September 23, 2006

Peace — the word means calm, quiet, and free from war; the opposite of war. Every year International Peace Day is observed on September 19; peace is the most important issue of time. Everything happening in the world is orbiting around peace. But has anyone tried to understand what peace really is? Charles Dickens once said, “What is peace? Is it war? No. Is it strife? No. Is it lovely and gentle and beautiful and pleasant and serene and joyful? Yes!”

But nowadays war seems to be the only answer to the problems that nations face. Nations start war in the name of peace. Be it Hiroshima or Nagasaki or in the present day world, the horrors that follow cannot be forgotten.

Countries in their attempt to be called nuclear powers are inventing such horrific and hideous devices that one shudders even at the thought of it. Devices such as bombs, rockets, clusters, missiles, tanks can make earth hell and make the lives of millions miserable.

All the wars around the world like in Afghanistan, Iraq, etc., the terrorist activities in different countries of the world, and fighting in Kashmir, Palestine, Bosnia, Chechnya, Rwanda, Somalia, etc. are terrifying glimpses of today’s situation. I see red all over mother earth. Are these roses that bloom or is it something that is the sign of continuity of life? It’s blood! It escapes and pours out like a fountain. The people are spilling life just as water in their hands.

Lord John Russell has rightly said that “If peace cannot be maintained with honour it’s no longer peace”. In the race of becoming the ultimate super power all the world nations are constantly carrying out tests and dropping bombs on the innocent inhabitants of poor countries. But don’t they realise that all of us share the skies, the wind and water. If we destruct one area the fallout of it is sure to be felt on other areas too.

Why can’t they feel the heat of blood? Why can’t they see that the earth is gnawing, the blue sky is gloomy because of the smoke of roaring aeroplanes, bombs and burning places?

It is estimated that between 1990 and 1996 India and Pakistan spent a total of $70 billion on defence yet only $12 billion on education. Why can’t they spend this money on the betterment of humanity rather than its destruction?

It’s high time that we understand the meaning of peace. It’s the right time to make a promise to ourselves; but a promise that is not made to be broken, not to be made just to show off on peace day. It’s time for some real action! Rather than long discussions as actions speak louder than words.

Let’s not forget Matthew’s quote, “Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called the children of God”. Let’s strive to be one of them.

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