This story is from October 11, 2010

Hundreds pledge support for world peace

The Happy Thoughts world peace festival was inaugurated on Sunday by Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama.
Hundreds pledge support for world peace
PUNE: The Happy Thoughts world peace festival was inaugurated on Sunday by Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama.
"There are many disputes in the world, let's make the 21st century a century of dialogue and solve these disputes. It will help bring peace to the world," said the Dalai Lama, at the inaugural session of the festival, organised by the Tejgyan Foundation at the Agriculture college ground in Shivajinagar.

The festival was also addressed by deputy chief minister Chhagan Bhujbal, Magsaysay award winner Kiran Bedi, former CBI special director D R Karthikeyan, computer scientist Vijay Bhatkar, singer Kailash Kher, publisher Tami Simon and Symbiosis founder S B Mujumdar.
The festival was the culmination of the foundation's World Peace&Piece by Piece' movement, which witnessed 10 events in the first 10 months of 2010. The date 10.10.10, signifying the tenth day of the tenth month of 2010, was, therefore, chosen to stage the festival.
The world peace prayer at 10:10 am heralded the beginning of the peace movement. The spiritual leader enlightened the audience with his intellect and wisdom while speaking about world peace and India's inimitable role in promoting it.
Urging India to initiate dialogue and compromise, the Dalai Lama extolled the ancient land of sages and scholars, its rich tradition and the all-encompassing character. "India has shown that all communities can live together with mutual respect. The practice of Ahimsa (non-violence), which the country is following since thousands of years, has kept it united. This Ahimsa should be promoted to other parts of the world...Discriminations like caste system still exist in India. Sans these disparities, India can set an example for the world."

A question and answer session ensued. Questions, on whether peace is a possibility in this age and the role of spiritual literacy and discipline in daily life, were greeted with profound response by the Dalai Lama. "Many tried to solve disputes with violence, but the problems still exist...Even our scientic and technological advancements are of no use if there is no peace. Firstly, find inner peace. For this positive actions and happy thoughts are required," he said.
The dignitaries and the Dalai Lama released the foundation's book on inner peace, The Warrior's Mirror', penned by Sirshree, founder of Tej Gyan.
After releasing the foundation's volume, The Unseen Flame', on 10 solutions for inner and world peace, Kiran Bedi spoke about women's role in world peace.
The festival was also attended by as many as 20 students of Symbiosis college, who represented various countries. Dressed in their respective traditional attires and holding their national flags, the students pledged their support for world peace.
An eclectic dance performance by Kathak danseuse Maneesha Sathe and her students added to the charm as the festival came to an end. Two distinct dance forms -- the Japanese fan dance and Kathak -- were blended into the eight-minute performance.
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