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Day of Peace in Sikkim, India
Written by Shri Karma Yougyal, UPF-Sikkim
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Gangtok, India - The Universal Peace Federation of Sikkim commemorated the UN International Day of Peace on September 21 at a gathering in the Forest Department Conference Hall in Gangtok. The function was organized to spread the message of peace as per the UN’s declaration of this year as the “International Year of Youth” with the theme “Youth for Peace and Development” calling on youth to participate in fulfilling the United Nations Millennium Development Goals.
India, as well as the world at large, is shattered with never-ending communal conflict, particularly in the Jammu and Kashmir regions in northern India. We in the tiny Himalayan state of Sikkim feel that a program of this kind is perhaps more relevant to that part of the country; however, we sought to counsel participants about the importance of peace of mind, universal brotherhood, and sexual ethics for people from various walks of life including government officials, political leaders, religious leaders, social workers, educators, and students.
The function started with lighting of a Peace Lamp by the Chief Guest, Miss Neeru Sewa, Minister for Industries, Labour and Excise Departments of the Government of Sikkim; Shri G.M. Gurung, Former Minister and Chairman of UPF-Sikkim; Shri Nima Thingh, Vice Chairman of UPF-Sikkim; Shri Karma Yougyal, Secretary General of UPF-Sikkim; Shri Krishna B. Adhikari, National Director of UPF-India; and Executive Members Shri H.P. Dhakal, Shri S.G. Tashi, and Shri Tshering Sherpa.
In welcoming the gathering, Shri G.M. Gurung emphasized the theme of the day and stressed the role of youth in promoting a peaceable and stable world in which religious and communal conflicts can be eradicated through the concept of One Family Under God.
A group of students from the Self Empowerment Mission and the Character Education Initiative of UPF-Sikkim presented a welcome song befitting to the occasion.
Shri Krishna B. Adhikari addressed a wide range of subjects including the significance of the International Day of Peace, UPF's interfaith peace initiatives, family values, good character, spiritual values, and the essence of true love. Shri Nima Thingh and Shri Dendup Sherpa read the message of the UN and the Peace Message of UPF-International respectively.
UPF-Sikkim had previously organized an inter-school poetry competition on the theme of Youth for Peace and Development, and the results of the competition were announced and the winners presented with trophies and certificates.
Miss Neeru Sewa was appointed an Ambassador for Peace, and the certificate to this effect was presented to her by Shri G.M. Gurung. In the concluding remarks, Miss Sewa emphasized the need to revise and revitalize the educational curriculum to enhance students' capacities to deal with social conflicts.
Shri H.P. Dhakal thanked the speakers and participants and appealed to everyone to spread the message of peace and social harmony especially to the youth, who are the future stars of society.
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