Kolkata: (Reported by Sanatan Mahakud): The International Day of Peace was celebrated on 24th September 2024, an event organized by the Buddha World Peace Foundation, in collaboration with the Divine Bliss Foundation, Pragyan Foundation, and Hello Kolkata. The event, held at Pragyan Bhavan, brought together a diverse group of speakers and participants who shared their thoughts on the vital role of peace in fostering human development and global prosperity.
.webp "The Power of Peace: A Pathway to Human Development and Economic Growth")
Dr. Suresh Kumar Agarwal, the keynote speaker, made a compelling case for peace as a cornerstone of human progress. In his address, Dr. Agarwal underscored that peace is not just the absence of conflict but a driving force behind holistic growth. He remarked, "Peace is essential for human development and economic prosperity." According to him, a peaceful society encourages the flourishing of education, healthcare, and innovation, all of which contribute to economic stability and individual well-being.
Dr. Agarwal also stressed the importance of inner peace, explaining that true harmony begins within oneself. He urged individuals to practice mindfulness, empathy, and compassion in both personal and professional settings, suggesting that these qualities can lead to better decision-making and healthier communities.
The event featured several prominent voices in the field of peace and global cooperation. Dr. Dinesh Singh Nepali, a well-known peace advocate, highlighted the importance of fostering peace not only at the national level but globally. He spoke about how understanding, tolerance, and open dialogue among countries can pave the way for a more peaceful world.
Ashis Basak, a social leader, and KS Adhikari, an expert in humanitarian issues, echoed these sentiments, calling for collective efforts to promote peace across borders. Both emphasized that compassion and dialogue are critical tools for resolving conflicts and ensuring long-term stability.
A special moment during the event was the reading of goodwill messages from respected figures. Shri Ram Nath Kovind, the former President of India, sent his wishes, underlining the importance of peaceful coexistence in today's world. Nobel Peace Prize Laureate, The Dalai Lama, also shared his thoughts, encouraging everyone to embrace kindness, understanding, and patience as the foundation for peace.
The celebration attracted a large gathering of peace enthusiasts, scholars, and social workers. Among the participants were Advocate Basu Deo Agarwal, Dr. Namita Chakraborty, Md Badruddin, Anita Saha, Sonali Chowdhuri, Pramod Gupta, Sharmishtha Chakraborty, Rita Dhar, and Ratna Sen, along with many others who are actively working to promote harmony in society.
Each attendee brought their unique perspective, making the event a vibrant discussion on how peace can be nurtured in daily life. They reflected on how peace can contribute to the development of both individuals and nations, focusing on the long-term benefits of cultivating a culture of harmony.
The International Day of Peace 2024 served as a reminder that peace is a shared responsibility. It is not only about preventing wars but also about creating environments where people can thrive, free from fear and conflict. Dr. S K Agarwal's words rang true throughout the event – peace is, indeed, essential for both human development and economic prosperity. By fostering inner peace and advocating for global harmony, we can work towards a world that values cooperation, stability, and growth for all.
The event left participants with a renewed sense of purpose, urging them to continue their efforts to build a peaceful world. As the celebrations ended, it was clear that peace is not just an ideal – it is a necessity for a better tomorrow.