PUNE: On the occasion of International Peace Day, the Ahmadiyya Muslim community from Pune organised their first ‘Peace Symposium’ on Saturday in Kharadi, to express the idea of universal brotherhood and peace. Delegates from various fields came under one roof to endorse the feeling of unity in the world.

Dr Shabnam Asthana, Director of Empowered Solutions and ex-professor at NDA, said, “The world is a canvas. We should remove negativity and there should be no phobia of any religion.” Retired ACP Bhanupratap Barge said, “The basics of every religion should be taught to students in schools.”

Social worker Sindhutai Sapkal spoke on the topic of having brotherhood and love. “If people started living for the need of others, the world would change soon,” she added and emphasised on spreading the message of peace at homes which will automatically translate in attaining peace across the globe.

The speakers from the religious communities included Dr Rajesh Jalenkar from ISKON, Bramha Kumari Shamal from the Brahma Kumari Mission, Dr Amar Amit Agarwal from the Ananda Sangha, Gyani Amarjeet Singh from the Sikh community, Dhammachari Gynanraja from the Buddhist community and M Raja from the Christian community.