Peace leads to society’s growth and prosperity. With this intention, the International Day of Peace was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1981 and is celebrated every year on 21 September. Two decades later, in 2001, this Day was designated as a Day of non-violence and cease-fire.

The International Day of Peace is associated with a ‘dove’ and an ‘olive branch’. The ‘dove’ represents peace and freedom, while the ‘olive branch’ has traditionally been a symbol of peace dating back to ancient times.

The essence of the Day lies in its dual focus on peace and non-violence. Each year, it is celebrated with a specific theme related to peace. The theme for International Day of Peace 2024 is Cultivating a Culture of Peace.

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Like the fabled Dick Wittington who visited London expecting her streets to be paved with gold, I too, many decades ago, entered the city of Bombay, now Mumbai, expecting to set up a business from scratch and become a millionaire overnight. But those same streets, gold-less and cold, cruelly taunted me day in and day out as I walked them, selling my ideas and product from house to house, flat to flat, and quite often office to office.

Then, often depressed and disappointed with no sale done, I’d find a tiny lane in Nepean Sea Road or Juhu leading me to a beach, and there tiredly plonking my cheap briefcase onto the sands, I’d sit and watch the sea.

This was something I did time and again, seeking solace and comfort from the stillness that the bouncing waves offered.

For many years, I’ve read Psalm 23 and reflected on the second verse, “He leadeth me by the still waters,” and for many years I’ve imagined a placid lake or a gently flowing stream and the peace and calm that those still waters offer. But today, as I thought about those early days, sitting tired and worn on the beach, getting solace from the waves, I see another scene unfolding — disciples on a boat in a tempestuous sea. The waves are high, and the boat rocks like a handkerchief in a washing machine. I see them terrified.

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It’s that time of the year again! A time full of joy, anticipation and excitement for the upcoming festivities and holidays. It’s the Christmas season — a time when the world adorns itself in twinkling lights, festive cheer fills the air, and hearts are aglow with the spirit of giving and celebration. The hustle and bustle creates an ambience of merriment, yet within this joyful chaos lies a more profound significance that goes beyond the glitz and glamour of the season. It’s a time that prompts reflection, a reminder of the core values of love, compassion, and the promise of unity in a world that often feels fragmented and divided.

The Christmas spirit often signifies a beacon of hope and light in a bleak world. Its origins can be traced back to when ancient traditions and stories resounded with hope and generosity. The story of Jesus Christ’s birth is at the heart of the origins of Christmas. The story of Jesus communicates a powerful message of love, empathy, and compassion. It’s about the resonance of harmony and the warmth of solidarity rather than mere presents and jingling bells.

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India is often referred to as the land of ‘unity in diversity’. India’s cultural landscape is a kaleidoscope of traditions, customs, and artistic expressions that have evolved over centuries. With 29 states, each characterized by its own distinct culture, languages and cuisines, India is a living mosaic of identities. This cultural plurality is a source of strength for India, and it is something that should be celebrated.

The nation celebrates National Unity Day on 31 October, not only to reflect upon and celebrate the cultural plurality that forms the very foundation of India’s rich heritage, but also to commemorate the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, also known as the ‘Iron Man of India’. This day is a tribute to his contributions and efforts as the first Home Minister and Deputy Prime Minister of India during 1947-50, in bringing the different states and regions together and unifying the nation.

In a country as culturally diverse as India, maintaining unity is a challenge that has been met through various means. The shared history of struggle against British rule, which brought together people from different regions and backgrounds in their quest for freedom, is a primary reason for this unity. This historical solidarity laid the groundwork for a shared national identity that transcends linguistic and cultural boundaries. Education and exposure to different cultures play a pivotal role in fostering unity and understanding among India’s diverse population.

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The unexpected and sudden demise of Fr Varghese Alengaden, the founder of the Universal Solidarity Movement, in Indore on 26 March 2023, has created a huge vacuum in the world of peace-lovers. Fr Alengaden always believed in the power of youth in building a country of peace, acceptance and love. His personal goal was acceptance, appreciation and promotion of all persons and their cultures.

In 1993, as the country was facing the ugly demons of religious intolerance and communal violence, he felt the urgent need to begin a crusade with all
like-minded people which he named as the Universal Solidarity Movement. He truly dreamt of a world where people of all creeds, colours and countries live in love and peace. Over the last 30 years, he has motivated lakhs of students, teachers, religious leaders and social activists with his vision and his mission.

