Ambassadors for Peace of the Universal Peace Federation in association with Religious Youth Service and Federation of Gandhian Institutions commemorated the International Day of Peace in Chennai, India on September 21, 2006. Interreligious prayers for world peace, non-violence and ceasefire launched a 10,000-signature campaign, and several balloons carrying the message “We Want Peace” were released to mark this occasion.
 An outdoor gathering for the International Day of Peace |
 Youth for Peace arrive at the event |
Nirmala Deshpade, Veteran Gandhian and UPF Ambassador For Peace, led peace activists and others in signing a peace proclamation, which read “… global crises impel all citizens to work toward converting humanity’s noblest aspirations for world peace into a practical reality for future generations..” She affixed her signature first on the declaration.
In her short address, she emphasized the need for peace,’ If peace, non-violence, and ceasefire are achieved permanently, it will be a victory for all human beings.’
 Signing the Peace Proclamation |
 Dignitaries stand in a moment of silence for peace |
More than 1500 youths from different institutions and organizations joined in this occasion. Prayers were recited from Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, Buddhism and Sikhism for the cause of international peace.
Honored guests included Ambassadors for Peace of the Universal Peace Federation and dignitaries from various walks of life: Prince of Arcot Nawab Mohammed Abdul Ali; Director General of Police Mr. W.I. Davaram; Principal Commissioner Mr. R. Santhanam; Chennai Mayor Mr. R. Thyagarajan; Minister K. Rajaram; Madras University Vice-Chancellor Dr. S. Ramachandran; Sri Lankan Deputy Commissioner Mr. P.M. Amza; SBOA Schools Senior Principal Mrs. Rajeswari Menon; and many other dignitaries from Various organizations joined with us and graced this occasion.
For more information about UPF's celebrations of the UN International Day of Peace, click here.