peace - மன அமைதி நிலவ மாணவர்களுக்கு வழிகாட்டு பயிலரங்கம்

Today's session started with a prayer and personal introductions from students and teachers from 7-8 different schools and colleges. The dynamics of the seminar were explained by Rev. Dr. Cyril SJ, who urged for such a meeting to be conducted in Chennai. He contacted the Gandhi Peace Foundation in Chennai, and Dr. Kulandhaisamy from GPF immediately organized this seminar. 

*Dr. Cyril SJ* explained the need for a human fraternity movement in India and asked the students, "What is peace?" and the need of peace to start from within. He then discussed the document regarding the Human Fraternity Movement. 

*Ms. Jahanara from Hyderabad* explained how peace can be promoted through skill development and interaction/communication between the learners.

After the break , *Father Joseph Kalathil SJ , peace activists from Jamshedpur*  on the topic 'Peace is possible'. His work revolves around school students in Jammu& Kashmir and Pakistan. He has made 3000 school students from the above places as friends. How ? it is  by asking them to write letters to the unknown friends in the other country and asking a reply for those letters and made them friends through letters.  According to him, peace is  that which brings you closer to divinity and  divinity means creation. so being creative makes you to be in peace within yourself. Only if we have peace within ourself, we can give peace to others.

*Moulavi B.M Kalleloor Rahman* from Mosque at Dooming Kuppam, inspired with his explanation to attain peace - Be peace within oneself and in turn bring peace to the near ones. Peace starts from within and it spreads to our near and dear ones. He narrated a story on Abu Darun Gifari (Rali ) and his servant wearing a similar dress and travelling together and the reason behind it.

*Dr.Kulandhaisamy ,GPF* explained his untiring activities in schools and colleges to spread peace and his six principles taught in peace clubs in schools and colleges

1.Be a active listener when others are speaking 

2.Interuppt with a gesture by raising hands.(He said if this is followed by our students, they would conduct a better parliament in the future)

3.Never gossip about others 

4.Never complain about others (the problem to be solved between the parties rather than involving a third person. This will reduce the money spent on courts, police)

5.Cultivate  patience 

He addressed Krishnamoorthy's approach - 'find out those things that conflicts with your inner peace' and the role of friendship in his life.

Then, *Mrs. Swatantra Sakthivel*,Retd.HM of Bhavans addressed her views on peace.   Her approach to students was 'Don't React ,Respond to children.'

*Mr. Poorna Chandran* , Retd.HM, member of GPF, shared his experience about how he overcame hesitation and inspired students to cultivate leadership skills.

 *Students from various schools  and colleges shared their understanding of peace* .Here are some thoughts from students :

1.'Peace = living without inner conflicts 

2.ACCEPTANCE + TOLERANCE will give peace.' 

3.Handling the situation with smile will give peace.

4.Rather going to religious places for peace, sit for five minutes in silence

5.Many students agreed to organize peace clubs in schools

6.Many were inspired by this seminar and the need for peace education schools

7.Some promised that they will  stop their fights with their siblings

The 'Thank You' note from *Rev. Father of Ikkiya Alayam*, opposite MRC Kalyana Mandapam, was so touching. He ended with a note that today's seminar is a celebration of Human Fraternity and that everyone should compulsory have their lunch. The seminar ended with the National Anthem in Tamil. Lunch was extremely good, and I would like to thank the student volunteers of Ikkiya Alayam for their service.

It was indeed a great seminar, making us think about different perspectives of peace from great personalities who have spent their whole lives promoting peace among people—'How to attain peace within ourselves.' I hope everyone who attended left with a thought on peace and ways of promoting peace within.