The programme also included children from street schools, bringing together participants from different social and educational backgrounds. About 700 schoolchildren from across Delhi NCR and 1,500 from across India put their ideas of peace on paper on Thursday, in an art event attended by a former Tunisian prime minister, Italy’s ambassador to India and a former mayor of Delhi.
The event was attended by former Tunisian Prime Minister Mehdi Jomaa, Italian Ambassador to India Antonio Bartoli, former Delhi Mayor Arti Mehra, Colors for Peace India ambassador Arunima Kukreja and Antonio Giannelli, founder and president of Colors for Peace.
Arunima Kukreja said the initiative would give students an opportunity to share their values, perspectives and experiences while learning about different cultures. “Through this initiative, students will have the opportunity to share their values, ethos, perspectives and educational experiences, fostering greater understanding and appreciation of each other’s cultures,” she said.
“Today, what touched me most was seeing how children from modest backgrounds express themselves through colours. She added that artworks from India are expected to be taken to Italy this year, while Italian artworks are planned to be brought to India next year. “Peace is nurtured through education, dialogue and inclusion. By giving children a platform to express their hopes and emotions through art, we help build greater empathy and understanding.
The longer-term plan, she said, is to create a platform in India showcasing artworks by children and artists from different parts of the world. The Italian Ambassador said education and dialogue had an important role to play in building peaceful societies. Initiatives like this keep the memory of the past alive while inspiring a more peaceful and inclusive future,” Bartoli said. Former Delhi Mayor Arti Mehra said the participation of children from modest backgrounds was particularly significant. Colours have the power to give children a voice, inspire creativity and bring a sense of joy and belonging,” she said.
