The 7th Commonwealth Youth Festival was organized here today by City Montessori School, Gomti Nagar, Lucknow auditorium to mark the Commonwealth Day. The theme for the Commonwealth Festival this year is "Health and Vitality — The Commonwealth Challenge". This theme has been chosen by Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, Head of the Commonwealth. On this occasion, the Queen's message was read out in which she sent her greetings and good wishes to all. Around 47 students from terrorist-stricken areas of Jammu and Kashmir also expressed their ideas on world peace on this unity.
Addressing the audience, the chief guest of the function Shri. R. K. Mittal, IAS, Commissioner, Lucknow Division said that the health of the youth is an asset for the whole society. Mr. Mittal said that our body is an abode of God and we should take proper care of it. Only a healthy nation can made the dream of Jai Jagat, Hail the world and World Unity, come alive. For a healthy life, it is necessary to have a proper daily routine, good food habits, giving up of bad habits, living in a clean environment, having noble thoughts etc. Youth power is our most precious asset, he stressed. He called upon the youth to use its energy, humanistic thinking, creativity and innovative talents for building a new world society. Earlier, Mr. Mittal lit the lamp of learning to inaugurate the function and also viewed the commonwealth poster exhibition.
On this occasion, CMS children presented a All Religion and World Peace Prayer and songs on world unity. An exhibition of the entries of poster-making competition was also set up in which students expressed their ideas on world unity and world peace through the medium of colours. The originality and beauty of expression was highly praised by the onlookers. It reflected the holistic education being imparted to students which includes material, human and divine education.
The apostle of World Peace, Shri Jagdish Gandhi, Founder-Manager, CMS said that this day inspires mankind to come forward and act as Partners in Development by solving the grave problems of the world on a global platform in a spirit of harmony and world brotherhood. A safe and secure future of 2 billion children of the world is possible only if we form a World Parliament to solve global problems and spread education in all countries. He inspired the children to come forward and join the crusade of world peace and create an atmosphere of love and friendship amongst nations.
The Convener of the function, Miss Manjit Batra, Principal, CMS Gomti Nagar said in her speech that Commonwealth Day is an annual celebration of the friendly links between the member countries, most of whom were once part of the erstwhile British Empire. The modern, multi-racial Commonwealth emerged in 1949 when India became the first republican member. In recent years several countries who were never part of the British Empire, became members of the Commonwealth. These include Namibia, Cameroun and Mozambique. The Commonwealth members work in cooperation to eradicate poverty, illiteracy and other problems in the world. A song specially composed for the Commonwealth Day by Mr. Leslie Scott, Music teacher of CMS Gomti Nagar was presented at the function. The song appeals to the public to set aside the differences of race and colour and work for common good of all as Partners in Development.
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