Why is a School organising International Conferences of Chief Justices of the World of the Constitution of India
Why is a School organising International Conferences of
Chief Justices of the World
on Article 51 of the Constitution of India?
Appeal To World Leaders
Upon arriving in New York for the Millennium Forum of NGO's and Civil Societies held at the UN headquarters from 22nd to 26th May 2000, Mr Gandhi, while attending a dinner for the Indian participants at the Permanent Indian Mission, learned that the demand for discussing a 'New International Political and Economic Order’ had been deleted from the Agenda of the Millennium Summit at the behest of a veto power (USA). Mr Gandhi then chose to participate in the Thematic Drafting Group VI on ‘Strengthening and Democratizing the United Nations and International institutions’. Upon arriving in New York for the Millennium Forum of NGO's and Civil Societies held at the UN headquarters from 22nd to 26th May 2000, Mr Gandhi, while attending a dinner for the Indian participants at the Permanent Indian Mission, learned that the demand for discussing a 'New International Political and Economic Order’ had been deleted from the Agenda of the Millennium Summit at the behest of a veto power (USA). Mr Gandhi then chose to participate in the Thematic Drafting Group VI on ‘Strengthening and Democratizing the United Nations and International institutions’. There he proposed the inclusion of the clause for the establishment of a ‘New International Political and Economic Order’ in the Declaration of the ‘Millennium Forum’. This was approved unanimously. The said declaration formed the agenda item of the UN’s Millennium Summit held from 6th to 8th September 2000 at UN headquarters in New York. It was the biggest ever gathering of the Heads of State and the Heads of Government.
September 5, 1999
To
H.E. Dr. Kofi A. Annan
Secretary General
United Nations Organisation
New York (USA)
Fax : 001-212-963-2155
Your Excellency Dr. Annan,
We wish to draw your kind attention to the Article 51 of the Constitution of India (see enclosed copy) which says :-
Article 51 : The State shall endeavour to:- Promote international peace and security
- Maintain just and honourable relations between nations
- Foster respect for international law and
- Encourage settlement of international disputes by arbitration
We do not know how many other countries, if any, have similar constitutional provisions but we wish all countries would do likewise. We, therefore, request you to personally Appeal to all countries to have this provision in their Constitution. All countries who do not specifically have such an Article in their Constitution should be requested to consider inclusion of such aims by mutual consent and agreement. They should also be encouraged to include the teaching of such an article to the children in schools and also to raise public awareness of the same.
In this regard it may interest you to know that at the 50th Anniversay Celebrations of Indian Republic Day, held on the 26th January, 1999, the City Montessori School of Lucknow exhibited a tableau representing this Article. In doing so, our aim was to remind the public at large, and in particular our children and youth, of the existence of this provision in the Indian Constitution. This tableau, which was seen by more than one million people, was highly acclaimed in the press and is specifically relevant in the light of the very first message given by the UNO in 1945: “Wars begin in the minds of men and it is in the mind of man where the defences of peace have to be constructed”. Childhood and youth are the best time for raising awareness and inspiring young people to work towards these aims of viewing the whole world as one home and humanity as one family.
On behalf of all our 23,000 students, we request you to kindly consider our request favourably and thereby bring the support of your august office to the cause of world peace.
Thanking you,
Yours sincerely,
(Jagdish Gandhi)
Manager
Enclosed :
1 Folder about the CMS tableau on Article 51 of the Indian Constitution
2 Press cuttings about the Republic Day Parade and CMS Tableau
Letter inviting Mr Jagdish Gandhi to the Millennium Forum meeting of NGO’s and civil societies at the UN Headquarters in New York and (below left) Mr Gandhi presenting the childrn’s case at the Millennium Forum.
Schedule of meetings of the drafting group in which Mr Gandhi had participated. Upon arrival in New York, when Mr Gandhi learned that the clause for establishment of a ‘New International Economic and Political Order’ had been deleted from the agenda for the Millennium Summit, at the behest of a veto power, he decided to participate in the Thematice Drafting Group VI on ‘Strengthening and Democratizing the United Nations and International institutions’ where he successfully proposed inclusion of the same clause in the Declaration of the Millennium Forum
Mr Jagdish Gandhi presenting the children’s case at the Millennium Forum meeting of NGO’s and civil societies held at the UN headquarters in New York, where his motion to include a call for a ‘New International Political and Economic Order’ was accepted unanimously and thus became part of the Agenda of the Millennium Summit. (Right) A Letter inviting Mr Jagdish Gandhi to the UN Millennium Forum.
Leaders of various countries who participated in the Un’s Millennium Summit failed to agree on the formation fo a New International Political and Economic Order
Mr Gandhi wrote Letters to rulers and Kings of the World
Mr Gandhi then wrote letters, on behalf of CMS students, to all the Heads of State and Heads of Government participating in the Millennium Summit, urging them to provide to the children of the world born and yet-to-be-born, their ‘Right to a Safe Future' by supporting the call for a 'New International Political and Economic Order' at the Millennium Summit. CMS received letters of support from many world leaders including the Prime Ministers of India, Australia, New Zealand, the President of Slovakia and leaders of some other countries. However, at the Millennium Summit itself, no decision was taken on the formation of a 'New International Political and Economic Order' which could lead to the elimination of large stockpiles of nuclear armaments, ensure global peace and prosperity and ensure globally coordinated ecological and environmental conservation. At the Millennium Summit, all the world leaders emphasized less important issues. The Summit came and went but nothing came out of this potentially path-setting meeting of the world leaders.
