The World Judiciary Summit 2006 was historic in more than one way.  So much so that it might not be an exaggeration to say that it could truly prove to be turning point in world history.

Graced by the personal presence of Honorable Chief Justices from 19 countries and representatives of Chief Justices of another 18 countries, the august gathering (the Chief Justice of Swaziland called it the largest Bench of World Judiciary ever to sit under a single roof) the World Judiciary Summit passed a unanimous resolution that called on all the participating Judges to disseminate the message of the Summit to all judicial associations, whether domestic, regional or international, of which they were members of. The resolution also called upon all Judges to keep the best interests of children in mind whenever delivering a judgement in their Court.

Thus the participating Chief Justices decided to notify the Commonwealth Association of Judges, the International Association of Judges, the International Association of Women Judges and the African Association of Judges amongst others.  This decision acquires great significance when seen in the perspective of the Resolution which specifically called on all the Judges in the World to keep the best interests of children in mind whenever giving a decision in any case.  The Resolution was drafted by the finest legal brains from seven countries assisted by worthy representatives of three other countries also contributed to the process significantly.

The World Judiciary Summit literally had a fiery opening. On 8th December while the Chief Justices and Judges were having dinner, after a colourful cultural presentation by CMS children, a fire broke out in the godown on the top floor of the World Unity Convention Centre.  As everyone watched, the blze grew in size and threatened to burn down the entire building.  The fire tenders were delayed by traffic jams but ultimately arrived and managed to douse the flames.  It was one o’clock in the morning when fire tenders returned and the CMS Management decided to shift the venue of the Conference from the auditorium (which had been rendered un-useable by the fire and smoke) to the field outside.  Hundreds of people toiled through the night to put up cloth canopy, lay out chairs and sofa-sets and set up the stage.  The effort ensured everything was ready for the grand inaugural at 9:00 am in the morning.  While all this was going on, the smoldering fire reappeared inside the auditorium, burning down the tiles of false ceiling and the air-conditioning ducts.  The fire tenders had to be summoned again before the fire could finally be put out for good.

Earlier, on 6th December, the Chief Justices were taken for a tour of the Taj Mahal in Agra. On the 7th December they offered floral tributes at Mahatma Gandhi’s Samadhi in Rajghat, New Delhi where they were welcomed by Dr Nirmala Deshpande, Chairperson of Gandhi Samadhi Committee who is probably the most famous Gandhian alive. Dr Deshpande also presented all the Chief Justices and Judges with copies of Mahatma Gandhi’s autobiography and a memento.  The Chief Justices then addressed a press conference at Gandhi Darshan pavilion next door.  The same evening they attended a Civic Reception by Delhi lawyers at Phoolwari, Pragati Maidan opposite the Supreme Court of India.

On 8th December 2006, the two important events of the day were a Press Conference and the Welcome Function in honour of the distinguished participants where children presented cultural items in honour of the delegates.

After the inaugural ceremony the proceedings began with the screening of two films. The first very comprehensively chronicled genesis of origination of the first International Conference of Chief Justices of the World with its modest beginning to its progressive development into its present state, generating a global movement. The presentation very effectively highlighted the clauses of Article 51 of the Constitution of India and appeal by over 31000 CMS students on behalf of world’s two billion children and generations yet unborn, to world judiciary to protect the rights of children for a safe future. The second film was on “Aao Dosti Karein” project effectively highlighted efforts of CMS in forging a lasting peace with Pakistan. It lucidly brought out the strong desire in common people of both countries for lasting love and friendship. The presentation brilliantly show-cased the strong desire of people of both the countries for peace and unity.

Children’s World Parliament was presented by children of CMS Kanpur Road Branch. Its objective was to convey to the world judiciary the deep concern of our children regarding the grave problems in today’s world that affect the entire humankind and endanger its very existence. The mock world parliament started with the opening address by speaker who brought out that the world is passing through the most difficult phase of human history. She strongly recommended that some amiable solution be found to address the grim situation. Pledge was administered to the members representing different countries of the world to abide by law, not to be prejudiced and maintain peace on the earth. Thereafter, the children of the branch attired in smart country specific dresses, representing various countries of the world deliberated at length on the most burning issues of today. Their agenda included:- (i) Terrorism  (ii) Ethics Education (iii) Gender Bias (iv) Role of Media & (v) World Peace.

Dr. Vineeta Kamran, Principal, CMS Kanpur Road, in her Welcome Address accorded a hearty welcome to the chief guest, eminent guests from abroad, honoured local guests, parents and everyone. She expressed her happiness at the response from the world judiciary and their support to the call of CMS children showing their solidarity for forging world unity and peace.

It was a real treat to watch junior and senior section children of Kanpur Road branch performing All Religion Prayer. Children in colourful costumes of respective religion came groupwise, one by one and offered their prayers.

Next CMS Kanpur Road students presented a spectacular World Peace Prayer Ceremony. Students representing the continents of North America, Africa, Oceania, South America, Europe and Asia led by their reps entered the vast field from both the sides fluttering respective national flags in their hands.

