Under the auspices of the B.V. Foundation for Peace and Harmony, South India (a Member Group of the International Association for Religious Freedom – IARF) and the Gandhi Centre, Visakhapatnam, a grand meeting was held at the Seminar Hall of L.B. College to mark the International Day of Peace. The event was presided over by the noted social worker, Prof. Narava Prakash Rao.
The distinguished invitees and chief speakers of the occasion were Professor V. Balamohan Das (Former Vice-Chancellor, Nagarjuna University and President of Gandhi Centre) and Professor K. Ravi (Former Director, Academic Staff College, Andhra University).
The programme commenced with all members garlanding the statue of Mahatma Gandhi at the Peace Centre and paying their homage. In his presidential address, Prof. Narava Prakash Rao explained the purpose of holding such a meeting on this day. He spoke on the growing unrest in the world, highlighted the role of IARF in protecting human rights, and enlightened the gathering about its advisory contributions to the United Nations and the significance of such efforts.
The eminent speakers present emphasized that violence can never be justified and elaborated on the responsibilities of governments and citizens in building peace.
Professor K. Ravi reiterated that violence is never justifiable, reminding that history itself has been altered because of violence. He called upon scientists, technologists, citizens, and rulers to work for peace. He observed that peace today has been reduced to a mere ornamental word, while world leaders have grown increasingly war-hungry. As a result, unrest has spread everywhere, and nations are engaged in amassing power. He warned that artificial intelligence too is taking distorted forms, leading to further threats to world peace.
Buddhist monks Rajdham Bhikshu and Kanth Bhikshu remarked that before global peace can be realized, inner mental peace must first be cultivated.
Professor V. Balamohan Das, President of the Gandhi Centre, shared his grave concern about the rising hatred across the world and the unrest it is fostering. He expressed deep anguish, pointing out that as of today, 108 civil wars are raging across the globe. He praised the tireless efforts of many organizations striving to prevent a third world war, but confessed his own fear at the very thought of what might happen if such a war were to break out. He stressed the urgent responsibility of governments to initiate and implement programmes that can dismantle this culture of hatred and violence.
Dr. Kochchrlakota Venkata Satyanarayana Murty (Joint Secretary, Gandhi Centre) stated that wars are dangerous, and drew attention to the views expressed in the Vedas and Indian epics regarding such destructive culture. He expressed hope that better days would surely come, but emphasized that war is indeed a great obstacle to world peace. He urged that every individual and every family must develop an earnest yearning for peace.
Dr. L. Prajnan Kumar (URI Convener) and Abdul Munir Mushad (IARF Convener) also participated and shared their views.
At the conclusion of the meeting, all the participants took a solemn pledge to safeguard world peace.
Among those present were Sri Suresh (Commissioner of Police Office), Sri Jogarao, Sri Hussain, Sri Naidu, members of IARF, and several prominent citizens of Visakhapatnam.
