When the world is threatened by a possible major conflict between Russia and the NATO forces because of the mobilization of 100,000 troops by Russia on the border of Ukraine, when many countries are facing internal conflicts, resurgence of authoritarian regimes and large-scale violation of human rights, when skyrocketing inequalities in wealth and income is pushing millions of people into poverty,  and above all when climate change is hanging like Damocles’ sword over the whole world, a three-day Global/National Peace Convention was held in Indore from January 30 to February 01, 2022.

The objective of the Global/National Peace Convention was to create awareness among people about the threats to peace at different levels and reflect on the ways and means of building peace.  In the context of India, the months preceding the declaration of election to five State Assemblies, including Uttar Pradesh, witnessed phenomenal growth in hate speech against the minorities, especially Muslims. Hence the 8th National and 2nd Global Peace Convention focused on the issues disturbing peace in India also.

The participants of the Peace Convention listened to more than two dozen persons belonging to different sections like professionals, academicians, social activists, students and teachers. Seven young people shared with the participants their perception of the threats to peace and the role of the youth in building peace. The spread of Omicron prevented offline participation of most of the people who had registered. While two dozen individuals participated physically at USM Indore, 150 to 550 people participated online in various sessions during the three-day convention organized by the National Peace Movement in collaboration with Universal Solidarity Movement (USM) Indore, Rotary International District 3040, Globethics and Indian Currents.

The participants could grasp many creative and relevant ideas and insights regarding peace building.  First of all, they could get a holistic understanding of peace. Peace is not mere absence of war, but peace comes from positive actions like efforts to eliminate poverty and reduce inequality, promotion of literacy and education, improving health care, etc. In order to realize peace, one has to align his/her thoughts and words with his/her actions, and the efforts to build peace should be an overflow of one’s inner peace.

Military power and GDP growth will not bring peace in the absence of fulfilling the basic needs of people and accepting and respecting diversities. The real peace is in the welfare and wellbeing of people and freedom from all kinds of social evils, and that is why Gandhiji made removal of untouchability as part of the independence struggle. Peace offers the opportunity for human beings to develop, to be cultured and to be compassionate whereas unhealthy competition creates conflicts and violence. Women empowerment contributes to peace-building because empowered women leaders are found to be more effective in resolving conflicts and facing crises like Covid 19 than male leaders, and the best and the most effective place for women empowerment is family.

The participants also became aware of the intimate relationship between peace and care for the earth, our “common home”. Care for the earth demands making sustainable use of the resources of the earth. Practicing eco-spirituality, which cultivates the right relationship with God, other human beings and all creatures, is proposed as a solution to the environmental problems the world faces today.

In the context of India an inclusive approach of involving everyone to contribute his/her share in the building of society/nation is essential for peace-building. It will create a sense of belonging in all people of India because welcoming all and accepting them as friends and brothers/sisters have been the millennial heritage of India.

Reducing the rising inequalities is pointed out as an essential condition for peace-building. Among the various measures proposed, one is related to the privileged class in any society or country. The privileged in society have to become aware of their privileged positions and the corresponding advantages, and express solidarity with the people who do not have the privileges and are not able to access their rights. They have to amplify the voices of the underprivileged.

Secondly, the participants were enlightened on the role of religion in peace building. According to Mahatma Gandhi, religion is a path to connect oneself with God and it should lead to truth, spirituality, self-realization, sarvadharma samabhav and service to humanity. Gandhiji internalized the best of all religions, although he was a staunch Sanathani. As a result, Gandhiji was inclusive and universal in his approach. Today, India and the world need Gandhi’s approach to religions in order to nurture peace.

As religion is a human creation, all religions are imperfect and no religion can claim that it is better than others. If the world, especially India, has to experience peace, equality of all religions and religious diversity are to be accepted and celebrated. Religion is like fire and it can be used for constructive or destructive purposes and if we use it for constructive purpose, we will have peace. 

Against the backdrop of religion being exploited for gaining political power in different parts of the world, we need to adopt innovative strategies to respond to the situation, as Gandhiji used different strategies from time to time without compromising the principles of truth and non-violence.

Thirdly, the need for creating understanding and harmony among the followers of different religions, especially in the context of India, was emphasized in order to create an environment of peace. People are to be seen first and foremost as human beings, and not belonging to a particular religion. As humans, we must fight against the issues affecting all of us like poverty, illiteracy, unemployment, corruption, etc. instead of fighting in the name of religion and caste. The participants were warned about the dangers of spreading hate news and they were asked to desist from spreading fake news and prejudice against individuals and communities, especially through social media platforms.

Some speakers and participants shared their positive experience of promoting interfaith dialogue, as it helps to understand different faiths in a better way and it can reduce conflicts between the followers of different religions.

The fourth significant aspect was highlighting the role of Gandhian principles and ideals in peace-building. Gandhi converted India into an island of non-violence in the midst of an ocean of violence because during the period in which Gandhi took leadership of the Independence struggle, the world witnessed the worst cruelties and violence.

Mahatma Gandhi demonstrated to the world that non-violence was more powerful than the military power of the British Empire. That is why the British had to leave India, but India and the Great Briton remained close friends despite the atrocities Indians had to undergo during the British rule. The first Governor General of India was Mountbatten, a British citizen. That is the magic power of non-violence. The hate mongers and Gandhi baiters of today do not have intelligence to understand Mahatma Gandhi and his ideals. The world has no option other than the way shown by Mahatma Gandhi. 

Action Plan Proposed

The Peace Convention was not limited to listening to talks alone. One session was set apart solely for proposing action plans to be implemented at the personal and community levels. Some prominent action plans proposed by the participants and the speakers to be implemented by them and to be recommended to others are the following.

As home ambience helps to inculcate spirituality in children, create a ‘sacred space and time’ in families by sharing with them the core values of one’s own religion as well as the universal values found in other religions.

In order to promote harmony among religions, follow a policy of Sarva Dharma Sambhav and study all religions and learn from them.  Do not send or forward or spread hate messages. Instead, create peace messages and spread them through social media platforms in order to create an environment of peaceful and harmonious coexistence.

Spread goodness around us by expressing solidarity, empathy and compassion with people who are in distress and crisis situations. Make choices in personal and professional life by focusing on the core values like honesty, justice, respect for human persons and sensitivity to the environment. Allot a particular percentage of time and financial resources for social causes as an expression of giving back to society.

Introduce a programme in schools for promoting critical thinking and creating an atmosphere of happiness. As part of value education for peace, display inspiring quotes on peace in school premises, organize peace clubs, promote interfaith prayer and pluralism and teach students ways and means of conflict resolution.

Respect the earth and its resources through sustainable use of resources by following a policy of Reduce, Reuse and Recycle.

Organize regional peace conventions in order to spread the message of peace and promote peace-building. When a peace convention is organized the delegates may stay in houses of the people of different faiths.

Send the report of the Peace Convention to the United Nations with a suggestion to rename the Security Council as PEACE COUNCIL and constitute two chambers in the place of the UN General Assembly, equivalent to Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha in India. The Lower House may consist of the representatives of the member nations and the Upper House may consist of representatives of different faiths, scientists, artists, social activists, literary figures, etc.

A clarion call that reverberated through all sessions of the 8th National and 2nd Global Peace Convention was, “Make peace building a top priority”.