What Kind of International Peace Day Is This? – A Deep Reflection

What Kind of International Peace Day Is This? – A Deep Reflection

Introduction

Every year on 21 September the world observes “International Peace Day.” When the United Nations proclaimed it in 1981, the hope was that at least for one day nations would lay down their arms, terrorism would stop, and humanity would turn to peace. The purpose was to make countries, leaders and citizens prioritise dialogue and cooperation over conflict. Yet as we move further into the 21st century, this dream seems to be slipping away.

The Aim of Peace Day

The idea of Peace Day is beautiful – at least one day when no gun is fired, no bomb falls, and no innocent person becomes a victim of terror. It’s a chance to remind ourselves that without peace, development, cooperation and human dignity are impossible. But the real question remains: have we truly internalised the meaning of this day?

The Reality of War and Terror

Today many parts of the world continue to be torn by violence:

The Russia–Ukraine war has gone on for more than two years.

Violence between Gaza and Israel is escalating.

Terrorist incidents persist in parts of Africa and Asia.

In such circumstances, Peace Day risks becoming only a ceremonial observance while real peace drifts farther away.

Why Violence Doesn’t Stop

1. Geopolitical Interests – Powerful nations fuel conflicts in smaller countries to advance their own agendas.

2. Religious and Ethnic Divides – Sectarianism and intolerance give birth to violence.

3. Economic Motives – The global arms trade and military alliances obstruct peace.

4. Information Warfare – Social media manipulation and disinformation spread hatred.

Why Peace Day Still Matters

Even so, Peace Day matters because it reminds us that peace is not a “luxury” but a “necessity.” Without peace there can be no real development. This day forces us to think about what future we want for our children – one overshadowed by bombs and fear or one built on trust and harmony.

India and Global Peace

India has always promoted values such as Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (“the world is one family”) and Ahimsa Paramo Dharma (“non-violence is the highest duty”). Leaders like Mahatma Gandhi and Buddha showed the world paths of peace. Yet India itself faces challenges from cross-border terrorism and regional instability. Balancing peace with security and development has become crucial for India’s foreign policy.

The Role of Citizens

Peace is not only the responsibility of governments; citizens can bring change through their thinking and actions:

Avoiding hate and rumours

Encouraging dialogue and cooperation

Promoting education, tolerance and empathy

Using social media responsibly

Education and the Youth

If we teach the next generation the value of peace, the future can be transformed. Schools and universities need to integrate “peace education” into their curricula. Young people must learn that war is never a real solution.

Conclusion

International Peace Day compels us to realise that declarations and speeches alone cannot bring peace. Without political will, economic fairness and cultural sensitivity at the international level, this day risks becoming just another date on the calendar.

We must collectively ensure that Peace Day becomes more than symbolic — it must become a catalyst for real change. Only then will we be able to say that the meaning of International Peace Day has truly been fulfilled.