Let the power of love overcome the love for power

By Niyati Bali

To mark the words of the spiritual leader Dalai Lama, ‘Peace does not mean an absence of conflicts; differences will always be there. Peace means solving these differences through peaceful means; through dialogue, education, knowledge; and through humane ways.’

Looking at the crisis globally for monetary gains, resources or power, I am forced to doubt the existence of humanity. Us, homo-sapiens, have been party to so many wars since decades. World War II, Napoleonic wars, Mongol wars and the list goes on. World history is proof that war and violence has plagued us and has not resulted in any solution.

How can we forget about the bombings at Nagasaki and Hiroshima? 76 years since this incident took place its prolonged effects are still visible. It yet cripples the generations of those survivors. Bloodshed, loss of life and property can thoroughly be avoided, if we choose the path of harmony.

We cannot be free without peace. In other words, peace is the gateway to freedom. Not only is peace the solution for conflicts but also an unforeseeable factor for progress of any nation. Sadly, it is often neglected. Peace is the foundation of every nation’s development as it allows us to build a better and brighter world.

We cannot allow our future to be eaten away by the acids of hatred, division, conflict and mistrust. India is seen as the greatest example of ‘unity in diversity.’ We have an amalgamation of different religions, which all preach one thing – peace and harmony.

If we begin to see ourselves as separate entities from our community, nature then violence and strife arises. So, it is time we rebuild our world and make peace with nature, and most importantly with our own selves. To lift each other up, we should promise this to humanity. Let us promote activities that are aimed at assisting our neighbouring countries, emerge from conflict, reduce risks and lay the foundation for sustainable peace and development.