His prophetic life was based on a broad and lasting vision. A prophet can never die, his far-reaching vision, his exhilarating words, writings and soul-stirring songs will continue to inspire many more in the days to come. The fire he lit will continue to burn in the hearts of millions in India and abroad and take ahead his lasting legacy.

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“When you come to New York, Dad,” my daughter had told me a few years ago, “we’ll drive down and see the Niagara Falls!”

I remembered the Niagara Falls. For years before visiting it the first time, I had seen pictures and picture postcards of the waters cascading down the rocky sides onto the river below. For years before seeing it, I had visualized the spectacular picture in my mind, but what I saw that day was beyond my wildest dreams.

I travelled from New York to Buffalo by the Greyhound, very comfortable and with all the luxury of an airplane. For company, I had a young man from Japan and we two became good friends on the bus. I remember ever so often watching him open his Japanese to English dictionary so he could describe something to me using the correct word. It was important to him that he said everything precisely and to the point. It’s no wonder they are a great nation today. We travelled through the night, and in the morning reached Buffalo from where we changed buses to go to the Falls.

From the bus station, we walked towards the Falls, wondering what spectacular sound or scene would suddenly startle us.

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An iconic Nobel laureate and a veteran human rights activist, Archbishop Desmond Tutu is known for tirelessly spreading peace, justice and democracy in South Africa. Both the black majority and white minority considered him the nation’s conscience. “Sometimes strident, often tender, never afraid and seldom without humour” is how he was described by his longtime friend Nelson Mandela.

He was born in 1931 in Klerksdorp, Transvaal, South Africa. His father was a teacher and his mother was a domestic worker. Young Tutu was baptized as a Methodist, but the entire family later joined the Anglican Church. He was educated at Johannesburg Bantu High School. Though he wanted to study medicine, his parents could not afford it. So he became a teacher but resigned later to protest against the Bantu Education Act, which lowered education standards for black students.

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Gandhiji led India to the dawn of Indian independence through a long struggle against the colonial powers. He inspired, guided, challenged and led millions of Indians to join the struggle for freedom, not with weapons of mass destruction and a gun-wielding army, but with the weapons of truth, non-violence and peace. Even when the conditions were oppressive and the challenges insurmountable, Gandhiji remained steadfastly committed to the weapon of non-violence for his struggle for freedom.

Gandhiji believed that it is irrational and self-contradictory to use violence to achieve the goal of a peaceful society. He therefore encouraged massive civil disobedience movements like the Salt March of 1930 and the Quit India Movement of 1942 which, according to him, were a just means to achieve just ends. He strongly believed that violence and hatred were not just a means for winning freedom.

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In the middle of all the chaos
Where a kind heart is sparse
I’m looking for a human being
Who could help me fight this feeling?
In a world full of fake smiles
Where everyone has to face trials
I’m searching for a place to hide
Somewhere far away from the tide.

In a place drowning with tears
Where we’re ganged upon by our fears
I’m holding on to happy memories
Hoping that time would just freeze.

In a world that’s like a war zone
Where no one should feel alone
I’m looking for something like the sun
That can unite us and help us act as one.

In a race that’s lost its spark
Where stars can only shine in the dark
I’m waiting for others to realize
That during the day one star still shines.

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Success. The most dominating thought which everyone just keeps on pondering all day and night. What I dug out was that it is inner peace which leads you towards your ultimate goal. It gives proper direction to all your thoughts and actions required for your mission. Never hesitate to do the thing which brings you peace. Peace keeps your state of mind stable. And stability makes you survive over all situations.

There is a storehouse of energy in every individual which needs proper direction. As I said, it is a storehouse, so that energy is expected to be used only when required. No one is a soothsayer to say what is going to happen the next moment. So why should one waste their energy over-thinking and disturb their state of peace? Let that situation have an encounter with you (the energy is already there to deal with it). You can’t have peace with your mind wandering in the future.
Learn to live with your dreams, dreams that bring peace, serenity and composure in your life. Spend the energy working for your dreams; not thinking about them (it won’t make them a reality). And never ever underestimate your dreams for anyone else. No one else can understand them. If you know that this is what brings you happiness, peace… just chase it even if no one supports you. You don’t need anyone’s approval for your goal.

Choosing that strange road completely changed me. Today, I stand as an evolved person who could see all my dreams coming true. Just believe in yourself and you are halfway there. Try finding your strange road. It is “the game changer”!

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