Sikkim, India - On the occasion of UN International Day of Families, the Sikkim Chapter of UPF-India organized an event on May 15 at a Government Senior Secondary School in East Sikkim. Shri Ritam opened the celebration with a welcome address. The students at the school recited a poem on the theme of the family. Mr. K.B. Adhikari spoke about the relationship between the family and peace, followed by an address by the principal of the school.
The UPF Declaration of Families was read by Shri Karma Yougyal, who presented a certificate of Ambassador for Peace to the Chief Guests, Mr. and Mrs. R. K. Rai, Joint Directors of the Sports & Youth Affairs Department of the government of Sikkim. Mr. Rai read the UN Secretary-General’s message and then presented Collegiate Ambassador for Peace certificates to 25 students and Youth Ambassador for Peace certificates to three youth.
Jalandhar, Punjab - The NGO Pahal, in coordination with the Universal Peace Federation and collaboration with the Sacred Heart Hospital in Jalandhar, organized an impressive function to commemorate the International Day of Families. Ambassador for Peace Prof. Lakhbir Singh briefed the participants regarding the mission of the United Nations and the activities of the Universal Peace Federation. Then he requested everyone to stand up for a moment of silence to pray for the rehabilitation and well-being of displaced families. Afterwards, Prof. Singh delivered a talk regarding the historical development of the concept of the family throughout the world.
The main lecture was delivered by Ambassador for Peace Prof. Dr. Ashwani Sharma. He focused on the Indian concept of vasudeva kutumbakam (the world as one family). He said that East has very fine and integrated concept of family that includes every type of life present on earth in a single family. If the world understand the Eastern concept of family, then all the suffering and conflicts will vanish. However, the greed of possession has created many problems, and armed conflicts are causing numerous families to be displaced worldwide.
Prof. Singh read the message of the UN Secretary-General about the International Day of Families and also the peace message of the Universal Peace Federation.
Rev. Sr. Grace, the Administrator of Sacred Heart Hospital, described the family in God’s plan as the nursery in which the people of tomorrow are formed and grow to maturity. The foundations of life are established in the home, she said, where people's minds are opened to God’s presence in the universe and virtue is nurtured and strengthened. The children are eager pupils, following the examples their fathers and mothers set, learning from their words, actions, and attitudes. She expressed appreciation for the activities of Pahal and its good impact on society.
Mr. Mohit Tivari passed out badges in honor of the function. He addressed the young girls and encouraged them to prepare a strong foundation for their future families. Mrs. Sarita Tivari also spoke on the occasion and told anecdotes to help the participants understand the role of family in one’s life.
Pahal is an NGO dedicated to youth empowerment. Ms. Narinder Kaur, a member of Pahal, entertained the participants with her melodious singing of folk songs. Mrs Harvinder Kaur, Executive Member of Pahal, offered meaningful remarks on the day. Among others, Ms. Meena Gupta, Mr. Gurdaver Singh, Ms. Narinder Neena, Mr. Promod Kumar, S. Santokh Singh, Ms. Satwant Kaur, Mr. Liakatbir Singh, Mr. Jasbir Singh, Mr. J.P. Chopra, retd. Sr. Manager of Kribko, Mr. Ashok Kumar, Mr. Rohit Sharma, Gagandeep Singh Ashok Pal — all members Pahal — were present, along with 250 young girls who are trainees at the Sacred Heart School of Nursing.
Sr. Celine Mathew, the Nursing Superintendent, and Rev. Sr. Lucy Martin, principal of the Sacred Heart School of Nursing, made all the necessary arrangements for the function.
To read UPF's Declaration on Families, click here.