Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (TP)
Udupi, Dec 13: “One of the most powerful instruments of peace is dialogue. Conflicts often emerge when communication breaks down,” said the governor of Andhra Pradesh, Syed Abdul Nazeer, while inaugurating the Vishwa Shanthi Samavesha (Global Peace Convention) at Sri Krishna Math Rajangana here on December 13.
Addressing the gathering, the governor said it was his profound honour to be at the sacred Sri Krishna Math, a centre that has long radiated spiritual wisdom and cultural harmony. “Peace is not merely the absence of conflict, but the presence of mutual understanding. When we nurture the divine forces of life, they in turn sustain and guide us. Our highest good is not achieved through isolation or selfishness, but through mutual upliftment. India continues to live in harmony both within the country and across the world. Despite our rich cultural diversity, we remain one, united by our common roots in the Vedas, which are the soul of our nation and bind us together,” he said.
Sri Sugunendra Theertha Swamiji of Paryaya Sri Puttige Math, speaking on the occasion, said the Global Peace Convention was organised with the objective of spreading the message of world peace. “Lord Sri Krishna gave humanity the message of peace. If the world is to survive, people must be protected, and if people are to be protected, evil must be punished. It is for this reason that Lord Sri Krishna emphasised the protection of righteousness. The mindset of ‘ours and others’ is what disturbs peace. In this world, there are only two castes — good and evil — and this is the message Lord Sri Krishna conveyed,” he said.
Dr William F Widle, honorary chief secretary and global peace leader, expressed happiness at being part of the convention. He said, “If you have eyes for mercy, you can see mercy everywhere; if you have eyes for compassion, you can see compassion everywhere. Peace is sacred and the sacred is peace; anything else is merely technique.”
The convention, aimed at promoting harmony and global peace, set the tone for healing and mutual understanding. The programme commenced with a ceremonial lamp-lighting by the dignitaries.
Prior to the event, Governor Syed Abdul Nazeer visited the Sri Krishna Temple, where he offered prayers and sought the blessings of Lord Sri Krishna before proceeding to the Rajangana venue.
Various books were released during the programme.
Sushreendra Theertha Swamiji, junior pontiff; Sadhguru Madusudan Sai, founder of One World One Family and founder-chancellor of Sri Sathya Sai University of Human Excellence; B N Narasimha Moorthi, vice-chancellor of Sri Sathya Sai University of Human Excellence; Suresh Puttige; Kavitha Palimar; Prof Chudamani Naggopal; Aruna K R, among others, were present on the occasion.