Children call for peace as 7th intl children arts fest begins

New Delhi, Aug 31 (UNI) Nearly 5000 children from 17 countries today came on a common platform to give all the warring and conflict-ridden countries in the world a message of peace and solidarity through the medium of art.

"Shun all conflicts" and "give peace a chance" ; this seemed to be the message given by these young cultural ambassadors to the world community as the seventh international children's film festival of Performing arts commenced here this evening with a colourful performance to the tunes of 'Vande Mataram' by 300 youths from 17 countries including Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Ghana, Singapore, Zomabbwe, Croatia, Switzerland, South Africa, Cuba and Poland.

The performance, which followed inauguration of the festival by Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit, also saw the youth stage 'Hey Dumbo', a Walt Disney musical done like a Broadway show before the august gathering on the occasion, which included Delhi chief Minister Sheila Dikshit, the Director General of the Indian Council of cultural relations Pawan Verma, CBSE chairman Ashok Ganguly, AICC General secretary Margaret Alva and Jt Commisioner of Police Deepak Misra.

As the youth, dressed in their colourful national costumes, danced to 'Vande Mataram', the vision of a "world without conflict or bitterness" seemed to come alive before the huge audience.

''Holding of such a festival, which makes us envision the world as one big family, is a matter of pride for us,''Mrs Dikshit said on the occasion.

Addressing the gathering, ICCR DG Pawan Verma said,''one of the prime mandates of the ICCR is to build bridegs of friendship between nations through the medium of culture. And what better way of doing it than bringing children from different countries on one platform.'' ''These children are our pride and hope for tomorrow,''Ms Alva said.

The theme of the festival, being organised by Ryan international school and sponsored by the University of Cambridge international examination, is 'Vasudaiv Kutumbakam' - the concept that 'the whole world is one'.

The five day festival will have the children performing on a common platform provided by Ryan International, University of Cambridge international examinations, ICCR, Sangeet Kala Akademi, college of art and the National School of Drama.

Talking to UNI, the Director of Rayan International schools, Grace Pinto, said,''The festival is a perfect place for 5000 children from across the world to unwind their talents in an unfettered manner. Also, in this age of conflict, nobody but children can put across to world leaders the message of peace effectively.'' These children are from three schools of Pakistan, who, Ms Pinto said, had come here despite widespread security concern following renewed tensions between India and Pakistan.

''The enthusiasm of these children has to be seen to be believed.

Infact, all of them in one voice are here to put across the message to India and Pakistan:''Give Peace a chance.'' UNI AR RS2139