-by Shaivya Pathak
The 2024 International Peace Day Celebration, hosted by GPF India in collaboration with Indira Gandhi Technological and Medical Sciences University (IGTAMSU), unfolded as a profound gathering dedicated to cultivating a global culture of peace. Held on September 21st in the serene town of Ziro, Arunachal Pradesh, the event embraced the theme "Confluence for Cultivating a Culture of Peace and Peacebuilding." This celebration highlighted the significance of social cohesion and the universal value of peace as a cornerstone for human growth and well-being.
As participants gathered, the event set the tone with traditional lamp lighting, followed by a peaceful prayer. The opening performances, including the Saraswati Vandana, reinforced the essence of building a culture of peace, echoing the belief that peace should feel like a prayer. As the celebration commenced, the event was graced by the presence of Honourable Chief Guest Shri Tage Taki, Minister of Agriculture, Horticulture, Animal Husbandry, and Veterinary & Dairy Development and Fisheries of Arunachal Pradesh; Shri Hage Kojeen, Retired IAS and Former State Election Commissioner for Arunachal Pradesh; Dr. Utkarsh Sharma, Pro-Chancellor of IGTAMSU and Trustee of GPF India; and Dr. Markandey Rai, Chancellor of IGTAMSU and Chairman of GPF India.
In his address, Shri Taki ji articulated the deep-rooted values of the people of Ziro, emphasizing that empathy, love, and mutual respect are foundational to peace. He articulated a vision where understanding one another as members of a larger family can eliminate violence and foster harmonious coexistence. His insights highlighted the importance of nurturing the environment, urging attendees to plant more trees than are cut down, reinforcing the idea that our relationship with nature is integral to peacebuilding.
Retired IAS officer, Shri Hage Kojeen followed with an impactful message on the broader concept of peace, emphasizing that it encompasses justice, equality, and respect among communities. He positioned the youth as the chain of change, reinforcing their role in fostering civic virtue and character development for national transformation.
Dr. Utkarsh Sharma, Pro-Chancellor of IGTAMSU, discussed the transformative potential of education through the lens of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. He asserted that education is a catalyst for peace, inspiring youth to build bridges rather than walls. His emphasis on integrating peacebuilding into educational curricula underscores the critical role of academic institutions in fostering a culture of service and leadership development.
Dr. Sidharth Shankar, Vice-Chancellor of IGTAMSU, added depth to the dialogue by emphasizing that peace is not merely an outcome but a continuous process. He advocated for integrated projects that address the pressing issues of our time, demonstrating how educational initiatives can institutionalize peace and foster interfaith leadership.
The cultural performances by IGTAMSU students beautifully illustrated the local heritage and the spirit of unity. From yoga displays representing harmony to vibrant dances showcasing the rich cultures of the Apatani, Galo, Tagin, Adi, and Nyishi tribes, the performances were a celebration of diversity and creativity, invigorating the audience and highlighting the importance of strengthening families through shared cultural experiences.
As the celebration transitioned to the announcement of the two-day Peace and Leadership Training workshop, participants were introduced to essential concepts of peace and peacebuilding, underscoring character and leadership development. This initiative aims to equip individuals with the skills to foster civic virtue and strengthen community bonds.
Dr. Prasant Roy concluded the event with a heartfelt vote of thanks, reflecting on the successful confluence that will foster a greater partnership between IGTAMSU and GPF India. The celebration not only served as a platform for dialogue but also as a call to action for participants to embody the principles of peace in their daily lives, nurturing a culture of service and leadership that extends throughout the northeastern region.
In essence, the International Peace Day Celebration in Ziro was a testament to the power of collective responsibility in building a peaceful world. It highlighted the necessity of social cohesion, character development, and the need to transform education to cultivate a culture of peace, echoing the spirit of "One Family Under God." The event encapsulated the essence of peacebuilding, serving as a beacon of hope for a harmonious future.
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