|
SAARC Day of Non-Violence:
Non-violence at base of our traditional value systems
|
Minister Prof G L Peiris
|
External Affairs Minister Prof G L Peiris in a message to mark SAARC
Day of Non-Violence which falls today states:
"In September 2009, the Member-States of SAARC decided to observe the
International Day of Non-Violence, October 2 as the SAARC Day of
Non-Violence.
"October 2 is the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, who, in recent
history, revived the principle of non-violence that has existed in the
Indian sub-continent for centuries.
"Today, our region faces several challenges including terrorism and
potential environmental catastrophe. At the root of these problems lie
various forms of violence including against the environment, augmented
by social strife and inequity.
"The creed of non-violence is at the base of all our traditional
value system. The faiths of our sub-continent also include ancient
wisdom that recognise and respect the delicate relationship between man
and his environment and the need to protect and nurture the environment.
"I hope that the observance of the SAARC Day of Non-Violence will
stimulate discussion and awareness of our traditional value system and
the need for their revival to inspire in our societies, peace,
tolerance, non-discrimination, co-existence, non-violence and respect
for each other." |
