Location: Location: Zoom Platform
In spreading compassion, kindness and hope in this challenging COVID-19 pandemic times with the theme of United Nations’ International Day of Peace i.e. ‘Shaping Peace Together’, about 75 PeaceLovers and PeaceMakers of Odisha Peace Network lead by SWAD celebrated the Peace Day virtually through Zoom webinar platform on 21st of September 2020. Prior to and during this virtual celebration different activities at different levels were carried out from grass-root level to state level. Prior to the celebration of the Peace Day of 21st September, all the Peace Partners engaged with communities and stakeholders to assess in which way the communities have dealt with the various challenges of the global pandemic – whether it anywhere disrupted the community peace or it became an occasion to peace despite its life and livelihood threatening implications. All the partners also will present their achievements during this massive human tragedy how could they reach out the neediest through different means. This gave another opportunity to recognize the heroic works of all the partners and individuals in spreading values of compassion and love. The PeaceLovers also reached out to the children as they were the most vulnerable to face the challenges to understand how do/did they deal with the home bound life and captured their feelings and understandings through arts, music, dance and other creative ways.
The International Day of Peace was celebrated by PeaceLovers and PeaceMakers from a broad spectrum of stakeholders of the society with encouragement and blessing by the invited prominent and honourable personalities moderated by Mr. Bijayananda Singh, Executive Director, SFDC with the convenorship of Fr. Joseph Valiaparambil, Director of SWAD with the welcome address. A Hymn of Peace was played as the inaugural song: “Make me a channel of your peace…”. Dr. Kumar Prasant, Director, VICALP, on behalf of the Odisha Peace Network commenced the webinar celebration in elaborating on ‘the context background of Odisha Peace Network vis-à-vis International Day of Peace 2020’. The following are the eminent guests of the virtual celebration of International Day of peace –
Chief Guest
Prof. Radha Mohan (Padmashree, Former State Information Commissioner, Government of Odisha) addressed on the topic, “Peace and Human Value during and Post-COVID-19 Pandemic”
Chief Speaker
Prof. Dr. Bhagaban Prakash (Advisor Election Commission of India, Member UN Youth Council, Member Policy Committee Niti Ayog) addressed on the topic, The theme of International Day of Peace, “Shaping Peace Together”
Guest Speakers
Ms. Shabnam Hasmi (Indian Social Activist and Human Rights Campaigner and Fonder- ANHAD) addressed on the topic, “Social Inclusion and Peace”
Mr. Biraj Patnaik (Executive Director, National Foundation of India – NFI) addressed on the topic, “CSOs’ Contribution in Peacebuilding during and post COVID”
Mr. Umi Daniel (Regional Head, Migration Thematic Unit, South Asia Aide et Action) addressed on the topic, “COVID and Migration in relation to Peace”
Ms. Sneha Mishra (Founder Member cum Secretary, AAINA, Bhubaneswar) addressed on the topic, “Gender and Disability in Odisha during and Post COVID time”
Fr. Anand Mathew, IMS (Cultural and Peace Activist; Director, Vishwa Jyoti Communication, Varanasi) addressed on the topic, “Religion, the source of Conflict or a path to Peace”
Prof. (Dr.) Mrinal Chaterjee (Director, IIMC, Dhenkanal, media educator, author and trainer) addressed on the topic, “Role of Media in Peace Building (Peace Journalism)”
Prof. Haribandhu Panda (Managing Trustee, Harsha Trust; Former Vice Chancellor, Centurion University) addressed on the topic, “Peace Education for Youth”
Mr. Ambrose Christy (National Coordinator of India, Mensen met een Missie, Netherlands addressed on the topic, “Inclusive Peace in Relation to Subalterns’ Alliance for Peace (SAP) Networking”
Different invited experts on different themes suggested ways and means which became action plan for Shaping Peace Together during this global pandemic. Taking these actionable suggestions the members of OPN returned to their communities to educate and awaken the communities to be the harbingers of peace in one of the most challenging situations of human existence.