Mohali
6 February 2025
DIVYA AZAD
The first Rotary Peace Summit of Rotary District 3080 was held at the Amity University campus in Mohali here today.
A Rotary Peace Pole bearing the inscription “May Peace Prevail on Earth” was installed in the campus by chief guest Prof. R.K. Kohli, Vice Chancellor of Amity University Punjab, Rotary District Governor Rajpal Singh, keynote speaker Mr Vikas Verma, Regional Head of North for UNDP, amongst distinguished Rotarians.
In his inaugural address Prof Kohli, lamented the increasing conflict amongst countries in the world which is a matter of serious councern for humanity and future generation, and said that inner calm, harmony, preserving the Nature’s bounties, and active involvement in reducing conflict can ensure a sustainable peace in the world.
Rotary District Governor Rajpal Singh reiterated Rotary’s commitment to world peace through humanitarian service projects, youth exchange initiatives for people-to-people contacts, besides actively engaging youth in peace and conflict resolution. Rotary, he said, had been instrumental in formation of the United Nations after World War 2, who worked with delegates from different countries to write the UN Charter, laying the foundation for peace in the world.
Mr. Vikas Verma, Regional Head of North for UNDP, in his keynote address remarked the universal shared existence of humans with other life on Earth, and suggested that efforts need to be made to eradicate poverty, hunger, disease from the world which can only build a sustainable environment for living in harmony with each other. He implored for the need to make peace as a subject of intense discussion in every home instead of focusing on sheer entertainment, cricket, or politics.
Rotary District Governor Rtn Rajpal Singh informed that this is a remarkable initiative to sensitise our youth in Universities and schools to build a culture of peace and resilience so that the young minds are sensitized and inculcate in them the critical thinking to resolve conflict in a more positive way.
Four prominent experts including Dr. Upneet Lalli, Deputy Director, Institute of Correctional Administration, Buddhist monk Lama Yeshi from UK, Dr. Nitya Parkash, Global CEO of Quality NZ Education, and Rotary District Governor nominee Dr. Rita Kalra, head of Civil Hospital, Panchkula, participated in a panel discussion moderated by Prof. Charanjit Singh from Shoolini University and co-chair for Rotary Peace Schools programme
Lama Yeshi advised on inner peace through simple breathing exercise to calm one’s mind and control one’s anxiety, fear and anger, and made everyone participate in the meditative exercise.
Dr Upneet Lalli, who is also Global Ambassador for Restorative Justice, remarked that there is an attempt to humanize the police and prison systems to empathise with prisoners and bring significant transformation.
Dr Nitya Parkash, Global CEO of Quality NZ Education working worldwide in improving education delivery to make it inclusive for every child, and make it affordable since only educated youth can bring about positive change in the world.
Dr. Rita Kalra, principal medical officer of Civil Hospital Panchkula and Rotary’s district governor nominee, informed the young audience about the Rotary’s youth programmes like Rotaract, Interact, and youth exchange which is grooming the youngsters to connect with the people in need, and build a better world.
The highlight of the summit was the presence of Rotary Peace Scholar and a cello player from Brazil, Maestro Diego Carneiro, who not only performed but build bridges of understanding with the audience unraveling the power of music that can connect people in peace.
Rotary District Peace Chair Rtn. AP Singh informed that this is the first of the series of similar summits to be held in various parts of the Rotary District 3080 this year, under the aegis of the Rotary Action Group for Peace (RAGFP) India Chapter.
University students concluded the summit with bhangra and gidha performance.
The six Rotary Clubs which have got together to organize this event include Rotary Club Chandigarh, Chandigarh Uptown, Chandigarh Midtown, Classic Chandigarh, Chandigarh Central, and Chandigarh Shivalik.
