Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Sept 21: Various social, educational and religious organizations across Jammu today observed International Day of Peace.
In connection with Peace Day, CSSS J&K in association with Caritas India and Diocese of Jammu-Srinagar Education Society organized a function at Carmel Convent School, Kunjwani, Jammu. Danesh Rana, IGP Jammu Zone, was the chief guest while Chandra Gupta (KAS) was the guest of honour.
The function began by paying rich tributes to the soldiers martyred in the militant attack in Uri. Welcoming the dignitaries, guests and students from various institutions, Father Shaiju Chacko presented a historical overview of the origins of International Day of Peace celebrated across the world on 21st September. A soulful prayer dance set a prayerful atmosphere to the event which was then followed by pledge for peace by all the dignitaries and participants.
In his inspiring message to the students, the IGP Jammu Zone laid the emphasis on the need to channelize the energies of the youth for constructive upbringing. He exhorted the students to inculcate the habit of reading books and to pursue their goals by realizing their innate potentials.
The Department of Law, University of Jammu in collaboration with CHILDLINE Nodal organization observed a day-long interaction on the occasion of International Peace Day. Prof Arvind Jasrotia, Head, Department of Law and Nodal Director, CHILDLINE addressed the students and emphasized upon the inter-relation between peace and development.
Elaborating upon this year’s UN theme “Sustainable Development Goals: Building Blocks for Peace”, he referred to the origination of the concept of sustainable development to the Brundtland Commission Report where it has been defined as ‘the development which meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs’.
The programme was organized and managed by Rohit Khajuria, City-Coordinator, CHILDLINE Jammu. He particularly highlighted the plight of children in conflict ridden societies.
Peace Day was also observed by J&K State Bharat Scouts and Guides at State Headquarter, Gandhi Nagar, Jammu, under the leadership of ID Soni, State Commissioner (S), J&K Bharat scouts and guides. About 230 Cubs/Bulbuls/Scouts/Guides/Rovers/Rangers and Adult leaders took an active part and participated in various activities like drawing and painting competitions, speeches on peace, etc, organized on the occasion.
Nashreen Khan, Advisor, J&K Bharat Scouts and Guides, was the chief guest while Administrator, Guru Govind Public School, Jammu, was the guest of honour. State Secretary, J&K Bharat Scouts and Guides, in his address, highlighted the role of Scouting and Guiding in the present day life and the importance of observing International Peace Day.
In connection with International Peace Day, Inner Wheel Club (IWC) Jammu organized a programme at Jammu Club. IWC president Meena Jaggi was the chief guest on the occasion. The programme commenced by lightening the candle and with a prayer for world peace.
Meena Jaggi in her address highlighted the importance of maintaining world peace and said that this solemn oath should be put into practice by shunning violence, intolerance and by giving space to others in terms of race, gender and ethnicity.
The speakers while speaking on the occasion underlined the need of education for sustainable peace and development. Club Literacy Coordinator, Pooja Malhotra, Sangeeta Puri, Navneet, Rabia, Daljeet Kour, Santosh Gupta, Nidhi Sudan and Gurvinder Kour were also present on the occasion.