‘A LIFE OF HAPPINESS, PEACE AND LOVE IS ALL WITHIN OUR GRASP‘
Ever since life began , human beings have been yearning for Peace . True Peace is much more than ancient “tranquility of order “. It is way of life — a life of Love , forgiveness, generosity, patience , kindnesses and so on .
“Peace is not made at the Conference table , or by treaties , but in the hearts of men” says Herbert Hoover . Peace is a personal responsibility and it is vain to seek it from outside sources , if not within oneself. Your pursuit of Peace depends on your personal liability with yourself and others .
Peace comes from living in the moment and looking for the good in others . Peacefulness comes from facing our fears and letting them go — trusting that things will turn out all right . Peacefulness is also a way of approaching conflict with others so no one is made wrong . Everyone wins because we then work to find a peaceful solution .
Peace is one of the deepest desire of every human person. This peace is not merely the absence of war It is the presence of Love . In our time , the concept of peace cannot be isolated from that of human rights , freedom and ecology.
To work for peace is to work for the transformation of personal and social reality and to make it more fraternal, more human and more just and to collaborate for the liberation of humans .
Peace does not come by itself, we have to prepare for peace and work for it , and this work at times invokes struggle.
Peace for all requires the personal contribution of each individual. To this end each individual is required to invest a part of his / her time , talent , and intelligence, in order to promote in oneself and in society attitudes and action that lead to peace .
To really change the world , we have to help people change the way they see things . Global betterment is a mental process, not one that requires huge sum of money or a high level of authority.
Change has to be psychological. So if we want to see real change , we have to stay persistent in educating humanity on how similar we all are than different. We need not strive to be change we want to see in the world , but also help all those around us see the world through commonalities of the heart so that they would want to change with us .
This is how humanity will evolve to become better . This is how we can change the world . The language of the heart is mankind ‘s main language.
Always remember – Non violence is only for the brave men and women of the world because it requires courage- Courage to love the beauty of life , courage to love beauty of humanity and courage to love beauty of the world .
SERVICE ABOVE SELF IS ROTARY’S MOTTO AND WORLD UNDERSTANDING ITS ULTIMATE GOAL
Service must be the first to peace, because peace grows within the heart. Peace thrives with service and understanding, according dignity to our fellowmen.
Peace is nourished by truth and principles, and it is strengthened when we overcome our differences to work together, finding common ground for a noble cause.
The Rotary Foundation’s mission is to bring peace and understanding into the world. I have thought long hours trying to figure out how Rotary can transform that dream into reality.
Peace is not just the absence of hostilities – it is also a quality of life. I believe that: A world half starving and half overfed will never be a world at peace.
A world half sick and half healthy will never be a world at peace.
A world half illiterate and half educated will never be a world at peace.
A world that condones drug abuse, senseless violence and un-punished crime will never be a world at peace
A world of prejudice, intolerance and distrust will never be a world at peace.
World understanding is all about touching the life of another person. It means we have to build a relationship.
If you are wondering why the world is full of turmoil and strife the reason is because of lack of understanding between people living in different countries.
The lack of political and personal will to build relationships between people is the root cause of tension we now see in the world.
In this time of frenetic lifestyle, Rotary’s initiatives for peace and world understanding could be the answer.
Rotary’s various programs seek to create love and understanding.
They are designed to bring harmony between nations.
Rotary Peace Fellows are leaders promoting national and international cooperation, peace, and the successful resolution of conflict throughout their lives, in their careers, and through service activities.
Fellows can earn either a master’s degree in international relations, public administration, sustainable development, peace studies, conflict resolution, or a related field, or a professional development certificate in peace and conflict resolution.
Each year, up to 100 Rotary Peace Fellowships (50 master’s degree fellowships and 50 professional development certificate fellowships) are offered on a competitive basis at six Rotary Peace Centers, which operate in partnership with seven leading universities.
The fellows are chosen from countries and cultures around the globe based on their potential as leaders in government, business, education, media, and other professional areas.
