From Local to Global: Empowering Youth for Peacebuilding in India

Shaivya Pathak
January 22, 2025

Amidst the morning chirps of November, as Lady Winter wraps her arms around the world, a call for global peace reverberated across the serene town of Bemetra in Chhattisgarh, India. On November 18, 2024, a Peace and Leadership Workshop was held at Samadhan College, sparking an initiative to highlight Global Peace Foundation (GPF) India’s vision of “Local to Global” through the principle of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, meaning “the world is one family.”

A speaker addresses an audience at a Peace and Leadership Training event, with a banner and six people seated on stage.

GPF India hosts a peacebuilding training workshop at Samadhan College

The one-day Peace and Leadership Training, titled “Empowering Youth as Peacebuilders,” was organized on the occasion of Samadhan College’s Foundation Day. The event began with a melodious Vandana Geet and the state song of Chhattisgarh, followed by a warm welcome to the GPF India trainers by Ms. Sweety Malik. Then Ms. Shaivya provided a brief introduction to GPF India, which is leading peacebuilding initiatives through various programs and promoting the idea of “One Family Under God” through the vision of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam. Although the participants were relatively new to the concept of peacebuilding, they soon recognized that peace, as a universal human aspiration, resides in the heart of every person on Earth. The training was accompanied by a special lecture from Dr. Surendra Pathak, a renowned educationist, former consultant for GPF India, and the writer and Chief Investigator of the book Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam – The Way Forward for Global Peace. He highlighted the urgency of the moment, emphasizing that humanity must unite under the concept of “The World is One Family.” Dr. Pathak also shared how the recommendations for developing the Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam model aim to steer efforts toward making this vision a reality. The program was honored by the presence of Chief Guest Shri Ramakrishna Sahu, IPS, SP Office Bemetra, who celebrated the collaboration between Samadhan College and GPF India. He reaffirmed his belief in the importance of this event, recognizing it as a shining example of how both organizations are working together to build a peaceful future and lead by example.

The student turnout for the training was impressive, and the excitement among the audience was palpable. Ms. Shaivya kicked off the session with an activity that highlighted the importance of friendship in becoming effective leaders and peacebuilders. This ice-breaking activity gave students the opportunity to introduce themselves, share their feelings, and reflect on the question, “What does peace mean in your life?” It was fascinating to hear the students individually share so many beautiful aspects of peace in their lives, many of which are key focuses of peacebuilding activities. Students expressed that they feel peaceful while farming, when they have peace of mind, when they are walking and when spending time with family and friends, and one even shared that learning and attending training sessions for personal development brings them peace. This activity set the tone for the training, engaging the students right from the start.

A group of people sitting in a large room, holding colorful signs and smiling at the camera. Some are seated in the front row and others are in chairs at tables.

GPF India hosts a peacebuilding training workshop at Samadhan College

Ms. Shaivya then enlightened the students on the concept of peacebuilding, explaining what constitutes conflict and how conflict resolution works. She also emphasized the importance of interfaith dialogue in understanding and embracing the diverse cultures of the world while recognizing the shared values found in all religions, with the core principle of “One Family under God.” Additionally, she highlighted the significance of character and leadership development, social cohesion, and peacebuilding in a global context. Ms. Shaivya stressed how youth play a crucial role in leading peacebuilding efforts around the world.

Ms. Priya Raghav then enlightened the students on the importance of community-driven peacebuilding. She highlighted how even the smallest efforts can make a significant impact and explained that peacebuilding begins with self-transformation and development within one’s own surroundings. She also shared how students have the opportunity to receive training through the Global Peace Leadership Corps program, where they can present their unique ideas, perspectives, and efforts on the international stage. Ms. Raghav encouraged and motivated the students to explore peacebuilding as a potential career path and to consider how they could contribute to this vital field in the future.

The most awaited address by Ms. Ratna captivated the students, who connected with her passion for nature and the youthful energy she exuded. She shared personal examples from her life, explaining how her experiences led her to champion the cause of saving nature and the environment. Ms. Ratna spoke about how various GPF India programs, such as “Paint for Peace” and clean-up drives, have successfully created a positive impact and fostered environmental virtues among people. She emphasized the importance of recognizing the pathways to national transformation, starting with taking personal responsibility. Through a visual comic, she illustrated how crucial it is to take responsibility for our actions and remain steadfast in our resolve, even in the face of challenges. The workshop inspired the students to embrace peacebuilding and leadership, encouraging them to take personal responsibility and contribute to a more harmonious world. It served as a powerful reminder that global peace starts with individual transformation and collective action.

Help us bring global peace with your donation today!

Follow Us

Take Action

Create a positive and impactful change in your area today.

Recent Posts

Related Articles