Youth peace fest ends on a colourful note

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, October 2

Coinciding with Mahatma Gandhi’s birth anniversary, the 10th edition of the Global Youth Peace Fest concluded here today.

A valedictory function was organised today to honour all participating delegates. Surya Kant, Justice, Punjab and Haryana High Court, was the chief guest, while Aya Goto, International Vice-President, Global Piece Foundation, was the guest of honour.

In the morning, ‘Be The Change’ walkathon was organised from the Open Hand monument to Parade Ground with all delegates and thousands of local school children participating in it.

Speaking on the occasion, Justice Surya Kant said: “Despite the geographical and ethnic differences that exist between different communities, the one thing that binds them together is the hope of living in a peaceful and harmonious world. Such platforms are the best tool to rekindle hope and channelise their energy positively”.

The first-of-its-kind cross-border dialogue was organised wherein children from the city-based Carmel Convent School interacted through videoconferencing with children of KIPS School, Lahore, on the issues of women in India and Pakistan. Global Youth Peace Forum – a unique initiative aiming to connect young people from different countries - was launched at the fest.

Inter-faith dialogue was initiated to consolidate initiative of global peace formation. Leaders from different faiths exhorted the people to put humanity above all religion and to recognise the statements of aspirations for peace made in all religions as a unifying and not a divisive factor.

“The international community is striving to build a harmonious society featuring sustainable peace and common prosperity. The responsibility of ensuring that the world is peaceful and harmonious to live in does not rest in the governments only. Each one of us has a role to play,” said Pramod Sharma from NGO Yuvsatta and organiser of the Global Youth Peace Fest.