The students of WeSchool organised a Global Peace Initiative on the eve of the 26/11 attack on Mumbai, in view of several places across the globe being rocked by terrorist attacks and fledging debate in the country for the need for being more accepting and inclusive. This is the fourth time the institution is organising this initiative.
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This year, people from various walks of life who dedicated their lives to the cause of peace were felicitated. Eminent personalities from the world of journalism, cinema, television and politics joined WeSchool students to send out a strong message of peace and harmony.
In his welcome note, Prof Uday Salunkhe, Group Director, WeSchool said, “The terrorist’s real weapon is hatred and fear that he invokes, the divides that he creates. Global Peace Initiative is one of our endeavours to sensitise the young citizens about role and responsibility in building a peaceful and multicultural world. People like Dr. Jockin Arputham, Owais Shaikh and Maya Shahni, who keep peace and humanity alive inspire youth to be assertive and nurture a positive and inclusive culture, are the real heroes and it is our privilege to honour them.”
Eminent Personalities
While Magsaysay Award winner Dr Jockin Arputham, President of National Slum Dwellers Federation of India was felicitated for taking up the cause of eradicating poverty and social injustice, Awais Sheikh, President of Indo-Pak Peace Initiatives and Attorney to Sarbjeet Singh ,was honoured for his exemplary work towards strengthening Indo-Pak ties. ISRO was acknowledged not only for its technological feats but for adopting 150 villages. Javed Bashir was felicitated for bringing a confluence of India-Pak cultures through music and Maya Shahni, Founder of SAGE Foundation, was honoured for her unstinted efforts towards women empowerment.
Last, but not the least, was Krishna Das, the lone man who took upon himself the mission of spreading peace in the chaotic city of Mumbai. Krishna’s beaming face is seen by thousands of commuters as he unflinchingly stands on one foot holding a placard giving a message of peace on a tiny road divider at the Juhu-Versova circle every morning.
Devika Mittal, Coverner of Agaz–e-Dosti, and also a freelance writer on gender issues and Indo–Pak relations, said, “Let’s refuse to submit to the culture of hatred, intolerance and inhumanity. Even if your voice be a lone one, it is much stronger than a million voices of hatred for it is the ray of light in the dark tunnel.” Kia Scherr, Co-founder of One Life Alliance, who lost her husband and only child to the terror attacks on Mumbai in 2008, appreciated the efforts made by WeSchool to spread awareness about unity and peace. “What is most needed in the world in these times is love. Celebrate the love of our shared humanity with respect for the dignity of our differences. Peace is created with trust and respect.”
Walking the Ramp
‘We Wish You Peace’ – saw eminent personalities from the media, the cinema fraternity, education, sports and the corporate industry walk the ramp with children from Udaan and Don Bosco for the cause of global peace. 60 celebrities walked the ramp, including the likes of Ritesh Sidhwani, Bela Bhansali, Rohit Roy, Sonali Kulkarni, Amar Upadhyay, Anang Desai, Divyanka Tripathi, Suchitra Pillai, Jayathi Bhatia and Harshaali Malhotra, the little tot from the film ‘Bajarangi Bhaijaan’.
Sugandha Misra, Akshat Singh, Monali Thakur, Ashley Lobo and dance troupe entertained the audience that consisted of Diplomatic community based in Mumbai, corporate leaders, eminent citizens; media personalities that were present to express their solidarity with the Global Peace Initiative.