Peace Day

Peace and Serenescence – Building a Harmonious World

For me, peace is not just about the absence of conflict—it is about living in harmony with ourselves, our families, our community, and the world. At St. Britto’s, I try to help children understand that peace begins in the little things: a kind word, a patient act, or even the willingness to listen. From there, it grows into something bigger—something that can shape societies and nations.

I often remind my students of Sadhguru’s words: “Peace is not the highest goal in life. It is the most fundamental requirement.” Without peace, everything else—progress, growth, even happiness—loses its meaning.

When we talk about serenescence, I tell them it means learning to live harmoniously, not just within our families or country, but across nations. It is about respecting equality, practicing justice, and building a world where differences are not reasons for division but opportunities for understanding.

Our discussions in school often touch upon the Eight Pillars of Peace—like good governance, fairness, human rights, and education. But rather than just memorizing these as points, I encourage students to see how they apply in everyday life: being honest in small matters, treating classmates with respect, or sharing resources fairly. Peace does not always begin on a grand stage—it begins in classrooms and homes.

Mother Teresa once said, “If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other.” These words carry special meaning when we see conflicts around the world. The Russia–Ukraine war, for instance, became an eye-opener for our students. They reflected on displacement, loss, and destruction, and discussed why non-violence and dialogue matter. I could see in their eyes the realization that war is not just history—it is lived reality for many.

At home too, peace matters deeply. Through activities like Grandparents’ Day, children learn that love, respect, and togetherness create the foundation of a strong family. They begin to understand that harmony in society starts with harmony at home.

Equally, peace with nature is something I stress often. Celebrations like World Environment Day or Cleanliness Day are not just calendar events for us. They are reminders that protecting trees, conserving water, and reducing waste are acts of peace too—peace with the earth that sustains us.

Positive peace, to me, means more than silence or calm—it is about actively building a just, inclusive, and caring society. I have seen our children bloom through friendship programs, teamwork, and social service. Their willingness to help one another, accept weaknesses, and contribute selflessly gives me immense hope.

Every time I see my students holding placards in a peace march, performing a skit on harmony, or even simply extending a hand to a friend in need, I feel reassured that they are carrying this message forward.

At St. Britto’s, our vision is simple yet profound: to raise children who can create peace—within themselves, with others, and with the world. Because only when we nurture peace can we hope for a future that is both flourishing and truly humane.