Agartala, India –The Agartala celebrations of the International Day of Peace (IDP) consisted in leaders from both Christian and Hindu communities planting a sapling in a place offered by the other community. Catholic priest Pascal D sdb planted a sapling in the compound of Bholagiri Ashram in Amtali on the outskirts of Agartala town in the presence of Maharaj Sureshsara Nanda Giri Swamiji and other religious leaders. Father Pascal hoped that "just as the Arjun sapling would gradually grow into a big strong tree," their resolve for peace and harmony too would become "firmer and stronger with each passing day."
The second part of the program was held at Don Bosco Peace Centre Nandannagar. Maharaj Sureshsara Nanda Giri Swamiji accompanied the group to Don Bosco and planted a sapling in front of the Peace Centre. The Swamiji exhorted the listeners to appreciate the many cultures and religions of our country, each of which tries to bring about peace in its own unique manner and method. Speaking on this occasion, Mr. J. L. Chakrabarty, the secretary of the International Association for Religious Freedom, Tripura Chapter said that it made no sense to fight in the name of religion since every religion taught peace and communal harmony.
Fr. MC George, the Principal of Don Bosco School, called the International Day of Peace a celebration of “variety.” "How boring would it have been if the world had only one type of people, or if a garden only had one kind of flower or if the world had only one type of music?" he asked the many youth present at the celebrations. Rev. Kamal Chakrabarty, another Christian leader, was also present for the celebrations.
The participants of the IDP celebrations also held a candle-lit prayer for the victims of the recent violence in various parts of the world. Ena Jamatia, one of the youth who took part in the program, said, "We feel sad when we hear about people dying because of violence or bomb blasts as it happened in Delhi a few days ago. Today we prayed for them and also prayed that such things don't happen in society."
UPF some months ago conferred the Ambassador for Peace status upon Fathers K.J. Joseph sdb and Joseph Pulinthanath sdb, both of whom are also members of Sampari Hukumu Bodol.