The International Day of Peace: Histrory, Significance & more

Who is not a beloved of Peace? In the discovery of peace, man has given their life. But regret, today we all are going away from this peace day by day. Today earth, sky and ocean are all turbulent. Selfishness and hatred have split the human society. So the message of world peace has been given in every era and every round. But the number of people who are implementing is very little.

Every year ’21st September’ is celebrated as ‘International Day of Peace’.  This day is considered a model of freedom, peace and happiness among all countries and people. ‘International Day of Peace 2020’ is mainly celebrated to establish peace and non-violence on the whole earth. Through this day, the message of peace is propagated and spread among countries and citizens around the world.  The white pigeon is considered a messenger of peace.  Therefore, on the occasion of World Peace Day, the message of peace is given by slathering white pigeons.

When & How it was started?

Initiative of it was taken in 1981 by the United Nations of Peace. In order to maintain peace among all the countries and people of the world, the United Nations had announced to celebrate World Peace Day in 1981.  This is the reason that World Peace Day was celebrated for the first time in 1982. From 1982 to 2001, the third Tuesday of September was celebrated as World Peace Day, but from 2002 it started being celebrated on 21 September.

Since then, many efforts have been made to maintain world peace. To ensure peace around the world, the United Nations has made eminent personalities peaceable in many fields such as literature, art, cinema, music and sports. These public figures propagate the message of peace through various medium.

Theme for 2020

The theme of 2020 International Day of Peace is “Shaping Peace Together”. Celebrate the International Day of Peace by spreading mercy, kindness, help, support and hope in front of COVID-19 epidemic. The virus is promoting discrimination and disgust in society, standing with the United Nations against the virus. Join hands so that we can give peace together.

How International Peace Day is celebrated?

International Peace Day, i.e. World Peace Day, is started by ringing the bell of UN peace at the United Nations Headquarters (New York). On one side of this bell, it is written that peace in the world should always be maintained.  This bell is made from donated coins of children from all continents except Africa. The special thing about this bell is that it was given by the United National Association of Japan as a gift.

Message of peace by flying white pigeons

On this occasion, the message of peace is given by flying white pigeons across every country of the world. These pigeons are symbols of peace that spread the special principles of ‘Panchsheel’ around the world. This tradition of flying white pigeons has been going on since ancient times. Pigeons are considered birds of calm nature. This is the reason why it has been made a symbol of peace and harmony.

On the other hand, every country celebrates this in their own way. This year in which pandemic has completely changed the pattern of living, celebration would also change its form like on this day various seminars (online), webinars, competitions are taking place but all this is done digitally.

• Minute of silence at 12 noon (all timezones)
• Workshops on the UN Peace Day theme
• Meditation and prayer
• Planting peace poles (planting of trees)
• Community gatherings
• Concerts and festivals
• Service to others
• Writing peace poetry
• Yoga
• Marches, parades and flag ceremonies
• Public programs with government officials
• Engaging youth in peace-building activities.

These are some of the activities that one can choose for celebrating.

Significance of this day

This day is celebrated for peace, but it is quite disappointing, that today a person is going away from this peacefully day. Today, the marked wreck spread all over the society and has made peace more away from individuals. Earth, the sky and the ocean are all disturbed. Selfishness and hatred have split the human society. The message of ‘World Peace‘ has been given in every era and every round, but the number of people who have implemented it is very low. Nowadays many countries have become the enemies of each other. Over time, the risk of war between many countries has also hovered. Many countries want to harm their enemy country with terrorism or other efforts. The importance of World Peace Day increases in such a situation. Which we should be able to meet all the countries and try to apply in the opposite circumstances.

India’s fundamental principles for world peace

India’s former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru had given 5 basic mantras to the world for peace. These are also known as ‘Principles of Panchsheel’. According to them, it was said “maintain and respect each other’s regional integrity for the establishment of peace in the world”, is only the key for it. The Panchsheel Mantra is –

1. Mutual respect for each other’s territorial integrity and sovereignty,
2. Mutual non-aggression,
3. Mutual non-interference in each other’s internal affairs,
4. Equality and mutual benefit, and
5. Peaceful co-existence.

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