A delegation of six Americans, whose lives have been impacted by extreme violence, journeyed to India for the maiden trip of the “From India with Love” initiative in 2016.

During the ten day journey, the Americans learned about the unique culture and history of India and the nonviolence teachings of Indian leader Mahatma Gandhi. The delegation included a mother of a victim of the Sandy Hook massacre, Scarlett Lewis, and a former Mexican gang member.

The initiative is the brainchild of Mandar Apte, a former executive at Shell International, who developed the movement during the growing tensions during the 2016 U.S. election as well as the problems of global violence and terrorism.

His research was also influenced by the works of Gandhi and a similar journey made by civil rights leader Martin Luther King, Jr.

Apte lead two more delegations in India, which has included American mayors and law enforcement, and plans to expand his initiative into a non-profit for more delegations and educating people on nonviolence. He hopes that people who’ve been on the journey, will take lessons in nonviolence and compassion back to their community.