Written by: Ms Khadijah Shah (Rays of Development Organization)
SARGODHA, PAKISTAN: International Day of Peace was celebrated today on the September 21, all around the world. United Religions Initiative (URI) Pakistan showed its crucial presence on this event. On the September 20, ROD CC URI organized a function at Christian Primary School, Chak 79NB Sargodha. From the Rays of Development Organization (ROD CC URI), Chairman Ferhan Mazher, Nadeem Samuel, Imran Mazher, Noman Sharjeel, Adnan Saeed, Adil Naseem and Asher Emmanuel played their crucial attendance in the function. The Chief Guest of the function was Rev. Zahid Kamal (PCCC)
The function took a start by the student of class 5, Iqra Basharat, who recited some Biblical verses. After that, Sumera Murad of class 5 uttered Naat (song for Hazrat Muhammad PBUH). Asher Emmanuel, the stage secretary, introduced all the imperative members of the function.
Nadeem Samuel (ROD) was called on stage, who informed the crowd about URI, its aim, structures, motives and achievements. He revealed that URI is an International Campaign for creating peace amongst different religions. “At the dawn of the 21st century, there is a new spirit of peace emerging throughout the world”, he said. “People of all nationalities, religions and ethnic backgrounds are coming to recognize that we are a part of the family, sharing one precious planet”, he told. “Whatever are the differences, we can all agree that peace on earth is good for everyone, as well as the highest calling of all our religions”, he added.
Samuel told the audience that URI Pakistan has been a leader in promoting and celebrating the international day of peace. URI principles and preambles were conveyed to people by Samuel during his speech. He told that ROD is also the part of this international peace campaign.
Sehrish Khalid of class 4 then sang a poem about ‘Peace.’ Iqra Basharat, Nomi Lazar, Shiza Komal and Komal Fariad sang a song ‘Naghmay Aman Kay Gaein’ meaning ‘lets sing the songs of peace.’
Ferhan Mazher, Chairman (Rays of Development Organization), came to the rostrum and told the children about the activities of URI. Mazher informed the children; The United Nations started it off desiring to bring harmony in all religions and casts. “The 2008 IDP offers a particularly strong opportunity for support by people of faith, because September 21, 2008 falls during holy month of Ramzan”, Mazher said. URI encourages Muslims to organize ‘Peace Aftars’ to break their fast on this evening, and to have the announcement at the Dhohar prayers, he said. URI encourages Christians to organize the IDP in church services and ring church bells at 12 noon, he informed.
“All the people of faith are invited to pray for peace on September 21, or on the closest day for their own warship services”, Mazher told the audience. Mazher motivated the children that all prayers for peace are welcomed, including the ‘Universal Prayer’, “Peace Prevails on Earth.”
Chairman Ferhan Mazher affirmed, “Imagine the impact of so many prayers all around the world focused on peace”. The co-operation circles of URI Pakistan would hold events of peace as well as extend the effort to establish awareness in the public on the day of peace, he told. Pakistani local print media should play its part by publishing such events, he wished. “We will make September 21 a day for all of Pakistanis to lead the global focus on peace, he assured. “On this day of peace, let us promise to make peace not just a priority, but a passion” he quoted UN general secretary. “Let us all begin with this one day to make peace on earth a reality for this and future generations” he stressed.
Then Shaista Iqbal, Sehrish Khalid, Nisha Saleem, Naila Arif and Waseeqa Yaqoob came to sing the song, ‘Aman Ka Shezada Aya’ meaning ‘The Prince of Peace had arrived’.
Rev. Zahid Kamal thanked URI and all the participants as well as the public. He stated that URI and ROD are doing a wonderful job. He informed the students that differences are to be celebrated and not hated. Let us celebrate diversity and individuality. The differences add colors and flavors to the world.
Madam Zareena, the Principal of Christian Primary School, thanked URI and ROD for organizing the stunning program. She stated that such programs are very much beneficial for the upcoming generations as they provide them with awareness, understanding and alertness.
There were about 150 students who attended the function in the consideration of teachers named Tooba Emmanuel and Fouzia Auston. ROD CC URI brought sweets and candies, which were distributed amongst all the students of the school. The students were poor children and belonged to different religions; Sunni Muslims, Shia Muslims, Ahmadis and Christians. All the children in the end stood in lines, holding play cards in their hands, on which ‘MAY PEACE PREVAIL ON EARHT’ was written. Then all the community in that school raised slogans as followed:
“May peace prevail in Pakistan;
May peace prevail on Earth.”
Source,
Ferhan Mazher
Rays of Development Organization, Sargodha.
To see the photos of this event click of the following link.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/11026729@N07/sets/72157607387836991/
