Indore: Curtain for the 7th National Peace convention and the first Global Peace Convention was drawn with inter-religious prayer for peace led by Dr. Paul Poovathingal. Participation of more than 550 people from 15 states of India and 20 other countries made the inaugural session very optimistic and encouraging. The profound ideas shared by eminent speakers of the inaugural session set the tone for the three days Peace Convention from January 30 to February 1.
“Peace is not absence of war, but peace comes out positive actions”, said Rtn. Shekhar Mehta, the chief guest and Rotary International President for 2021-22. In his address, he highlighted the positive contribution of Rotary International for establishing peace through its multiple projects. “Rotary saved more than 19 million children through the eradication of polio”, he proudly mentioned. He concluded his address by paying tributes to the Father of the nation, Mahatma Gandhi on whose death anniversary peace convention starts every year.
Anuradha Shankar IPS, ADGP, Madhya Pradesh, in her keynote address, emphasized the need for looking at the country not merely as an economy but as people whose welfare is to be the topmost priority. She reminded the participants that Mahatma Gandhi focused on the welfare of the people while fighting for the freedom of India. He sent his volunteers to the villages to serve people during the Spanish flu. She reminded the participants that Bharat Mata is not merely a geographical area; Bharat Mata is its land, its flora and fauna and above all its people and the state cannot be seen as a profit making organization, but has to care for the wellbeing of its people.
In fact, every Indian is Bharat Mata, she emphasized. She concluded her speech by quoting the talisman of Mahatma Gandhi. “Recall the face of the poorest and the weakest man/woman whom you may have seen, and ask yourself, if the step you contemplate is going to be of any use to him/her”. Peace will be established only when everyone is cared for, she said.
Global Peace Convention organized by Indore based National Peace Movement: Jan 30 to Feb 1
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