forging a bond based on trust rather than ownership. As the group travelled through different countries promoting peace and non-violence, the dog became an integral part of their journey and attracted attention from people drawn to his calm demeanour and unwavering loyalty.His story has since resonated with animal lovers and peace activists around the world. Through social media and public appearances alongside Buddhist monks, Aloka has emerged as an unlikely ambassador for compassion, helping spotlight both the potential of community animals and the values of coexistence and empathy.The visitors expressed hope that Aloka’s return to India would encourage greater empathy towards community animals and promote the idea that peaceful coexistence must extend beyond human society to all living beings.The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to promoting compassion, non-violence and humane treatment of animals, the statement said.