Chandigarh, April 8; Today, on the theme of Unity+Diversity=India, a ‘Peace Clubs Orientation Workshop’ for teachers in charge of Peace Clubs from over 50 prominent Schools and colleges of the tricity of Chandigarh, Panchkula and Mohali, was organized at New Public School, by Yuvsatta (youth for peace), Novel Bunch and Peace Club of the school.

Inaugurating the initiative Prof. Devi Sirohi, former Chairperson of CCPRC-Chandigarh Commission for Protection of Child Rights said that Gandhi dedicated his life to the wider purpose of discovering truth, or Satya. And to lead a happy and peaceful life, there is no other alternative than to lead a truthful life with positive attitude and simplicity. Quoting Gandhi, she also advocated children to be the change they want to see in the world.

Giving information about the initiative Pramod Sharma, Coordinator of Yuvsatta shared that in 2004, twenty years back, they started this concept of Peace Clubs in school from Chandigarh city, which was later adopted by NCERT in 2006. And this training workshop is designed to train teachers towards the positive aspect of nonviolence through constructive activities, discussions, interactions and constructive dialogues.

Mr. Hardeep Chandpuri, founder of Novel Bunch, narrating stories from his family of war-heroes said soldiers will be the last person to talk of war, as they know well the pains of losing their loved ones. As we will not learn how to live together in peace by killing each other’s children. Appreciating the concept of Peace Clubs in Schools and Colleges he said that in today’s global landscape, marked by diversity and complexity, the relevance of peace education cannot be overstated.

Prominent amongst those who interacted with students today includes Prof. Sukhmani Kaur, Director and Mr. Manish Hablani, Principal of New Public School, senior journalist Shayda Bano.

On the occasion besides the manual of activities for Peace Clubs, books by Mahatma Gandhi, Peace Badges for Peace Clubs member students and teachers and specially designed Peace Flags for schools were also unveiled by the prominent dignitaries