Barinder Saluja, Chandigarh, May 12, 2010: “Peace clubs can play a pivotal role in shaping responsible citizens for the future,” observed Chief Justice of Punjab and Haryana High Court, Mukul Mudgal, while honouring teachers dedicated to the cause of peace.
As part of the ongoing ‘Campaign for Peace-city Chandigarh’, Yuvsatta and Gandhi Smriti & Darshan Samiti, New Delhi, organized the annual Presentation of Peace Awards at Moti Ram Arya Sr. Sec. Model School, Sector 27A on Wednesday morning. Justice Mudgal, was the Chief Guest on the occasion and Justice Surya Kant, Judge, Punjab & Haryana High Court presided over the same.
Dr. Satinder Dhillon, Convener of the peace campaign said that, presently around 130 ‘Peace Clubs’ in the tricity of Chandigarh, Panchkula & Mohali are successfully working under the able guidance of their teachers and Principals. Number of schools and colleges are doing commendable work to strengthen and spread the virtues of peace and non-violence amongst the students. They also organize programmes to motivate the teachers involved in this noble initiative annually.
The teachers honoured by the chief guest were, Mrs. Agamjot Kaur Mann, Principal, SGGS Collegiate Public School with Dr. KBS Dhillon Memorial SHANTIDOOT PURASKAR, carrying a commendation certificate, a shawl and Rs. 5100/-. Another coveted Gandhi Peace Award carrying a similar amount and shawl plus memento was conferred on Mrs. Shashi Banerjee, Principal of Bhawan Vidyalaya, Panchkula. Two other Principals namely Mrs. PK Singh, Principal, Vivek High School, Chandigarh and Dharampal Sharma, Principal, Govt. Model Sr. Sec. School, Timber Market, Sector 26, Chandigarh were also honoured with a special award of honour for their exemplary work and dedication to strengthen the holistic education and inculcating the spirit of service and sacrifice amongst the students.
Appreciating the concept of Peace Clubs Justice Mukul Mudgal said that education of children with higher values is of utmost importance for better future of mankind. A child has to be educated with love and kindness to become a responsible adult in future. And, Peace Clubs can play a pivotal role in this direction by inculcating responsible behaviour and virtues of love, compassion tolerance & forgiveness in young minds. He said, the only way to global and universal peace would be to start with oneself. To keep one’s mind without violence is a challenge for all of us. Non-violence and peace are a celebration of our consciousness to honour life and creation.
Supporting a campaign of YUVSATTA for promoting constitution of such Peace Clubs in educational institutions Justice Surya Kant in his presidential address said that globalization should be in the context of ethical values and moral considerations rather than for stressful accumulation of things. The world of tomorrow and the challenges facing humanity today call for a reappraisal of what Gandhi offers, he added.
Presenting a vote of thanks Mr. Parmod Sharma, coordinator of Yuvsatta and founder of peace campaign, said ‘An ounce of practice is better than tons of preaching’, quoting Gandhi, asking everybody to join hands by transforming themselves into peaceful citizens in thought, action and deeds.