The Shanti Sadhbhavna Yatra, a 24-day journey aimed at fostering mutual harmony and peace, was flagged off in the city of Muzaffarnagar, located in the state of Uttar Pradesh. This city witnessed severe communal riots in 2013. The riots primarily occurred between two major communities, resulting in significant loss of life, displacement of people, and property damage.

Caritas India and Meerut Seva Samaj recognized the aftermath of communal strife and implemented a peace promotion program in two districts, Muzaffarnagar and Saharanpur. Over the past five years, a series of programs and activities have been conducted to raise awareness and sensitize communities, creating an environment of empowerment and sensitivity. These efforts aim to restore social peace and promote integration. Street plays, magic shows, knowledge partner engagements, and a mobile information van are all part of the effort to create awareness and sensitize the masses in the Samvaad Program.

Caritas India has pioneered the use of a mobile information van, known as the “Shanti Sadbhavna Rath,” which is customized and decorated with flex and posters carrying messages of peace. The van disseminates audio jingles, songs, and printed IEC materials. The mobile van will cover approximately 1,200 kilometres across three districts, where it will visit villages, markets, and other public areas.

The Shanti Sadhbhavna Raths aim to engage and interact with the community and the public on the topics of peace and harmony through puppet shows, audio jingles, and songs. The design features peace messages from prominent personalities in India and caricatures that promote harmony and unity. All designs are created with vibrant colours, catchy audio jingles and songs, and a signature pledge that is appealing to the audience.

During the meeting, several individuals addressed the audience and shared their perspectives on promoting harmony and peace.

In the address, the S.D.M of the city quoted a statement from the holy book Bible, emphasizing the importance of respecting one’s neighbour as much as oneself. He emphasized that fostering mutual brotherhood would lead to progress and prosperity in the country.

Shahar Qazi Mohd Tanveer Alam emphasized the significant role that Gurus play in society. He expressed that religious teachers have the responsibility to guide people and help them discern between right and wrong, regardless of their location.

Sister Shalini from Brahma Kumari Ashram emphasized the importance of inner peace as a fundamental basis for establishing peace within society. She mentioned that when individuals achieve tranquillity within themselves, peace will extend to society, fostering mutual brotherhood.

Dr. Sandeep Sharma from Brahmin Mahasabha highlighted the unity and interdependence of Hindu, Muslim, Sikh, and Christian communities. He emphasized that each of these religious groups is like a pillar for the country, and the maintenance of mutual harmony among them is crucial for the unity and strength of the nation.

Mahmoodia Madrasa Sadar Mohammad Kaleem Ullah acknowledged the collaborative efforts of Caritas India and Meerut Seva Samaj. He particularly mentioned the support from Missio and expressed gratitude for the concern shown by agencies from other nations for our country to live in peace. He expressed pride in the fact that individuals from different religions can love and value each other’s lives, which reinforces the continuity of mutual brotherhood within society.

Father Jomon Joseph, from Meerut Seva Samaj, emphasized the significance of knowledge, self-confidence, and the avoidance of jealousy in promoting peace within society.

The Caritas India representative shared a presentation explaining the Samvaad project that how this program is contributing to unite people from different religions and caste backgrounds through several engagements with Children, Youths, women and other groups.

Eventually, the Sadhbhavna Rath (vehicle) was flagged off by the Subdivisional Magistrate, Shri Parmanand Jha, along with interfaith leaders and other like-minded individuals. The vehicle began its journey towards promoting peace.