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concept, culture, techniques and methods of propagating non-violent thought and behaviour. Education right from early schooling deserves to be oriented towards virtues of non-violence and its positive aspects. U.N. Organization like UNESCO can also take meaningful initiatives to globally strengthen trend towards non-violent dealings. The progress of and success in training and education in non-violence would be determined by development of individuals in increasing numbers whose mentality is irrevocably committed to non-violence. Of crucial importance also is collective efforts of thinkers and saints to influence the decision makers and the administrators in every country to take to the path of non-violent action in their sphere of activities.
A challenging task lies before all those who are prepared and willing to champion the cause of peace and non-violent action. A lot of courage and conviction is needed. Mobilization of world public opinion is called for. The task is by no means easy, but it has to be undertaken and that too urgently without any loss of time.
Let us recall what the noble Emperor Ashoka said:
"Victories of peace are more enduring than victories of wars". Let us therefore work towards durable peace - vibrant peace, which will bring not only contentment but also progress. The world is weary of not only wars but also the peace of the graves that such wars and conflicts lead to.
Peace and non-violent action are not merely absence of wars and violent action. They symbolize a compassionate life culture of "live and let live" which the Jain religion advocates not only for its followers but also indeed for the wider humanity.
Reverend Ganadhipati Tulsi under whose benign inspiration this conference has been convened has aptly summed up the message of Jainism in his ANUVRAT song:
संयममय जीवन हो
नैतिकता की सुरसरिता में जन जन मन पावन हो ।
Jain Education International
Ahimsa: The Ultimate Winner
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