“Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony.”
To commemorate the annual World Interfaith Harmony Week, Play for Peace clubs worldwide conducted successful play sessions. February, the month of love, has a way of making us all realize that although we are from different cultures and religious backgrounds, we all can love—which is the most powerful force on earth. When love speaks, walls or barriers that divide us are brought down and we can share a commonplace for peace to rule in an otherwise hurting and distancing world. Play For Peace captured the heart of India Youth Trainers, all of whom work hard each day to bring Play for Peace’s core values of caring, fun, inclusion, and cooperation to their clubs.
The following are some of the experiences of the youth facilitators during the week-long celebration: Janta Colony, Delhi, India. The 20-25 children who attended the session got to showcase their talents through song, dance, and poetry. "They enjoyed the activities so much that no one wanted to go home," shared Farheen Anwar, a 23-year-old youth volunteer who joined PFP in 2015. Farheen is a college student studying for a B.A. in Political Science. She also works for an NGO called Nai Umang Nai Soch Society. Though Farheen is physically challenged and cannot participate in PFP games that require a lot of movement, she finds joy in sharing the games with the club participants. “All games are my favorite. Even if I cannot join in the running games, it is ok.” Farheen strives to be a positive influence to her community. “I want to make a change to the community."
Club Rajisthani Colony also witnessed how unique the observance of Interfaith Week was. Their youth facilitator, Neelam Jajoriya shared inspiring videos of the reactions and reflections of other youth participants. Neelam, 25, also joined PFP in 2015. She is a student at Delhi University studying Political Science. During the Interfaith Week, there was a more meaningful fellowship as they began to strengthen friendships while doing PFP play session rituals. Nearly 30 children, some as young as 5 or 6, actively participated in the cooperative games. And judging from their happy faces captured on camera while doing the games, the kids could not contain the fun of being together. PFP develops their confidence and flexibility. Their personalities are enhanced because of the core values they practice. “PFP is a life-changing experience for me,“ Neelam said.
Together with other nations, India’s celebration of Interfaith Harmony Week can be described using PFP core values: A fun week with caring children who had cooperated and redefined social inclusion with lots and lots of laughter sharing love with one another!
