Youth debate: Is world peace a myth?

On the 21 September, the International Day of Peace is observed around the world. The General Assembly has declared this as a day devoted to strengthening the ideals of peace, both within and among all nations and peoples. With constant conflicts in different corners of the world, we often ask ourselves whether world peace is a myth. Young professionals debate on this issue. In the context of International Day of Peace, JCI Mauritius along with its different chapters have organised different activities. JCI Curepipe has organised a Peace Walk and JCI Port-Louis organised a peace forum. JCI Mauritius launched a video on the theme: Peace is Possible.

Veerendra Koshna: “Peace is possible”

Veerendra Koshna defines peace as the ability to respect differences within our diverse global community, transcending the sovereignty of nations. “Peace ensures human dignity and guarantees that humanity is preserved for future generations. It is not just the absence of conflicts but the prevalence of justice. Peace is possible but as far as the current situation goes, this seems to be a remote possibility. A world with hungry people who do not have access to basic healthcare and sanitation cannot be at peace. A world where over 59 million children of primary school age are being denied the right to education cannot be at peace. A world where migrants are not ensured secure working environments cannot be at peace. A world where inequalities between the rich and poor keep on widening cannot be at peace. A world where peace is considered to be the domain of humans only, ignoring other living beings, cannot be at peace. Yet, the remoteness of world peace should not be confounded with world peace being a myth. World peace is not a myth. It all starts with a commitment for peace inside and then share it with your surroundings. Create peace events in your community that advance the Global Goals for Sustainable Development. Build a local or national coalition of likeminded stakeholders from all sectors of society who are committed to the purpose and play your part towards the achievement of world peace.”

Sarvesh Lutchmun: “Peace is a necessity”

Sarvesh Lutchmun believes that at the very outset, the concept of world peace seemed very fascinating and inspiring for people and countries across the globe. “Peace is a necessity, but we should really question the seriousness and determination of world leaders to achieve global peace. While this ideology has been avowed several decades earlier, we observe that merely 11 countries in the world are currently at peace, and more than 150 nations are presently involved in some type of conflict. Fortunately, Mauritius is one of the few countries fully at peace. However, the looming conflict in the Middle East; the European refugee crisis; the recent major terrorist attacks in different places around the world; and the serious armed conflicts in African nations – such as Angola, Liberia, Rwanda, Somalia, South Sudan and Liberia – are few examples to illustrate how world peace has eventually become a myth.”

Anjali Ramtohul: “We are living in a world of contradictions”

Anjali Ramtohul reports that life is no safer. “No former generation has had to experience so much bad news as we face today. We are living in a world of really amazing contradictions. On the one hand, people are afraid of war; on the other hand, they prepare for it with excitement. Mutual understanding and sincerity are lacking very badly. One man cannot trust another. Peace cannot exist on this earth without the practice of tolerance. The world is like a mirror and if you look at the mirror with a smiling face, you can see your own, beautiful smiling face. On the other hand, if you look at it with a long face, you will invariably see ugliness. Similarly, if you treat the world kindly the worldly will also certainly treat you kindly. Learn to be peaceful with yourself and the world will also be peaceful with you. For renewal of human values and attainment of lasting happiness, we need to look to the common humanitarian heritage of all nations the world over. May this essay serve as an urgent reminder lest we forget the human values that unite us all as a single family on this planet? It is my firm belief that in order to solve human problems in all their dimensions, we must combine and harmonize economic development with spiritual growth.”

Vikash Sewruttun: “We have the power to create a decent world”

Vikash Sewruttun argues that the world is affluent enough to provide for everyone. “We can be helpful to each other irrespective of caste creed religion or race. We all know that, but we have lost our way. All of us have drifted apart from each other in pursuit of our vested interests and materialistic vision. With latest inventions, greed has dawned upon man, poisoning his soul and mind. Knowledge, innovations and gadgets gave us comfort but left us in want of peace. Our thinking capacity has overpowered our feelings. Humanity has given way to machinery, kindness to cleverness.” He explains that humankind did not always live in war. “We have the capacity to be both selfish and kind. What truly matters is which quality we chose to focus on; bringing that quality into focus within ourselves, the world, and our children. People have digressed from the true meaning of peace while defending their separateness. They are trying to catch a rainbow in a jar. Peace will only come when we have respect for all other groups, nations and religions. While if we want peace is should start from thyself. Many organizations are preaching peace together taking little steps together, creating peace resolutions and linking hands to balance out the inequality happening in the world. We have the power to create a decent world that will give each one of us a chance to work equally- that will give youth a future. Peace is possible.” 

Nicha Gopaul: “There is still expectation for peace”

Nicha Gopaul argues that world peace can never be fully conquered but as long as we believe in love, harmony and faith, there is still expectation for peace. “Millions of years ago mankind had to resort to violence in order to survive in a dangerous environment surrounded with other species. But these days, human beings use violence to overpower others or to compete with each other, for example wars, terrorist attacks which affect negatively the lives of so many people. With new inventions and technologies, human beings have become robots trapped in their own vested interests disregarding kindness and compassion towards others.”

She further adds “the need for greed of power and status has become such that people are willing to defeat and stamp on others. It should not be ignored that where there is chaos there is also fight for order. We should not forget when a country is suffering from attacks or calamities other nations are willing to help disregarding religion or race. So, this is a classic example that humanity still exists. We take an example of 9/11 attack which still makes us shudder. There is still positive signs that world peace can work but with support of all religions, castes, cultures and ethnic groups. People should be seen as another human being and not judged by colour of the skin or habits. Peace starts with each individual doing his share of work.” 

Catherine Khoart: “Peace is a gift from heaven”

Catherine Khoart states that we are living in an era where people are asking “What is peace?’’ “Violence, crimes, racism, terrorism and war have become an everyday highlight in the news. Many of us have pessimistic views about world peace. Throughout History, wars have always been present. Hope can change the world. Hope is the inspiration for peace lovers to believe and to create a wave of change for a better future and a better world. World peace will no longer be considered as a myth if people believe that it can be achieved. A dream stops to be a dream if we take actions. Peace is a gift from heaven; it is our duty to spread it as much as we can. It can be done so many ways: To help someone in need, to promote education, to help find jobs, to give a second chance to ex-prisoners, to help in community projects.”