The first peace symposium of this year based on President Ikeda 2018 peace proposal titled “Towards an Era of Human Rights: Building a People’s Movement”, was held at Chandigarh on 30th April 2018.
The symposium was held in Baba Makhan Shah Lobana Foundation Auditorium, Chandigarh and was attended by over 450 members and guests.
To discuss the peace proposal the eminent speakers at the symposium were, Mr Vivek Atray, renowned Author and Motivational Speaker and Mrs. Navraj Sandhu, Additional Chief Secretary, Government of Haryana. The keynote address was delivered by General V. P. Malik, PVSM, AVSM (Retd.), Former Chief of Army Staff.
Speaking first, Mr Vivek Atray said “It is remarkable and outstanding that every year President Ikeda submits a Peace proposal which is so meticulously prepared and very well written, which has the potential to change the world. It is practical and at the same time deeply spiritual”. Speaking further Mr. Atray shared, “Peace does not mean being in a place where there is no noise or trouble, it means being calm even in the midst of those things”
Elaborating on the role of women in achieving global peace mentioned in the peace Proposal Mrs. Navraj Sandhu shared various anecdotes on leadership demonstrated by women and how they are taking the lead in all areas. Mrs. Sandhu said she was overwhelmed by the pleasant and warm welcome received when she arrived. Speaking further she said that the peace proposal is panoramic in its vision and talked about women bringing decisive change in society. She closed with a quote by Mother Teresa,
“Not all of us can do great things but all of us can do small things with great love”.
In his keynote address, General V.P. Malik, shared that having seen so much of bloodshed, soldiers are the biggest promoters of peace. He said, “Peace comes in pieces and not in a package”. He said that if we work on these pieces one at a time, then lasting peace can be realized.
The symposium concluded with presentation of mementos to the speakers.
The welcome address was given by BSG Chairperson Mr. Vishesh Gupta and vote of thanks by WD Chief Ms. Rashi Ahuja.
This was the first time a Peace Symposium was held in Chandigarh and there was great enthusiasm and joy in the preparations towards the symposium. Thanks to the efforts of members to reach out to a wide segment of society, the Auditorium was packed with guests. As mentioned by various guests, the warm welcome of the volunteers uplifted the lives of everyone who walked in. The meticulous and advance preparation by the volunteers ensured that the Symposium was a great success.
The symposium was widely covered by both national and local media. A few media clips are attached.