URI observes International day of peace, a day dedicated to world peace, on September 22. Illustration by: Maddie Bataille | Photo Editor
On September 22, the University of Rhode Island Multicultural Student Services Center held several events and workshops to commemorate the International Day of Peace.
Beginning in 1981, the International Day of Peace, also officially known as World Peace Day, began as a United Nations-sanctioned holiday observed annually on September 21. The day is dedicated to world peace, specifically the absence of war and violence, such as might occur or be obtained through a temporary ceasefire in order to achieve humanitarian aid access, or as can be applied more locally, the implementation of nonviolent practices through harm-prevention and mindfulness.
Thupten Tendhar, a director at the Center for Nonviolence and Peace Studies at URI, explained what some of the workshops held for students entailed.
“Beginning from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Memorial Student Union, we had different activities,” Thendar said. “There was a candlelight vigil for peace and followed by a lecture by a visiting Buddhist monk scholar who talked about inner peace and global peace.”
Students had the opportunity to explore a variety of activities with the goal of promoting peace, including the creation of homemade flags to commemorate the day, as well as an opportunity to read and share poetry dealing with themes of peace and nonviolence.
Tendhar spoke about some of the creative opportunities and workshops held as a part of the day.
“Students were able to read poems at various points that are written to promote peace and nonviolence. And then we had some music and dance that also has rhythm and you know, a message for peace and harmony,” Thendar said.
The speakers also gave talks and resources for students struggling to find peace within themselves.
“The visiting Tibetan monk and a scholar talked about the connection between inner peace and global peace,” Thendar said. “He focused mostly on the importance of, you know, how important it is to have peace of mind within ourselves so that, you know, we can contribute to the bigger part of the world,” Thendar said.
The scholar, as well as other speakers, led students through discussion as well as mindfulness meditation and discussion. According to Thendar, through these exercises they were “exploring the impact of violence in their own lives, and the importance of developing peace within, as a way of spreading peaceful practices and a positive influence in their communities.”
Sydney Burns, a second-year creative writing major at URI, said that she felt events like this were important and that lessons in nonviolence studies can apply to students’ lives.
“I think events like this are really important to do, because I feel that there is a lot students can learn about nonviolence, especially within their own relationships with friends and peers,” Burns said. “Especially when it comes to recognizing violence and negativity, I think it’s very good to have these discussions because you can always be blind to something that’s happening to you or your friends.”More information about World Peace Day and nonviolence events can be found on the URI Center for Nonviolence and Peace Studies webpage.