Mumbai, November 26, 2016: On November 26, 2008, Mumbai witnessed one of the most brutal attacks on mankind that drew widespread criticism and brought the world together to condemn terrorism in one voice. In remembrance of those brave hearts and martyrs that lost their lives during the attack, Prin L.N Welingkar Institute of Management Development & Research (WeSchool) organized Global Peace Initiative for the fifth year in an effort to sensitize the youth towards the need to recognize their role in maintaining and promoting world peace. WeSchool felicitated personalities that have dedicated their lives to promote the cause of peace by fighting terror and violence in their own special way. Celebrities from the world of cinema, television, social work, sports, comedy and other fields joined hands with students from WeSchool to send out a strong message of peace and harmony.
Gul Kripalani, Consulate General of Iceland in Mumbai, Kia Scherr, Co-founder of One Life Alliance, fashion designer-politician Shaina N C, critically acclaimed Bollywood Director Bejoy Nambiar, and Advocate Shri.S.K. Jain, Chairman, LMC, WeSchool and Shikshana Prasaraka Mandali, the founding trust of WeSchool graced the occasion with their august presence.
While appreciating the efforts put in by WeSchool to engage students to spread awareness about unity and peace, Amruta Fadnavis, Associate Vice-President, Axis Bank and Chief Guest of the event said “I am happy to associate with the biggest celebration in the world organised to retain peace and harmony in human society. I congratulate WeSchool for this initiative. Peace comes from being able to contribute the best that we have and all that we can do towards creating a world that supports everyone and secures a space for others to do their best. World peace can be achieved when power of love replaces the love of power.”
Advocate Shri. S.K. Jain, Chairman, LMC, WeSchool and Shikshana Prasaraka Mandali said,” Peace and harmony are not just words but instruments of change that remove human suffering and degradation. Youth is the future and WeSchool is committed to mentor them to recognize their rightful role and place in the diversely multicultural global society.”
Prof Dr Uday Salunkhe, Group Director, WeSchool in his welcome note said, “The real heroes are the brave hearts like Bhau Korde, Sagar Gangurde, Taher Madraswala, Kirthi Jayakumar, Jatin Desai, Wing Commander Paramvir Singh who have taken it upon themselves to fight terror and bring about a positive change in the world. These are the role models that inspire youth to actively participate in the welfare of our society and we are proud to honor them for their dedication and lifelong efforts to create structures of peace across the globe.”
While Thorir Ibsen, Ambassador of Iceland to India was felicitated for striving to open newer areas in bilateral trade and thereby strengthening the ties between India and Iceland, the tiny country that occupies the top spot in the Global Peace Index, Dalbir Kaur, sister of late Sarabjit Singh, was honoured for her brave efforts to bring back her brother from captivity for which she has won respect across both sides of the border.
Bhau Korde, a social worker, was acknowledged for his efforts in conflict resolution through neighbourhood peace committees in Dharavi. Sagar Gangurde, Director of Indian Programs, Seeds of Peace an international non-profit, non-political organization was felicitated for his contribution in inspiring young global leaders in communities divided by conflict and helping them get equipped with the skills and relationships needed to accelerate change, Taher S. Madraswala, a simple figure who has cycled for 17 years covering nearly 125000 kms in 32 countries to spread the message of universal brotherhood and peace, Kirthi Jayakumar, lawyer, writer and founder of Red Elephant, an initiative based on storytelling for civilian peace building and gender equality, Jatin Desai, General Secretary of Indian chapter of Pakistan-India Peoples’ Forum and adventure sportsman Wing Cmdr Paramvir Singh who uses sports as means to spread the message of peace were also honoured for their relentless efforts and contribution to make the world a better place to live in.
The dignified ramp walk aptly titled ‘We Wish You Peace’ saw eminent personalities from media, Bollywood, Television, Beauty, Education, walk the ramp with children from Community Development Center, Sneha Sagar project. More than 30 celebrities such as actors Nia Sharma, Gautam Gera , Manish Paul, Kritika Kamra, Gautam Gulati, , Ravi Dubey, Sneha Ullal, Tanisha Mukherjee and Spandan ,ad guru Bharat Dabholkar, Raghu Ram and Rajiv Laxman of Roadies fame walked the ramp.
They were joined by Miss Diva Roshmita Harimoothry and Mr. World Rohit Khandelwal, stand-up comedians Aditi Mittal, Adar Malik and celebrity chefs Ajay Chopra and Harpal Singh. In keeping with the theme of non-violence, Ace designer Archna Kocchar had contributed her mite by designing the graceful outfits worn by celebs and NGO children in ‘Ahinsa’ silk.
WeSchool has been associated with Mumbai Police force through its various initiatives like collaborating on their programme for sensitising young school and college students on the working modalities of law enforcement agency, ‘Safe Women, Safe Nation’, a seminar with actionable takeaways to safeguard today’s women to build a better tomorrow, ‘Saksham’, police training and development workshop for more than 200 newly admitted women beat marshals along with Akshara Foundation and many more.
