South Asia- Peace, Communal Harmony ~ Ravi Nitesh

I believe in the philosophy of ‘Vasudhaiv Kutumbkam’ that means the world is a family. I believe that we, as human being are connected with same thread of life and of humanity and despite diversity and differences, we all are one. In fact, this philosophy of oneness is something that not only has been said in multiple books, religious and mythological texts but also is a foundation upon which progress and happiness for all can be ensured.

I believe that our efforts must be towards elimination of hatred and violence through removal of stereotypes and misunderstandings.

As an Indian citizen, I am proud upon my soil and believe in its ‘Unity in Diversity’ approach and at the same time, I love to strengthen people to people relations across boundaries.

To have this people to people relations, we must look towards its strength and its need. When we see the immediate neighbors or SAARC region nations, where we, as an Indian have cultural affinity, I think that efforts must be continued from all sides among these countries to know more about each other, to meet, to talk, to trade as these would be helpful in mutual peace, progress and prosperity. However, our efforts must not be limited to just immediate neighbors, in fact, it must run to all over world as building relations among cultures of the world would definitely create new avenues of learning and human progress.

I am associated and part of many such efforts running in these countries and I have taken part in many such efforts. Few such notable organisations and campaigns with which I am associated in different capacities are:

Aaghaz-e-Dosti which is an Indo-Pak Friendship Initiative, running since the year 2012 and aims to create a bond between people of both sides. Few important activities of this campaign includes Indo-Pak Peace Calendars that consists of paintings of Indian and Pakistani school students, Aman Chaupal that provides an informal session of school students with a guest from other side, Seminars and Discussions on various subjects of importance, Exchange of letters and cards between students, Classroom Connect Programs where school students on both sides get connected through video conferencing sessions and many more such activities. I volunteer for this organization.

Mission Bhartiyam (since year 2008) is an Indian organization with National status that works on peace, communal harmony and various other subjects of importance. Many interfaith programs have been taken by the organization to strengthen bonds among people of all faiths. I am founder and volunteer as its present President.

South Asian Fraternity is more than three decade old Indian organization that encourages people to people bonds among South Asian countries mostly through cultural exchanges and South Asian camps. Founded by noted social workers, this organization has witnessed its patrons including former prime ministers like I.K.Gujral and Atal Bihari Vajpayi and former president KrishnaKant. Late Kuldeep Nayyar was also its President. Present secretary general is 90 year old Sh Satyapal who has worked tirelessly for strengthening peoples relations in South Asia. I volunteer as a Treasurer / Secretary (Finance) for this organization.

National Youth Project or NYP is a national organization with its special status for the reason that it is founded by veteran Gandhian Dr. S. N. Subbarao. Dr. Subbarao is a charismatic person who started his social movements since his childhood days in 1942 Quit India Movement and later through his approach on non-violence, he got success in peaceful surrender of dacoits in infamous Chambal region. NYP organizes youth camps to train them on diversity and focuses on national integration, peace and harmony. This organization has many state units and their post holders including its coordinator Sh. Sanjay Rai. NYP has its success in providing trainings to thousands of youths and has organised largest youth camps.

I am also associated with many other organisations, campaigns and movements as a volunteer. Few among them includes Gandhi Global Family, Hali Panipati Trust, Association of Peoples of Asia, Utkal Youth Association for Social Development, Bhagat Singh se Dosti Manch and others.

Few Major social actions with my participation includes various Sadbhavana Festivals where we organised Interfaith Iftar, Sadbhavana Diwali and Sadbhavana Holi, Interfaith Eid Milan among many others. I have been involved in peace marches, solidarity vigils that aimed to create atmosphere of peace and friendship. I have been involved in fact finding teams as human rights campaigner, appealed for many cases in Human rights commission.

MAJOR ACTIONS TAKEN

Communal Harmony Events:

I have been involved in goodwill delegations to places affected with communal violence. I participate, encourage and spread messages for communal harmony through social actions and writing. I believe that when we meet together, we learn to understand each other and it removes stereotypes and misunderstandings that exist due to lack of communications. I have lead a peace march from KushiNagar to Lumbini as an effort to strengthen India-Nepal relations.

Interfaith Eid Milan, Interfaith Iftar, Sadbhavna Diwali, Sadbhavna Holi

https://caravandaily.com/portal/interfaith-eid-milan-hosted-in-delhi-for-peace-between-india-and-pakistan/

http://worldlive24.com/2018/06/14/an-interfaith-iftar-evening-with-songs-of-peace-and-harmony-celebrated/

http://www.jagran.com/uttar-pradesh/basti-8995646.html

http://www.kanglaonline.com/2013/03/mission-bhartiyam-youths-to-celebrate-sadbhavna-holi-across-the-nation/

http://www.twocircles.net/2012nov14/sadbhavna_diwali_observed_across_nation.html

http://www.jagran.com/delhi/new-delhi-city-9848405.html

Peace Marches:

Peace March Conducted in Delhi Violence Affected Areas: 4 to 7 March 2020
https://countercurrents.org/2020/03/gandhian-socialist-efforts-are-key-to-national-integration-peace-actions-in-delhi-violence-affected-areas

Aaghaz-e-Dosti Yatra 2019 held from Delhi to Wagah Border

https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/chandigarh/from-delhi-to-wagah-a-yatra-for-peace-gets-warm-response-5903035/

https://www.jagran.com/haryana/karnal-message-of-goodwill-and-peace-in-agaj-e-dosti-yatra-19487598.html

Aman Dosti Yatra 2018 held from Delhi to Wagah Border