September 21^st of each year marks a privileged day for the world to come together and celebrate the International Day for Peace a day meant to further open the gates toward global harmony and unity. As we are living in a world filled with conflict and division, this day serves as the most powerful reminder that binds us all together for the promotion of peace. India is the land of ancient heritage, with its preaching and practice of non-violence and tolerance, promoted as an apostle of peace in the comity of nations, believing in ideals of co-existence and brotherhood as cherished tenets of its philosophy through centuries.

The United Nations General Assembly, in its resolution 36/67 dated September 30, 1981, declared that henceforth an International Day of Peace will be commemorated annually. It was initially observed on the third Tuesday of September to coincide with the opening of the annual session of the UN General Assembly. In 2001, however, the General Assembly, by unanimous decision, fixed the date on September 21 as a day of global ceasefire and non-violence. This day calls on all nations and peoples to honour a halt in hostilities and to commemorate the day through education & public awareness. India has always taken the lead in all international peace initiatives being one of the founding members of the United Nations. From its leadership in the Non-Aligned Movement to contributing greatly in UN peacekeeping missions, India has championed the cause of peace and stability in the world.

The leaders at a broader scale, like Mahatma Gandhi, who led the independence movement of India on the principle of non-violence and former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, who initiated historic peace talks with Pakistan have left an indelible mark on the South Asian peace process. Vajpayee’s accent on “Insaniyat, Jamhooriyat and Kashmiriyat” continues to inspire efforts toward peacefully sorting out the Kashmir issue. Besides, the local leaders from the districts of Baramulla, Kupwara and Handwara also merit a lot. Their contribution to peace comes through community engagement and dialogue between the natives: Abdul Ahad Wani from Baramulla and Ghulam Nabi War from Kupwara. Grassroots efforts on their part have been instrumental in stabilizing the local communities in some of the most affected areas of Kashmir.

On the International Day of Peace, India also salutes those who have contributed to the world and regional peace process. The “Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament and Development” is one such prestigious award given every year to an individual or organization for contribution in promoting international peace, disarmament and sustainable development. The commitment of such an award by India upholds long-term devotion to global harmony and recognition of peace builders with the spirit of non-violence and cooperation.

While various other challenges to global peace persist regional issues and environmental degradation-India’s approach remains imbued with dialogue, diplomacy and development. The country has consistently espoused peaceful coexistence and has actively taken part in global peace-making missions, thereby contributing to the stability of strife-torn parts of the world. India’s resolve is also reflected in its own conflict-management policies and peace-seeking initiatives internally. The Government of India’s moves in Jammu and Kashmir-in terms of development, education and employment-have been directed toward the goal of long-lasting peace and stability for the region. The abrogation of Article 370 in 2019 was part of an integrated policy to integrate the region more completely into the national mainstream for the purpose of bringing economic development and reducing alienation.

It is not a symbolic day, but a reaffirmation on the part of India to the ideals of peace and non-violence. As the world observes this day, the contributions of India towards global efforts in the pursuit of peace remind us of what unity, tolerance and dialogue can achieve in triumphing over conflicts. The vision of Mahatma Gandhi, Atal Bihari Vajpayee and regional figures continue to guide India on the path of a peaceful and prosperous future. As the world today faces unprecedented challenges, India remains an example to talk about of resilience, leadership and commitment to peace, an inspiration to all. The International Day for Peace is a moment to celebrate these contributions and to recommit ourselves to a world where peace will be not an aspiration but a reality for all.