Chandigarh, October 2: After an exciting night of dancing and cultural performances at SD College’s main auditorium, today on International day of nonviolence, young delegates at the 7th International Youth Peace Festival in the city woke up early in the morning along with American Gandhi’s Bernie Meyer to ‘Walk for Wildlife & Peace’, sponsored by Department of Forests & Wildlife at Sukhna Lake, where KK Sharma, Advisor to Administrator, Chandigarh Administration flagged off the walk.
In heart rending scenes of separation amid friends who were strangers till a few days back. About 500 young participants flocked to this city from diverse countries and cultures like Malaysia, Germany, Spain, Indonesia, Nepal, Philippines, USA, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Afghanistan, Sudan, Mallawi, Congo etc. to find a unifying ground for peace. In their Indian hosts, they discovered an extension of their own family. Today, they separated with a pledge to extend the peace family by involving more people in the peace process for global harmony.
Before leaving to their respective countries, the participants pledged that in next two years, peace activists from over 100 countries shall meet in the city of Chandigarh, rechristened City of Peace by them for hosting more such peace initiatives.
At an impressive ceremony in presence of representatives youth leaders from different countries Justice Jitendra Chauhan released the logo of next 8th International Youth Peace Fest, which will now happen between September 27 to October 2, 2013. Congratulating & encouraging the participants Justice Jitendra Chauhan shared the value system promoted by Dayanand Saraswati & Swami Vivekananda for global peace and world harmony.
On the occasion participants from Malaysian Indian Youth Counsil also offered to host a similar Peace Fest next year in Malaysia.
The valedictory function held today at GGD SD College Sector 32, once again brought to fore talent of young participants who had composed poems, songs and dances as a parting gift for their hosts, who will long cherish the memories of their new formed friendships. The International Youth Peace Fest Peace Fest was organized by Yuvsatta, a city based NGO, Student Council & Peace Club of SD College, Oxfam India and Ministry of Culture, Government of India.
As a special gesture youngsters from Sikh International Martial Art Academy, Patiala showcased their ‘gatka’ skills to woo the international and national guests.