Variety

International Day of Peace is tomorrow

For this year"s International Day of Peace, which falls tomorrow the United Nations plans to broadcast a message about the dangers of nuclear weapons using Twitter, Facebook and MySpace. The UN is calling for short videos on nuclear disarmament/non-proliferation for its "We Must Disarm" ("WMD) campaign. Millions will rally for peace around the world, and two Australians will attempt to set a Guinness Record for the world's longest handshake. The theme invites retrospectives on the Cold War and nuclear attack on Japan.

At Sydney's Wayside Chapel, Lindsay Morisson and Jack Tsonis will attempt to break the Guinness World Record of 12 hours for the world's longest handshake.

Peace Day is also a Day of Ceasefire. It was established by UN resolution in 1981 to commemorate and strengthen "the ideals of peace both within and among all nations and peoples." It has grown into a major observance. The first Peace Day was celebrated in September 1982.The United Nations unanimously passed a resolution designating September 21 of each year as an International Day of Peace. A group of persons representing a wide variety of religious and spiritual traditions is promoting an International Day of Peace Vigil "in every house of worship and place of spiritual practice, by all religious and spiritually based groups and individuals and by all men and women who seek peace in the world." This global 24-hour Vigil is meant to demonstrate the power of prayer and other spiritual observances in promoting peace and preventing violent conflict.

The 2009 theme is: We Must Disarm.The U. N. Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon, in his June 13, 2009 message, given 100 days before the International Day of Peace 2009, said that this day is a time to reflect on the horror and cost of war and the benefits of peacefully resolving our disputes. "This year, I will use this important day to ask governments and citizens of the world to focus on the important issues of nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation," Ban said.He noted that while the end of the Cold War has helped lift the cloud of nuclear catastrophe, the threat continues. Unless we vigorously work for nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation, we will continue to face threats from existing nuclear weapons.... potentially annihilating millions of people, he said.

Ban announced the launch of the We Must Disarm! Campaign (W.M.D.) to raise awareness of the true costs and dangers of nuclear weapons. During the 100 days leading up to International Day of Peace 2009, the U. N. issued 100 reasons to disarm, and spread this message by various media.

You too can make it a special day by extending a hand of friendship to all those who are in your schools and neighbourhoods irrespective of cast, creed or religion.. After nearly three decades of war we have finally gained peace in our Motherland We. can really celebrate this day of peace with great joy and make a commitment on this dat to ensure that the dove of peace which has settled in our soil will never fly away because of our lack of respect and tolerance of other races, religions and cultures. Make this World Peace Day a truly meaningful one by lighting the lamp of peace in your hearts first.

Freedom Star speaks out

Hello little stars of the Nation,

I'm sure you must be enjoying your life with the Star Family. The Peace Star and the Happy Star are also very happy to see your commitment. Today I will introduce you to another member of the Star Family. He is a very special member. Can you guess?

He is the Freedom Star!

You must be very anxious to listen to him. Without taking much time, now I will allow the Freedom Star to talk to you. Freedom Star says, "All my little stars of the Nation are always free. 'Freedom' is the foremost quality in the world of children. Of course sometimes they call out to their mums saying "please mum let me be free for sometime", but in general their world is full of freedom. However, this does not mean that doing nothing or only doing what you want, whenever you want is Freedom. Definitely not.

Dear kids, remember freedom resides in your mind and heart. There are many things that make us feel free and happy. So just ask youself the following questions...

1. How would you feel when you help a friend even if he or she does not like you?

2. How would you feel when you think only of the good, not only about yourself, but also of others?

3. How would you feel when you just follow the advice of your parents and elders without arguing with them?

4. How would you feel when you attend to all your responsibilities, doing your work on time, studying with attention, playing and enjoying peacefully without having restrictions imposed on you?

5. How would you feel when you obey the laws of the society , e.g. crossing the road at the zebra crossing, putting your garbage only into the garbage bin and so on?

6. How would you feel if you are not forced to do things you do not like?

You will definitely realise that doing all these would make you feel very free and relaxed. There will not be any kind of weak or negative thoughts. You will learn to appreciate the freedom of others, if you value the freedom you are given, to live your life.

Freedom begins from self discipline. When you transform all your negative, unhealthy habits into positive, healthy, good activities, you will feel free. That freedom is something that no one will be able to rob from you. But many unfortunately do not enjoy real freedom.

Good Luck!