Rotary Centers alumni have demonstrated their ability to further global understanding and peace in their work for United Nations agencies, the World Bank, European Parliament, the Organization of American States, and other non governmental organizations, along with national governments and international businesses.
Our world is facing a historic transition period.
Nations in the Middle East are facing serious challenges.
Relationship stress between South Asian nations is hampering the development of the region.
Hunger, poverty, disease, depression and conflicts have plagued African nations.
The Rotary movement is relevant in the context of these problems which could intensify greatly over the next several years if not attended to now.
‘Heal the world and Save the World’ is the mantra for Rotarians and likeminded people who wish to see a secure and safer future for their children and grandchildren.
If millions of people are motivated to actively participate in the peace movement, practice harmony in their daily life and learn to show love and concern for others around them, then peace will be within our grasp.
Rotary International’s program are capable of being adapted anywhere in the world. That is why a Rotarian says, “I have the power to make a difference. You have the power to make a difference in this world and bring a new era of peace and understanding.”
Rotarians are moulded to be inspiring teachers, soul leaders, service minded people and generous donors.
They can be termed as a wellness guru – all rolled into one, for the relentlessly pursue the object of the organization which is world understanding and Peace .
When Rotarians participate in programs such as Friendship Exchange and Service beyond Borders, they return with more than souvenirs. They bring back lasting friendships. They open up a global perspective about Rotary’s quest for peace.
Conflict endemic countries need special attention. When we say endemic it means that a significant number of cases of conflicts are constantly encountered in that area.
The setting up of Rotary Peace Centers aims to bring professionally qualified individuals who can work to defuse tensions and resolve issues that could lead to conflicts.
These centres are empowering people to communicate with persons who create situations that could lead to disharmony and disrupt normal life.
I can say that the course teaches people to learn ancient secret wisdom and practices that can rejuvenate the relationships between individuals.
The techniques for resolving a conflict are extremely simple, practical and profound. Studying and practicing in these centers has helped many scholars to help others and return from an age of mistrust to an age of trust and understanding.
Rotary’s message has travelled far and wide. When we work towards world understanding we promote positive energy flow in our system. The blockages and stress are removed and new energy and stamina flows inside us.
This vitality develops immunity from negative influences that can breed hatred in our hearts and minds. Talking and working for world understanding gives us the strength and clarity to serve humanity better.
How is peace propagated? Practicing love for others is the key to healing and transformation. This means asking the mind to always think about the welfare of others and to transform you and situations around you.
Rotary International through its arm The Rotary Foundation advises all Rotarians to go to the people directly. The programs of The Rotary Foundation encompass the entire humankind.
By participating whole heartedly in the programs you become an agent who is capable of bringing people and countries together.
It is said that the purpose of education is to replace an empty mind with an open one. When your mind is open you love all humanity. You begin to serve humanity. You bring world understanding and peace.
Whatever be our position, occupation or range of influence, all of us have the responsibility to be peace makers through our lived example and through explicit acts of peace.
As Richard Nixon rightly said, “Where peace is unknown, make it known – where peace is fragile, make it strong – where peace is temporary make it permanent” Remember first to be at peace, then , be a peace-maker.
I believe in what Frank B Kellogg said,” that in the end the abolition of war, the maintenance of world peace, the adjustment of International questions by pacific means will come through the force of public opinion, which controls nation and people.”
In conclusion I would just say that Rotary International and the 1.2 million Rotarians worldwide salute the first Fifteen years of Rotary Peace Centers for International studies and almost in excess of 1100 alumni – peace builders. The success of this program and the work that the alumni do give us cause to hope that peace truly is possible.
Rotarians need to nurture more such people. Good smartens saw an opportunity to do so through The Rotary Foundation yesterday.
I am sure you will see the same opportunity today and the future generation will see it tomorrow.
By supporting the peace centers we have a historic opportunity to say “A Life of Happiness, Peace, and Love is all within our Grasp.” Let’s all live in peace .
ASHOK MAHAJAN