Africa-Press – Mauritius. In the context of the International Day of Peace observed globally each year on 21 September, the Charitable Institution, M-Kids Organisation, held, this morning, a gathering and a traditional lunch at the Masjid Daar ul Islam, Robert Stein St, Camp Chapelon in the presence of the President of the Republic, Mr Prithvirajsing Roopun, who was the Chief Guest.
The Vice-President, Mr Eddy Boissezon, was also present. In his address, President Roopun at the very outset, expressed his deep and profound sorrow for the victims of COVID-19 across the world and recalled that some 4,5 million people have died due to the virus.
He moreover highlighted the need to work collectively so as to combat the pandemic. Speaking about peace, he observed that it is synonymous with love, non-violence, respect for others, and absence of greed.
He stated that our national anthem lays emphasis on peace, justice, and liberty while adding that for the past 53 years, Mauritians have been practicing these values in their daily lives.
He rejoiced that Mauritius has never had any conflict and appealed to all to pray for world peace, and specifically for the end of wars and violence. President Roopun acknowledged the values of respect, sharing, compassion, social harmony, and solidarity which constitute the very fabric of the Mauritian society.
He stated that it is imperative not to jeopardize the social cohesion and peace of the country which are our biggest treasures and highlighted that Mauritius is one of the rare countries in the world where there is peace.
For his part, Vice-President Boissezon dwelt on the importance of embracing the four principles, namely truth, social justice, love, and liberty. According to him, these values are necessary to promote peace and harmony in society.
On that occasion the children of different faiths who were present visited the mosque and were familiarised with the different concepts of wuzu, azaan, namaz, mimbar, and mehrab. Afterwards, an interfaith lunch was organised.
International Day of Peace 2021
Established in 1981 by the United Nations General Assembly, Peace Day provides a globally shared date for all humanity to commit to peace above all differences.
The theme this year is “Recovering better for an equitable and sustainable world”. The focus is on recovering better for a more equitable and peaceful world.
On this International Day of Peace 2021, M-Kids wishes to teach its children the value of tolerance and mutual respect in order to build a just and inclusive world that embraces diversity, and is therefore taking the initiative to introduce them to sacred places such as mosques, churches and temples, over several weeks.
