Irom Sharmila in Chandigarh for Global Youth Peace Fest

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Countries represented in the peace fest include Afghanistan, Albania, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Brazil, Fiji, France, Indonesia, India, Italy, Kenya, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Libya, Liberia, Malaysia, Motswana, Mauritius, Nepal, Pakistan, Palestine, Syria, Senegal, Taiwan, Uganda, USA, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

“It is once again time to forget our differences and celebrate the spirit of global citizenship — Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam. By their mere presence in the city for the next whole week, these youth ambassadors will serve to remind political leaders currently engaged in across the border rhetorical war that peace is more than mere absence of war,” shared Pramod Sharma, coordinator of Yuvsatta.

American Gandhi Bernie Meyer, who has been an attraction in the peace festivals organised in the past, will also be part of the inaugural session Wednesday. The visiting guests enjoyed a sightseeing tour of city on the Hop-on-Hop-off bus.

The NGO Yuvsatta has been involved with promoting the message of peace across different countries. In 2000, the NGO organised a World Youth Conference on theme of ‘Millennium without Violence’ which witnessed participation of youths from 15 countries. The volunteers of the NGO then started peace clubs across different schools in Chandigarh.

In 2006, the NGO organised an event by inviting 100 young people of India and Pakistan. The scale of the peace festival kept increasing over the years with a large number of countries now participating.

Pramod Sharma says that the main aim of organising the event is to promote peace and equality. He said that the interaction between youth from different countries is the best way to promote peace.

The NGO is also involved in activities for empowerment of girl child and slum children.