Historic URI Asia Assembly in India

New Delhi, India. Twenty-six ‘doves of peace’ traveled from Pakistan and across Indian border lines to reach URI’s Asia Assembly in New Delhi on November 22-27th, 2007. Everyone gathered at the Bai Vir Singh Sahitya Sadan to experience the historic moment when Pakistanis met with their URI family from all over Asia. The theme of the conference was “Promoting Peace through Reconciliation” and there was a great show of URI CC leaders. In addition to the attendees from Pakistan, eighteen came from Korea, three from Bangladesh, one from Nepal, and many from all zones of India.

In his Inaugural Address, the Chief Guest, His Excellency Shri M. Hamid Ansari, Vice-President of India said that in his opinion, the people of Indo-Pak would like to see a better environment of peace and love. It is not any matter of religion, he said—humanity is the only platform where we can gather and resolve issues peacefully. According to Mr. Ansari, this Assembly marked a historic moment and a step towards sustainable peace and development and in solving certain issues of the oppressed within the community in the region. In support of Indo-Pak friendship, at the end of National Anthem, Fr. James and Mr. Yuel Bhatti from the URI in Pakistan presented a beautiful souvenir of Minar-E Pakistan to Mr. Ansari, which he warmly received.

Fr. James also read a special message to the Assembly from Bishop Swing, Founder and President of URI, which read, “I can picture you all gathered together with stories to tell, with support to be given, and with strengthened resolve to be about the task of peace-making in local settings. Another picture also comes to mind. It is the portrait of a growing family of the URI. Once upon a time, the URI was just an idea. But at the Asia Assembly, it is a reality and can be seen with the eye: beautiful and large, growing more beautiful and large yet. You all at the Asia Assembly fill me with great hope.”

Following the reading of Bishop Swing’s message, Fr. James gave thanks to India for granting visas to the Pakistani delegates. “These delegates are ‘doves of peace’ from Pakistan and we have come with branches of olive tree in our hands” he said. “Let us put into practice the Golden Rule ‘do unto others as you would have them do unto you,’ as said by Jesus Christ. This rule is found in all religions. Let us practice it.”

During the following four days of the Assembly, delegates from all the countries above presented their reports and activities for peace in their regions, as well as various special cultural programs. For example, Korean delegates honored the assembly with a “Dastar bandi” ceremony, where a turban symbolizing recognition and respect was passed around to the leaders of each country.

On another evening, participants took a trip around the world through Herm Weaver’s “Dream Song” and a slideshow of inspiring photos of what URI is doing across the globe. Each of these colorful ceremonies focused on unity, togetherness, and mutual respect between the nations present at the conference. In her keynote address, Ms. Yoland Triveno, Chairperson of the Global Council URI said with great joy that the vision and purpose of URI, which started as a dream, is coming true through everyone at the Assembly meeting person to person. 

Many of the activities included children, emphasizing the passing of peace-making efforts to a new generation. In one ceremony, children and adults planted peace trees representing each of their countries. These seeds of peace will grow into trees that will remain historic landmarks for URI. Also, an “Angels of Peace” ceremony was held where children in the Salwan Public School system were recognized for committing themselves to peace and interfaith harmony.

Dr. Abraham Karickam was touched by the statement from a young girl from the Salwan School when, shortly after he narrated a story on “How a few women stopped a war in Wajir,” an excerpt from John Paul Lederach’s Moral Imagination: the Art and Soul of Peacebuilding, she approached him and said, “If Kenyan women can work wonders, why not we?” As Bhatti said, “The involvement of students of Salwan Public School is amazing, and is a healthy sign for the coming generations and vision of URI for Youth is coming true.”

Delegates also took the opportunity to fellowship with one another by taking excursions to view historic and cultural landmarks in New Delhi such as the Qutab Minar, Ghandi Samadi, Jain Mandar, and the Lotus Temple. The Pakistan delegates also took the opportunity to travel to Agra to see the Taj Mahal, one of the wonders of the world.