-by Shaivya Pathak
The Peacebuilding Leadership Training workshop, held on September 22nd and 23rd, 2024, marked a significant initiative aimed at fostering social cohesion and character and leadership development of future leaders dedicated to peace. Hosted at Indira Gandhi Technological and Medical Sciences University (IGTAMSU), the workshop drew around 100 enthusiastic students from various departments, including nursing, naturopathy and yoga science, medical laboratory technology, physiotherapy, and business studies.
The first day commenced with an engaging round of introductions between facilitators and students, emphasizing the workshop’s goal of transforming youth into moral and innovative leaders. It was impressed upon participants that peacebuilding is not merely a concept, but a collaborative process rooted in friendship and shared responsibility.
Following an introduction to the Global Peace Foundation (GPF) and the Indo-Pacific Global Peace Leadership Conference 2024, Dr. Markandey Rai, Chairman of GPF India, inspired attendees with his insights on peace and the values underpinning it. He articulated the crucial role of youth in peacebuilding, highlighting qualities essential to becoming effective peacebuilders, such as empathy and active listening. Dr. Rai emphasized interfaith leadership, explaining how diverse religious beliefs often share common principles that can foster dialogue and understanding. He drew on Mahatma Gandhi's vision of a "peace army" and underscored the importance of love and service in building a culture of peace
Ms. Anjali then introduced the concepts of peace and conflict resolution, meticulously detailing the various types of conflicts and approaches to resolution. This session illuminated the pervasive impact of conflict on human activities and the urgent need for collective efforts toward peacebuilding. Participants began to recognize their potential roles in this process, fostering a sense of civic virtue and responsibility.
Ms. Priya Raghav followed with a presentation on GPF India’s peacebuilding initiatives, focusing on innovative concepts such as digital peace. She engaged students in discussions about the digital world's influence on peace and security, highlighting the importance of proactive measures to combat cyber threats. Her emphasis on the Peace Hub campaign illustrated social cohesion and peacebuilding through community engagement and service.
The first half of the first day of peacebuilding training concluded with an introspective mindfulness activity led by Ms. Shaivya, encouraging students to identify their strengths and weaknesses. This reflective exercise fostered self-awareness, reinforcing the importance of character development in peacebuilding. The first day’s activities were dynamic and successful, laying a solid foundation for the participants’ journey toward becoming effective peacebuilders.
After lunch, Ms. Shaivya led a session focused on self-awareness and the concept of peace within oneself, family, society, and the world. She began by discussing the definition of peace and its various concepts, emphasizing that true peace starts from within. Students shared their personal interpretations of peace, noting concepts like freedom, health, love, and joy. This exploration highlighted peace as a universal principle connecting all of humanity.
The interconnectedness of the material, plant, animal, and human orders was discussed, reinforcing the idea that peace is essential for human existence. Quotes from notable figures were shared, illustrating that righteousness and harmony within individuals and communities lead to peace on a larger scale. The session concluded with a powerful call for "One Family Under God," encapsulating the collective pursuit of peace.
On the second day, the program resumed with a rejuvenating meditation session conducted by Ms. Toko Aniaa from the Naturopath and Yoga department, focusing participants’ energies on peace. Following this, Ms. Anjali explored the art of interfaith dialogue, providing students with practical strategies to foster community peacebuilding. She emphasized the importance of empathy and active listening in resolving conflicts and creating harmony.
Ms. Priya then introduced students to the role of international institutions in peacekeeping and peacebuilding, highlighting programs that strengthen collaboration through diplomacy and dialogue. She discussed how these organizations mediate conflicts and empower individuals to engage in peace initiatives. Additionally, she introduced the Global Peace Leadership Corps, which aims to cultivate leadership skills among youth and facilitate their active participation in global peace efforts.
Following this, a session focused specifically on women's leadership. Ms. Priya shared inspiring stories of women leaders across the globe, underscoring the significance of strengthening families and fostering female leadership in peacebuilding. This session reinforced the idea that empowering women is vital for building a peaceful society.
The Youth Peace Clubs was launched, encouraging students to engage actively in peacebuilding activities. Under the guidance of the Chairman of GPF India, Dr. Markandey Rai, hundreds of students joined the Youth Peace Club, with a promise to uphold the values learned during the training. The collaboration between IGTAMSU and GPF India marked a commitment to fostering a culture of service and social cohesion.
The workshop also included creative activities like "Paint for Peace," where students expressed their visions of peace through art. A communication exercise highlighted the importance of clear dialogue, demonstrating how meaningful ideas can evolve through shared interactions.
The program concluded with a vibrant certificate distribution ceremony, celebrating participants' commitment to a peaceful future. Cheers and laughter filled the room, reflecting the camaraderie and hope that had blossomed over the two days.
In summary, the Peacebuilding Leadership Training workshop not only equipped participants with essential skills for conflict resolution and community engagement but also fostered a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness of humanity. By focusing on character and leadership development, fostering civic virtue, and embracing interfaith leadership, the program laid important pathways for national transformation and a more harmonious world. The shared experiences and collaborative spirit forged during this training promise to ripple out into the broader community, nurturing a future rooted in peace and understanding.
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