November 10, 1999
To
Mr. Anthony Blair
Prime Minister of England
10 Downing Street
London, UK
Sub: Request for Action at UN's Millennium Summit (6th September 2000)
Hon’ble Prime Minister,
Greetings from India !
This letter is on behalf of the 100,000 signatories to a Peace Appeal (see enclosed copy) to the U.N. Secretary General, Dr. Kofi A. Annan, requesting that effective steps (such as a world govt) be initiated for preserving international peace and maintaining environmental balance. All the 100,000 signed appeals, collected by 23000+ students of City Montessori School, were displayed in Peace Exhibition held on United Nations Day, October 24, 1999 as part of the Peace Millennium Festival organised by our School. Dr. Kofi Annan sent a special message of encouragement and support for the Peace Festival.
In his Message the Secretary General pointed out that almost half of humanity — three out of six billion, are entering the new millennium in abject poverty with less than two dollars a day to live on. He called the 20th century as one of the most murderous in human history and highlighted the need to ensure that the 21st century is more peaceful and more humane. He also expressed his concern for the world's changing climate that could destroy the homes and livelihoods of millions, and the need to control and manage this process.
A unique opportunity to take a decisive step in this direction is coming up next year when leaders of all the countries will come together at the U.N.'s Millennium Summit in New York on 6th September 2000. Among the agenda for the Summit is a call for "promotion of development and peace and the establishment of a new international political and economic order" (Resolution adopted by the 53rd Session of the General Assembly on 12 February 1999, Agenda Item 30 Section IV para 8). We are writing to all the world leaders who will be participating in the Millennium Summit, requesting their support for taking effective steps for establishment of a new international political and economic order that can take immediate steps to prevent the impending eco-catastrophe as well as another world war.
This reminds us of what Jan Tinbergen (winner of Nobel prize for Economics in 1969) said, "Mankind's problems can no longer the solved by national governments. What is needed is a World Government. This can best be achieved by strengthening the United Nations system."
We want to enlist your personal support to this move and we want you to use your position to help the formation of a new international political and economic order for the sake of world's three billion poor whose welfare is neglected by national govts even as they spend unimaginable fortunes on arms and ammunition. The new political and economic order to be shaped at the Millennium Summit must be capable of taking over the responsibilities of preserving international peace, conserving the environment and correcting the growing ecological imbalance.
In view of the respect that your responsibility enjoys today in the international community of nations, you are destined to play a central role in the proceedings at the U.N.'s Millennium Summit. Your crucial support to the noble cause of world unity and world peace will be gratefully remembered by generations to come who will no doubt hail you as a saviour of mankind.
We urge you to fulfil your destiny and help mankind take decisive steps towards formation of a world govt by strengthening the United Nations system and helping the planetization of the human race.
(On behalf of all the 100,000 signatories to the Appeal to form a World Govt.)
(Jagdish Gandhi)
President, Peace Millennium Festival
Founder MANAGER, CMS
Enclosed :
1 Copy of Peace Appeal
2 Copy of Message from Dr Kofi Annan
Millennium Summit Failed to agree on the Formation of A New World Order
CMS efforts through the UN did not bring about the intended results inasmuch as the world leaders who attended the Millennium Summit in New York from 6th to 8th September 2000 did not consider the children’s appeal for a ‘New International Political and Economic Order’ an agenda item for the summit which was dropped at the last minute at the request of a powerful veto power, USA.
‘Safe Future for Children’
CMS which is the largest school of the world as per Guinness Book of records, organises a large number of academic events in which a large number of students from various schools of India and from abroad come to participate. The present world scenario has attracted attention of CMS towards their welfare, safety and security. Since children are most powerful common denominator for all the nations of the world and their safety and security are issues which no one can ignore or differ with, therefore, CMS took up their case with the UN Secretary General - Dr. Kofi A. Annan and appealed that in the UN Declaration of the Rights of the Child adopted on 20th November, 1989 ‘Right to a Safe Future’ be included, which would inspire and motivate the member countries to take effective measures on preservation of environment and destruction of nuclear weapons. CMS also wrote letters to Heads of states in this connection and appealed to world authorities to bring about a ‘New World Order’ in which children may live in peace and enjoy their various rights as children like, right to education, food, nutrition, shelter in an atmosphere of love.
On his re-election as the Secretary-General of UNO, CMS once again wrote to Dr. Kofi A. Annan congratulating him on his re-election and also appealed for inclusion of the 'Right to a Safe Future' in the UN Declaration of the Rights of the Child. Dr. Kofi Annan thanked CMS for the congratulations but nothing was conveyed about the other point, that is relating to inclusion of the Rights of the Child in the UN Declaration.
