“The good we secure for ourselves is precarious and uncertain until it is secured for all of us and incorporated into our common life”
Jane Addams, Noble peace laureate
On 5th December; Mr. Steve Fryburg, the Director of Dayton Peace Museum Inc, Ohio, visited SIMSR campus, as part of his collaborated initiative with the Peace Club of Mumbai. He was accompanied by Ms Padma Ramamurthy an active member of the Lions Club, Chembur who is partnering with Mr. Fryburg in the various programmes conducted under The Peace Club.
Mr. Fryburg met the Director General and then an interaction with some of the members of Social Cell was scheduled. Mr. Fryburg a retired police officer and now a peace veteran, spoke about the philosophy of the Peace Museum and the various activities, exhibits and events which it sponsors.
In the backdrop of the recent terror attack and the striking dearth of peace all over, we found his message very insightful. The world reportedly lost 109 million people in the past century over warfare. This is inspite of the common man from any corner of the world wanting to be at peace with his surroundings. He pointed out that the society today ironically venerates the culture of violence. All the great monuments glorify war in a way and so do all history books. Very few of them speak of peace.
Jane Addams, Noble peace laureate
On 5th December; Mr. Steve Fryburg, the Director of Dayton Peace Museum Inc, Ohio, visited SIMSR campus, as part of his collaborated initiative with the Peace Club of Mumbai. He was accompanied by Ms Padma Ramamurthy an active member of the Lions Club, Chembur who is partnering with Mr. Fryburg in the various programmes conducted under The Peace Club.
Mr. Fryburg met the Director General and then an interaction with some of the members of Social Cell was scheduled. Mr. Fryburg a retired police officer and now a peace veteran, spoke about the philosophy of the Peace Museum and the various activities, exhibits and events which it sponsors.
In the backdrop of the recent terror attack and the striking dearth of peace all over, we found his message very insightful. The world reportedly lost 109 million people in the past century over warfare. This is inspite of the common man from any corner of the world wanting to be at peace with his surroundings. He pointed out that the society today ironically venerates the culture of violence. All the great monuments glorify war in a way and so do all history books. Very few of them speak of peace.
The symbol of peace
What is this Peace Museum after all?
Like art museums around the world, a peace museum can give room for recognition, experimentation, education, training and appreciation of peace. Peace, like art, needs a space to breathe while the world determines whether or not its message is worthwhile. The Dayton International Peace Museum is a place where Daytonians and people across the Miami Valley can find the arsenal of peace. It is a non profit organization which works to encourage, support and supplement the already diverse and unwieldy spirit of peace that is underrated and unheard by many in our community.
This is done through various events like concerts, presentations, fundraiser events etc all over the United States. It also has a mobile exhibit centre called the Peace Mobile which can visit several educational institutes, churches showcasing literature, paintings and other forms of art conveying peace. The Museum has an increasing reach outside US in countries like Kenya, Iran, Pakistan, Nigeria, India, Congo, Sweden and Uganda. The Museum collaborates with various peace organizations in these countries through intercultural exchange programs. The Peace Club of Mumbai is one such organization inspired by the Dayton Peace Museum.
The interaction helped us realize how the ‘Arsenal of Peace’ needs to be developed and nurtured. It should be incorporated in our daily activities and most importantly its values should be inculcated in young minds through the education process. It is only then that the youth worldwide will be enabled to look at positive alternatives to the conflict and violence that bombard our lives.
Like art museums around the world, a peace museum can give room for recognition, experimentation, education, training and appreciation of peace. Peace, like art, needs a space to breathe while the world determines whether or not its message is worthwhile. The Dayton International Peace Museum is a place where Daytonians and people across the Miami Valley can find the arsenal of peace. It is a non profit organization which works to encourage, support and supplement the already diverse and unwieldy spirit of peace that is underrated and unheard by many in our community.
This is done through various events like concerts, presentations, fundraiser events etc all over the United States. It also has a mobile exhibit centre called the Peace Mobile which can visit several educational institutes, churches showcasing literature, paintings and other forms of art conveying peace. The Museum has an increasing reach outside US in countries like Kenya, Iran, Pakistan, Nigeria, India, Congo, Sweden and Uganda. The Museum collaborates with various peace organizations in these countries through intercultural exchange programs. The Peace Club of Mumbai is one such organization inspired by the Dayton Peace Museum.
The interaction helped us realize how the ‘Arsenal of Peace’ needs to be developed and nurtured. It should be incorporated in our daily activities and most importantly its values should be inculcated in young minds through the education process. It is only then that the youth worldwide will be enabled to look at positive alternatives to the conflict and violence that bombard our lives.
1 comment:
Thank you Steve, for your dedication and constant work in making known the power of thinking and creating the environment of harmony where our hunman family can cooperate creatively in solving the shared injustices of starvation, genocide, wars, human trafficking and all violence in its many forms.
Too many of us for far too long, have put our faith in military and economic power and domination, supporting the notion that these are "defenses" against "enemies", rather than putting our trust in the Golden Rule and the message of spiritual masters, including Jesus' who advised us to "Love your enemies." which instantly dissolves the illusion of enemies since we are one human family.
I, along with all those you've touched with your wisdom, compassion and generous, ongoing work, locally and around the world are deeply grateful.
You have my Best Wishes and Prayers for the Continued Success of your endeavors.
Frank Swift
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