Small children of classes III, IV and V presented a scintillating dance Unity in Diversity depicting the rich Indian culture. They filled the atmosphere with vigour and enthusiasm as they danced rhythmically to the tune of ‘These are the placed in the world…’ This was followed by another dance performance given on the tune of song, ‘Peace is my life’.

Dr. Dinesh Sharma, Mayor of Lucknow and as President of the function accorded a very warm welcome on behalf of citizens of Lucknow to H.E. Mr.Cassam Utteem, Former President Republic of Mauritius, Hon. Mr .Shri Prakash Jaiswal, Minister of State for Home Affairs and other Chief Justices of the world. He conveyed that Lucknow has rich tradition of composite culture and expressed hope that legal luminaries from more than Eighty five countries would foster the path for new world order. He also expressed his happiness to know that Unesco Peace Prize 2006 has been recently received by Judge C.G. Weeramantry and lauded the efforts of CMS for the great cause of unity and world peace.

It was time for children of Montessori classes to show their uninhibited talents to the august gathering. They displayed their bubbling enthusiasm and energy when they gracefully presented the joyful dance Fun Time on the song, “Boogy Boogy”.   

Then it was time for formal inauguration of the function when all eminent guests and legal luminaries were urged to come to the stage to accompany chief guest and to be part of Lighting of the Lamp of Learning. The lamp was lit by Hon. Mr. Shri Prakash Jaiswal, Minister of state for Home Affairs, ably supported by other dignitaries.

The special guests were then introduced to the audience. A brief resume of Mr. Shri Prakash Jaiswal, Union Minister of State for Home Affiars was readout by Mr Jagdish Gandhi who then read out the a brief introduction of H.E. Mr. Cassam Utteem. Former President, Republic of Mauritius. Then Judge Weeramantry was introduced to the audience, and his contribution to the cause of peace and prestigious global appointments held by him were recalled. Further, it was also mentioned that he is the first judge ever to be awarded the UNESCO Prize for Peace Education. Hon. Dr Dinesh Sharma, the Mayor of Lucknow was thereafter introduced to audience. His brilliant academic achievements, his penchant for teaching and his quest for social work were duly highlighted.

In his speech Hon’ble Mr Shri Prakash Jaiswal expressed immense satisfaction to see the congregation of such large number of judges from all over the world under one roof. He conveyed that it was a testimony of support to the clarion call given by 31,000 children of CMS on behalf of world’s two billion children asking the world judiciary to take steps to safeguard their right to a safe future and healthy ecology. He opined that children have a right to proper food, nutrition, safe drinking water, education, atmosphere of love, unity, peace and universal brotherhood. For protection of their rights, they have reposed their faith in judiciary as a last resort as the world was passing through a phase of turmoil and international terrorism. These are international problems and international solutions have to be found to foster unity and peace in the world. Citing the quote of Jawahar Lal Nehru that world would unite or perish, he emphasized the need of world unity. He expressed his deep appreciation for the cultural program presented by children. He heartily congratulated children for presenting an inspiring mock world parliament and exhibiting there deep knowledge on world problem. He also expressed his deep appreciation for all religions prayer exhibiting oneness of religion. He congratulated teachers for preparing children so well with their great efforts. He concluded his speech by wishing meaningful deliberations on article 51(c) of Constitution of India to forge unity and formation of World Government. 

In his address H.E. Mr Cassam Uteem, Former President, Republic of Mauritius profusely thanked CMS for organizing such an exceptional event at Lucknow. He congratulated children for giving such outstanding performance and said that he had never seen such an event or ever participated in such events presented by school children. He lauded the CMS efforts for giving such Quality Education to children and expressed his gratitude for having been accorded the Mahatma Gandhi Award for World Unity and conveyed that he is inspired by such bestowal of award and would do his best to promote peace and unity in the world.

In his address Hon. Mr Justice C.G. Weeramantry, former Vice-President, International Court of Justice and laureate of the 2006 UNESCO Prize for Peace Education conveyed that it was an exhilarating experience for him to such a mesmerizing display by children at school level. He said that he has never seen such daring acts from children representing two billion children of the world propagating mankind is one, religion is one and God is one. He concluded his address by assuring his support for noble cause of world unity and world peace.

Next to speak was Dr (Mrs) Bharti Gandhi, Founder-Director of CMS, who thanked all the eminent and honoured crusaders of world unity and world peace for joining in promoting global peace and showing their solidarity to great cause of world unity. She also congratulated the children for their outstanding performances and concluded by wishing great success to the ensuing conference.

The Vote of Thanks was delivered by Dr (Mrs) Vineeta Kamran who thanked the Chief Guest, distinguish guests and the parents and children for their help and cooperation. She expressed her gratitude to children and every teacher for very hard work done by them to organise such a wonderful conference and cultural programme. She profusely thanked each and every member of CMS family for his valuable help and support. She concluded her thanks giving by wishing that the ensuing conference be a great landmark.