World Peace and Understanding Day inspires collective action for a united tomorrow

In a world often marked by strife and discord, the significance of fostering global harmony and mutual understanding cannot be overstated. February 23, observed as World Peace and Understanding Day, serves as a poignant reminder of the collective responsibility to promote peace, tolerance, and empathy on a global scale.

This year the theme for the day is: Service above Self. The celebration aims at creating an understanding among the people about the importance of knowing about the significance of life and the essential role played by the individual in moulding ourselves.  

Established with the noble intent of promoting peace and mitigating conflicts, World Peace and Understanding Day encourages individuals, communities, and nations to reflect on the importance of dialogue, cooperation, and cultural understanding. Originating from the belief that sustainable peace can only be achieved through mutual respect and comprehension, this day calls for concerted efforts to bridge gaps and build bridges across diverse societies.
“Education plays a pivotal role in promoting understanding and dismantling stereotypes. Many institutes and organisations seize the occasion to organise. The educational initiatives, seminars, and workshops focus on the principles of peace and conflict resolution. By instilling these values in future generations, advocates of peace aim to create a more enlightened and tolerant world,” explained Dr Vijay Kumar, Associate Professor at Apeejay Stya University-School of Education.

School Management Committee (SMC) is an ambitious instrument for bridging the gap existing in the school and community. SMC can play a huge role in providing holistic education to the students by bringing together the Schools and community. However, in fulfilling this role, active participation of the SMCs is required. With the help of Vidyalaya Jan Chetna Manch or School Jagriti Manch, schools should create trust and faith in the minds of the village residents about the quality of education to be provided in the school. With the help of SMC members, the Head of School should convert their schools into a lively vibrant school.

While the concept of global peace is paramount, the impact often begins at the grassroots level. Local communities worldwide use this day to organise events that promote unity, understanding, and tolerance within their immediate surroundings. Whether through art exhibitions, community service projects, or town hall discussions, these initiatives contribute to a broader tapestry of interconnected efforts for a more peaceful world.

A teacher should understand the needs of the community and therefore, every teacher should be a community leader too, he said. The benefits of experiential learning can be taken only if the community is involved in the educational process of the child.

“Communities generally play a passive role in the educational process of the child whereas the focus should be on the active participation of the community in the educational process of the students and educational agencies should engage the community actively in students’ learning process. The focus should be on informal as well as non-formal education along with formal education. Teachers should be able to fill the gap existing in the education system between the campus and the community. The community should have trust in the teacher. Every community has different needs and aspirations and the teacher through using various tools should be able to empower the community,” Dr Kumar said in conclusion.