The first Global and the 7th National Peace Convention came to an end with the adoption of the Peace Declaration 2021 at the online concluding function.
Main Insights and learning from the Convention:
Peace is not mere absence of war, but peace comes out positive actions like efforts to eliminate poverty and reduce inequality, promotion of literacy and education and improving health care.
Conflict resolution and conflict prevention through dialogue are essential for maintaining world peace. Individuals, communities and countries must be ready to listen and understand others perspectives.
Bharat Mata is not merely a geographical area; Bharat Mata is its land, its flora and fauna, and above all its people. Every Indian citizen is Bharat Mata. The state cannot be seen as a profit-making organization, but its primary duty is to care for the wellbeing of its people.
While taking policies, our leaders have to listen to 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”.
For the promotion of peace and harmony, people all over the world, especially Indians, have to preserve and promote the precious heritage of unity in diversity and the attitude of vasudhaiva kutumbakam (The whole universe is a family). There should not be fear in any individual in order to preserve unity in diversity. Any effort to create fear in any individual or community is a threat to peace.
Intolerance and hate speech are becoming a great threat to peace in different parts of the world, including India. One has to express differences in views, thoughts and ideology without resorting to violence and being sensitive to the rights of others to express their views.
Proposals for Action Plan:
Rotarians will establish and promote Peace Chair in colleges and schools, visit educational institutions and speak to students and teachers on peace building.
Rotary clubs may take the responsibility of training PEACE MEDIATORS in collaboration with other Civil Society Organizations, and get recognition for them from the government so that they can intervene in conflict situations, as Red Cross personnel do.
At a personal level, become agents of peace by forgiving others unconditionally; avoid hatred towards anyone and staying away from social media posts that promote hatred.
Organize peace conventions/seminars/workshops in schools and other educational institutions.
Start Peace Clubs in educational institutions for STUDENTS, TEACHERS and PARENTS.
Use social media platforms for sending messages of peace and harmony to counteract spreading hate speech.
In order to promote respect for all faiths, encourage reading the scriptures of different religions, celebrate the main festivals of different religions and conduct inter-religious prayers.
Seventh National and First Global Peace Convention Concluded
National Peace Convention Series: “Women don’t want empathy, but equal rights”
Global Peace Convention organized by Indore based National Peace Movement: Jan 30 to Feb 1