Peace cannot be kept by force; it can only be achieved by understanding - Albert Einstein

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Have you ever wondered what a peaceful world really looks like? Imagine waking up to the sound of birds and being greeted by smiles from neighbors as you walk down the street. Throughout the day, people move with patience, helping an elderly person cross the road or sharing friendly chats with local shopkeepers. At the market, vendors offer more than goods—they offer warmth and a sense of community. In the midst of busy routines, there’s a calmness—a bus driver waits for a late passenger, a stranger helps a mother with heavy bags, and even in traffic, there’s patience and understanding. People share their meals and lend a hand to those in need. It’s in these small acts of kindness and empathy that peace thrives, not just as the absence of conflict, but as a daily choice that fills every moment with love and compassion.

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On September 21, we celebrate International Peace Day. This year’s theme, “Cultivating a Culture of Peace,” reminds us that peace is something we can grow together. It starts in our hearts and spreads to our communities and the world. Imagine a world where peace isn’t just a distant dream but a daily reality. It’s like the calm you feel when the last note of a beautiful song fades away—think of John Lennon’s soothing melody in “Imagine.” His words capture the spirit of this day. Peace starts with a dream, but it grows when we work together to make that dream real. “You may say I’m a dreamer, but I’m not the only one,” perfectly encapsulates this.

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Many people think peace just means no fighting, but it’s more than that. Building a culture of peace is about creating spaces where respect, empathy, and understanding can thrive. It’s like taking care of a garden where every flower, no matter its colour, adds to the overall beauty. We need to water this garden daily with kindness, just like Lennon’s song inspires us to imagine a world where all people live in harmony.

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Today, our world faces many challenges that test our commitment to peace. Conflicts and violence still hurt many regions, leaving people suffering and without homes. Inequality and injustice continue to create divisions. Even in places that are more stable, differences in race, religion, or politics often lead to misunderstandings and hostility. But every day gives us a chance to make things better. It starts with small actions—listening to someone’s story, helping those in need, or simply respecting other people’s viewpoints. These small steps can create ripples that spread far and wide.

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On this International Peace Day, let’s think about how we can become gardeners of peace. Start with small acts of kindness, embrace differences, and communicate with compassion. Every effort matters, and together, we can create a world where peace is more than just something we think about for a day—it becomes a way of life.

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As we reflect on this day, remember: peace isn’t a final destination. It’s a journey that begins with each of us and reaches out to others. Let’s commit to this year’s theme by making peace a part of our daily lives.

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Mahatma Gandhi once said, “Be the change that you wish to see in the world.” If we want a world of peace, we must start by finding peace within ourselves. It begins with our thoughts, our words, and our actions. Inner peace is what allows us to show compassion to others, to forgive, and to rise above anger or hate. Each of us holds the power to make a difference, no matter how small. Let’s imagine a world where peace is no longer just a distant dream, but a shared reality that we build together—one action, one person, one heart at a time. Because when peace starts within us, it naturally extends to those around us, creating a ripple effect that can change the world.