21st September is celebrated as the “International Peace Day” to uphold the values of peaceful coexistence and also to acknowledge the efforts of those working to promote peace.
Over the last few decades, the world has witnessed multiple economic, social and environmental challenges. However, the rise in incidents of violent extremism and terrorism remains at the forefront. There is a growing realization that all these issues are multi-faceted and inter related. Consequently, the need for pursuit of peace and the resolve to live in harmony has become imminent. This can only be achieved by working together through an integrated model espousing whole of a government and society approach. This is also the theme of this year’s Peace Day “Shaping Peace Together”.
This theme underlines the fact that the ideal of peace cannot be achieved by any nation or community in isolation. It is only possible by inculcating values of freedom, plurality and peaceful coexistence and by promoting cultural understanding and respect among various segments of society. Our aim should be to end isolation and develop integrated communities which are less vulnerable to the influence of extremist elements. On this day, I invite all communities to join hands for a peaceful world.
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NOT TO BE PUBLISHED/ TELECASTED/ BROADCASTED BY PRINT/ELECTRONIC MEDIA BEFORE THE SEPTEMBER 21, 2020
