Youth conference focuses on peace

December 4, 2004
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December 04, 2004

KATHMANDU: Over 150 students from various schools and colleges in Kathmandu took part in the day-long conference–  on the theme “Youth for Peace and Service” in the capital,  Saturday–  organised on the eve of the International Volunteers Day.

Organiser of the event, Youth for Peace (YfP), brought together youths between 15-20 years of age to discuss ways to build their character while upholding values like love, respect to elders, tolerance and compassion.

Coordinator of the YSP, Mridu Shrestha, said the conference aimed at creating youth volunteers for tomorrow’s Nepal. “Whatever the circumstances, youths should be peaceful, patient and smile,” said Shrestha. “Life is a gift of God and we should do everything to realize our potential,” she added.

She also emphasized on the need to offer positive options to today’s youths. When asked what would she do if she was born in districts like Rolpa and Rukum, Mridu said she would spread the message that violence was not the answer to any problem. “Peace is the only way out,” she added.

Patron of the YSP and founder principal of Hindu Vidyapeeth Nepal, Chintamani Yogi, said as good crops could be produced only if the soil was flexible, youths too could learn positive values in their lives if they were flexible.

Chairman of Matribhumi Sewak Sangh (MSS), a volunteer-based organisation, Bindu Lal Shrestha, said youths must set goals and objectives of their life. “Youths must not forget their responsibility towards their society, country, religion and culture,” he added.

Chief guest at the function, Swami Dr Ramananda Giri, said youths should focus on building their characters, which would help them fulfill their aspirations.

The youth participants also had an opportunity to take part in physical and intellectual games, sing  patriotic songs, and practice  yoga. Psychologist Dr Tirtha Raj Luintel spoke about the importance of positivity and creativity in life during the conference while Dr Rishi Ram Gyawali and Saroj Thapa spoke about the importance of naturopathy and sound health. Chintamani Yogi and Dadhiram Khanal underlined the need of self management in individual’s life.

An organisation of committed youth volunteers, YSP also organizes practical social works for its members at least once every month and weekly gathering for the young under-privileged children at the Shanti Sewa Ashram in the capital, among others.

The United Nations observes December 5 as International Volunteers Day every year to promote volunteerism in the society and recognize the self-less works of volunteers around the world.