Everywhere in the world people are standing up against poverty and violence.

World peace is the ultimate aim.

 

In India to commemorate 138th Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi and the International Non-Violence Day as declared by United Nations, Bombay Sarvodaya Mandal & Public Concern for Governance Trust along with the NSS, NCC, Sports & Culture Units of SNDT & Mumbai University had jointly organized the mega hour-long event at Mumbai University Stadium today. About 9,000 students in traditional dresses participated in this programme. The main theme of this programme was to raise awareness of non-violence, tolerance, full respect for all human rights and fundamental freedoms for all, democracy, development, mutual understanding and respect of diversity among the young generation.

 

“I shall endeavour to resolve all differences through dialogue and constitutional means and I shall strive to establish WORLD-PEACE…”, about 9,000 students of NSS, NCC, Scout & Guides & other students joined hands with the millions of people all over the world and took the PLEDGE on 2nd October - International Non-Violence Day.

 

 

 

While in Mauritius it is reported (Le Mauricien 17 Oct) University of Mauritius students and lecturers alike stood together in the fight against poverty: “We, the students of the University of Mauritius, wish to join all other citizens in and outside Mauritius to speak out against poverty. We realize and are fully conscious that Poverty is a violation of fundamental Human rights. As part of the youth of this country, we commit ourselves, with the support of others, to work more closely with the community."

 

The students were prepared to “raise our voices, speak out and act against poverty ". The declared: " As students of the university, we are aware that university campuses can act as live sites for alternative methods/modes of thinking and action. Demystifying notions about the university as an Ivory Tower is a must and we think that today's event is a small yet symbolic manner to contribute towards that ".  Those in the vanguard of this movement are Roukaya Kasenally and Sheila Bunwaree, co-founders of the Institute for Social and Democratic Peace (ISDP).

 

The Mauritian Prime Minister, addressing this issue, declared that the eradication of poverty is one of the priorities of his government. In this context, his government has created the Empowerment programme. Le Premier ministre a aussi rappelé que Maurice accueillera l'année prochaine le sommet de la SADC consacré à la pauvreté et au développement.