Sant Nirankari Mission Celebrate International Day of Non-Violence

On the 15th June 2007, the United Nations passed a resolution that on the 2nd October the birth date of Mahatma Gandhi, the world should celebrate the Day as The International Day of Non-Violence.

This year, the Sant Nirankari Mission in conjunction with the Consulate General of Birmingham organised a truly remarkable celebration of this day in the centre of Birmingham, at the historic Victoria Place outside the offices of Birmingham Council. The weather held out on the day adding to the colour of the occasion.

Everyone was given a T-Shirt which had emblazoned on it an image of Mahatma Gandhi with some of his messages of peace. Many of the contributors on the day were holding placards and banners with the message of Gandhi Ji for all passers by to read. There was a great deal of interest from the community and senior members and leaders of all faith groups all took part. The Seva Dal Volunteers were stationed at various parts of Victoria Square to guide people and for crowd management services on the day.

All the participants congregated at the square at 11.45 and were greeted by fine music being played by the Royal Logistic Corps Band who had joined the event by traveling all the way from Surrey. A stage was set and HS Bhatia (Upashak Ji) was conducting the stage and introducing all the partakers. The United Nations Anthem was performed by the Band after which there was a string of prayers performed by all the represented faith communities including Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Christians. They were all well received by the audience, who were focussing on the message of Gandhi Ji throughout.

Upashak Ji advised the audience that in accordance with the words of His Holiness Nirankari Baba Hardev Singh Ji Maharaj, “True religion is the religion of humanity “ and this principle should be followed in our lives.

At this point speeches were delivered by the Consulate General Mrs Jordana Pavel, Baroness Verma the Shadow Minister of Universities, Innovation and Skills, Lord Tarsem King. Two young students also had the opportunity to express their thoughts out of which one was our young devotee Jordan Bowen of Wolverhampton. He spoke of how we should work for peace and that love must be instilled in our hearts to remove violence from society.

To end the day there was music from Holly Lodge High School who sang two songs about love and brotherhood. Refreshments were thereafter served. On balance this was a wonderful and inspiring event promoting the awareness of non violence and peace making which is considered to be the need of the hour for our world. This message was absorbed by the youth and many candles were lit, dispelling ignorance which can only be a good thing for our society.

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