PATHS OF PEACE

Our prayers in Vedic tradition end with; ‘Aum Shanti, Shanti, Shanti hi’ we pray and seek for peace in material, spiritual and divine spheres of life”, is what Didi Talwalkar of the Swadhyaya Movement explained at the ‘Paths of Peace’ Inter-religious Conference, held in Germany two weeks ago under the aegis of the Community of Sant Egidio.

Last week, September 21 was observed as the International Day of Peace, presently focusing on, “Together for Peace: Respect, Safety and Dignity for all”. According to the UN and I believe providentially so, this year, “The Day will highlight solidarity with refugees and migrants and showcase the shared benefits of migration to economies and nations, while also acknowledging legitimate concerns of host communities. Ultimately, it will be about bringing people together...”

The pertinent question, however, being asked mostly by bitter and pessimists is, “if peace is at all possible in our life’s time”? Seeing the current scenario, one can easily lose hope.

Andrea Ricardi, the founder of the Community of St. Egidio, speaking at the concluding ceremony of ‘Paths of Peace’, hence reminded the world, “In prayer, in the depth of our faiths, we discover that peace is not impossible, because it is a gift of God… Peace must always be possible. It must always be sought… For this reason, religions kindle a hope of peace – as we do today: they drive believers to get rid of indifference, and compel them to turn into artisans of peace”.