International Day of Peace is observed around the world on 21 September. The United Nations has declared this as a day devoted to strengthening the ideals of peace, through observing 24 hours of non-violence and cease-fire. This day is devoted to strengthening the ideals of peace, both within and among all nations and peoples. At a time when war and violence often monopolize our news cycles, the International Day of Peace is an inspiring reminder of what we can create together.

This year the world was torn apart and deeply pained by the war on Ukraine by Russia, as conflicts continued to erupt across the globe, which caused people to flee and leave their homes and move across borders. As economies suffered, we have seen how hate speech and violence was directed at certain minorities. Closer to home in India we have also seen how the sanctity of the peace, harmony and brotherhood was disturbed by a handful few through their hateful speeches aimed against few minorities and groups to further their personal interests.

To mark this occasion United Interfaith Foundation – India celebrated International Peace Day - Building Bridges and Inspiring Peace. The programme was participated by all senior religious heads, interfaith leaders and community heads. A song was sung at the beginning led by Fr Dominic Gomes, Vicar General Archbishop House, Fr Franklin Menezes Pro Vicar along with the Missionaries of Charity Sisters whose theme was “Make me a Channel of your Peace”, which resonated with the theme of the day.

The above programme was represented by Dr.Satnam Singh Ahluwalia (General Secretary Gurdwara Behala and United Interfaith Foundation – India and Chairman IHA Foundation), Moulana Shafique Qasmi, Imam of Nakhoda Masjid (Muslim), Moulana Qari Fazlur Rahman (Imam-E-Eidaan, Senior Imam West Bengal), Dr. Arunjyoti Bhikku, Director Tollygunge Sambodhi Buddhist Monastery (Buddhist), Munni Mani Kumar Maharaj (Jain Monk), S K Mudreka Jamali, Muavin Aamil of Dawoodi Bohra Jamaat (Bohra), Mouland Rizvi,Imam e Jumma(Shia Muslim), Sister Asmita (Brahmakumari), Murli Punjabi (General Secretary Sindhi Panchayat), Jb Zafar Ahmed (President of Ahhamidiya Muslim Jamaat Kolkata), Br. Divakar Chaitanya (Central Chinmaya Mission Trust), Swami Giri Surya Maharaj (President, Gangasagar Math), Missionaries of Charity,Kolkata, Chinese Association among others.

The members of United Interfaith Foundation – India also extended their immense gratitude to UNESCO for the recognition of ‘Durga Puja’ in UNESCO's Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage(ICH) of Humanity. ‘Durga Puja is a festival of inclusivity and empowerment; it is an all-inclusive spectacle, a true symbol of secularism. The festival transcends the boundaries of caste, creed and economic classes and unites people in its celebration. The members also extended their special thanks to the Chief Minister Smt Mamata Banerjee, for charting Durga Puja celebration in the world map of Culture.

The members of United Interfaith Foundation – India at the end prayed for World Peace so that all beings live and prosper in co-existence in this World. “We all need to understand that achieving true peace entails much more than laying down arms. It requires the building of societies where all members feel that they can flourish. It involves creating a world in which people are treated equally, regardless of their race.The International Day of Peace reminds us that regardless of where we come from or what languages we speak, we are more alike than we are different. We can get caught up in our day-to-day of work and family. But it is necessary to reflect on how we need to step out of our comfort zones to discuss about peace and we all need make an effort to see someone else's perspective or, put another way, to "walk in their shoes" to understand and adapt better for world peace”, said Satnam Singh Ahluwalia, General Secretary United Interfaith Foundation – India.

“We are all brother and sisters, members of one great human family. On International Peace Day, let us pledge ourselves to promote peace and live in peace with everyone and everywhere”, said Most Rev Thomas D'Souza, Archbishop of Kolkata,and President of United Interfaith Foundation – India.

“As religious leaders and community heads we all have an opportunity and moral obligation to find the common ground through the bonds of trust in order to propagate and maintain peace in Society, so that we may rise above our differences and combat prejudice and intolerance”, said Moulana Qari Fazlur Rahman (Imam-E-Eidaan, Senior Imam West Bengal)