ACTIONS: What actions have been
undertaken by your organization to promote a culture of peace and
nonviolence during the first half of the Decade?
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For Progress and Obstacles, see international report by Pathways to Peace which makes an annual report of Peace Day activities, from which the following is taken:
Amma
(Mata Amritandanamaya Devi) encouraged her worldwide followers to pray
together on the International Day of Peace, 2004. The goal was to
encourage humanity to take a minute for Peace on IDP at noon. Hundreds
of thousands of Her devotees and admirers from virtually every country
in the world were inspired to participate, including educational
institutions, hospitals and branch ashrams. At Amritapuri, Amma
concluded by lighting an oil lamp at the side of the year-old banyan
sapling planted in the ashram garden, walking reverently around its
base three times, and showering flower petals in all four directions.
Amma laid a garland around its base with lovingly poured water,
followed by a long prostration and blessing with flower petals. (2004)
Isha
Foundation’s "Isha Fest" champions The International Day of Peace each
year, which is devoted to commemorating and strengthening the ideals of
peace both within and among all nations and peoples. Approximately
100,000 people from all walks of life, some having traveled around the
world, gathered in the south Indian foothills near Coimbatore to
celebrate peace through expressions of joy, dance and song. A dazzling
array of performances and cultural exhibits summarized Isha Fest,
including special peace meditations and discourses, plus stage
performances to raise awareness of the need for individual
transformation and unity as the basis for true peace in the world.
"Melodies of Peace" - a grand music concert culminated the daylong
festivities. The 2004 event showcased the West’s culture, with the
theme "A Celebration of North America."(2004)
World Children’s
Center, Hyderabad, had a celebration on Sept. 21 along with the
children and many people, who made a 15-minute silence for peace,
followed by shouting "Peace! Peace! Peace!" and singing a song while
everyone clapped hands, and many danced before the Peace Pole at the
Center. There followed two hours of meetings with people from many
religious leaders, then interreligious prayers for peace. The program
closed with a community lunch and feeding and giving clothing to the
poor. A peace prize was given to a boy who never fought with anyone.
Twenty villagers came forward to join with them, and it was one of the
largest gatherings since they began to celebrate IDP for the last 14
years. (2004)
The Kashmir Valley Commonwealth Public School,
publicized and observed the IDP as part of its programme "Education for
Sustainable Development." The school caters to the educational needs of
an integrated society. "The prevailing situation in the Kashmir Valley
has inflicted deep injuries upon peoples lives, particularly children
and women. Besides has caused an erosion of human values among the
young generation especially the school children, which is a threat to
global peace & tranquility. Keeping in view the importance of peace
and it’s inculcation in the young brains of children, we want to
observe the International Day of Peace so as to prepare the young
generation for the development of peace and its fruits." (2003)
Rural
Development and Youth Training Institute promoted peace through direct
nonviolent action, engaging in Rural Youth Training Programmes, Youth
Organizations, Tribal Women’s Organization, Health Education, Peace
education, legal Education, Child Labour, Girl Child Labour, Bonded
Labour, Cultural Environmental Movement, Empowerment of Women, Human
Rights Issues & Community Development Programmes etc., particularly
for poor peoples, poor landless labourers, tribal women and children
groups. (2004)
Shabnam Resources, Madras organized an IDP
program entitled "Living in Peace," which brought together speakers
from different faiths and understanding, to cover the subject of
respecting and understanding different faiths, care and concern for
every body, and a practical approach to have a network of friends.
(2004)
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