Appeal To The World Judiciary
When the children’s heart-rending appeal to safeguard their future against mortal threats failed to elicit a positive response or any concrete action from the United Nations as well as from the political leadership, CMS continued to seek solutions. A national crisis in India provided precedence, when the important role of the judiciary was highlighted in the case of the infamous forest brigand called Veerappan. Veerappan had kidnapped Rajkumar, one of the most popular film stars of South India, and demanded that 51 of his accomplices who were in prison be released in exchange for Rajkumar’s freedom. As the governments of the two concerned states, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, prepared to concede Veerappan’s demand, a retired officer of the Karnataka Police who had lot his only son in action against the bandit Veerappan, filed a public interest petition in the Supreme Court pleading that the Court prevents the governments of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu from releasing the jailed accomplices of Veerappan in exchange for Rajkukar. In a historic judgment, the Supreme Court of India ordered both the governments not to release the jailed criminals. A few day Slater, Rajkumar managed to get away from Veerappan’s custody and the crisis blew over. The incident highlighted the exalted stature and reputation of the judiciary which is potent enough to influence the politicians in power. Now Mr. Gandhi saw a new ray of hope in a united World Judiciary that could compel national governments to surrender a part of their sovereignty, particularly the right to wage war, in order to safeguard the rights of the world’s children and generations yet unborn.
Eminent participants at the 2nd International Conference of Chief Justices of the World on Article 51(c) of the Constitution of India
that the Court prevents the governments of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu from releasing the jailed accomplices of Veerappan in exchange for Rajkumar. In a historic judgement, the Supreme Court of India ordered both the governments not to release the jailed criminals. A few days later, Rajkumar managed to get away from Veerappan’s custody and the crisis blew over. The incident highlighted the exalted stature and reputation of the judiciary which is potent enough to influence the politicians in power. Now Mr Gandhi saw a new ray of hope in a united World Judiciary that could compel national governments to surrender a part of their sovereignty, particularly the right to wage war, in order to safeguard the rights of the world’s children and generations yet unborn.
Mr Gandhi Consults Justices
Mr Gandhi discussed the issue with Hon’ble Mr Justice Syed Saghir Ahmed, a former Judge of the Supreme Court of India and convened a Round-table Conference on 14th January 2001. Heartened by the support of the judicial fraternity, Mr Gandhi then convened a National level seminar on 25th February, 2001, which was inaugurated by Hon’ble Mr Justice R. S. Pathak, a former Chief Justice of India, former Judge, International Court of Justice, Member, Permanent Court of Arbitration (The Hague) and Honorary Member of the Bench, Gray’s Inn, London. Many other eminent jurists also participated.
The First International Conference on Article 51: 6th May 2001
The success of the national level seminar inspired CMS to convene the First International Conference on Article 51 of the Constitution of India which was held on 6th May 2001. The Conference was inaugurated by Hon’ble Mr Justice K. T. Thomas, Judge, Supreme Court of India and many other eminent judges and legal luminaries also participated. The response from the international judicial fraternity to the First International Conference reassured all about the support for the children’s cause from the world’s judiciary. The point was how to translate this support into a movement for compelling sovereignties to give up their right to wage war for the sake of the children’s future.
Hon’ble Judges Command Respect
Since the Chief Justice of a country is the head of its judicial wing and commands a respectable position vis-a-vis the head of its executive and legislative wings, it was decided to appeal directly to the Chief Justices of the World. Thus, Mr Gandhi convened the 2nd International Conference of the Chief Justices of the World on 23rd December 2001. The Conference was attended by a galaxy of legal luminaries. The 3rd International Conference of the Chief Justices of the World was held from 6th to 8th December 2002 and was inaugurated by His Excellency, Dr Paul Kagame, President of the Republic of Rwanda, while His Excellency, Sir Daniel Charles Williams, GCMG, QC, the Governor General of Grenada (West Indies) was the Chief Guest. The 4th International Conference of the Chief Justices of the World, held from 12th to 14th December, 2003, was inaugurated by Hon’ble Mr Justice B. J. Odoki, Chief Justice of Uganda and Member of the Permanent Court of Arbitration while Dr A. T. Ariyaratne, founder of Sarvodaya International and famous as “Sri Lankan Gandhi” was the Chief Guest. The 5th International Conference of Chief Justices of the World was held on 10th to 12th December, 2004 and was inaugurated by Hon'ble Mr. H. R. Bhardwaj, Minister for Law and Justice, Government of India. Hon'ble Mr. Justice C.G. Weeramantry, Former Vice-President of International Court of Justice and Chief Justices and Justices from large number of countries participated and addressed the conference. Chief Justices and Judges nominated by their respective Chief Justices along with eminent peace promoters from nearly seventy countries expressed their growing support for the efforts of CMS which has successfully provided a global platform to the world judiciary to discuss the issue of safeguarding the future of the world’s children and generations yet unborn by supporting the children’s call for a legally-constituted World Parliament empowered to enact Enforceable International Law.