LESCALIER, MAURITIUS — September 21, 2025 — The vibrant community of L'Escalier, proudly designated a City of Peace, Held at Social Welfare Centre L'escalier, was a picture of unity and solemn reflection today as it hosted a grand ceremony to mark the International Day of Peace. The event, themed around this year’s global call for action and solidarity, brought together citizens, dignitaries, and various organizations in a powerful display of communal harmony.
The celebrations commenced with a vibrant and dignified procession led by the Mauritius Police Band. Their stirring melodies echoed through the streets as they marched from the Line Barack Kovil to the L'Escalier Social Centre, setting a tone of reverence and celebration for the day.
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| Mauritius Police Band |
Upon arrival at the Social Centre, the official ceremony began with the resonant notes of the Mauritian national anthem, performed masterfully by the Police Band, instilling a deep sense of national pride among the gathered audience.
The programme was rich with messages of hope and solidarity. The Executive Member of L'Escalier City of Peace, Mr. Mahadev Beekha, opened the addresses, emphasizing the local community's role in fostering global peace. He was followed by Mr. Ameen Boodoo, President of the L'Escalier Village Hall, and the President of L'Escalier City of Peace, Mr. Chelvin Ramsamy, who delivered a keynote speech underscoring the critical importance of daily acts of peace and understanding within families and neighborhoods.
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| Artee Abheeluck, Mauritius |
A moment of quiet reflection was offered through a heartfelt prayer by Miss Artee Aubeeluck, before the atmosphere shifted to one of joyous celebration with a captivating dance performance by Mrs. Shalini.
The event also highlighted the support from key community organizations. Mrs. Sandya Teeluckdhary, President of the Rotary Club of Mauritius, addressed the gathering, reinforcing the Club’s commitment to peacebuilding initiatives. In a gesture of appreciation, a bouquet was presented to the local Social Welfare Officer, Mrs. Lochan, in recognition of her dedicated service to the community.
The gathering was further honoured by addresses from distinguished guests. His Excellency Ambassador Abukari Inbrana Awudu shared insightful perspectives on the international and philosophical dimensions of peace, challenging attendees to think globally while acting locally.The Metaphor of the Ladder:
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| His Excellency Ambassador Abukari Inbrana Awudu |
The address drew powerful symbolism from L'Escalier's name("ladder"). Peacebuilding was presented as a gradual process of climbing, one step at a time, through patience and perseverance. The work of L'Escalier City of Peace was commended as the act of building these essential "rungs" through community projects and intercultural dialogue.
The Multifaceted Definition of Peace:
The speech moved beyond the concept of peace as merely the absence of war.It was defined instead as the active presence of:
· Justice and dignity for all.
· Safety and security for children and farmers.
· Interfaith celebration and multicultural harmony, using Mauritius as a prime example.
Dr Manohar Roy also added
A Three-Tiered Framework for Action:
A clear framework for continuing the peacebuilding journey was outlined:
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| Dr Manohar Roy |
1. Inner Peace: Cultivating personal compassion and confronting one's own prejudices as the foundational step.
2. Community Peace: Encouraging active listening, supporting neighbours, and defending the vulnerable within local communities.
3. Global Peace: Holding leaders accountable to diplomatic principles and the UN Charter, demanding a commitment to peace in halls of power.
Mr Abdullah Ibrahim the Director for International Relations stated that, a direct call to action for all attendees:
· To use the traditional minute of silence as a moment of filled with collective intention and commitment.
· A specific appeal to youth, recognizing them as today’s peacebuilders and urging them to use their energy and digital connectivity to spread unity and innovate for justice.
· A universal pledge for each individual to perform one act of kindness, one courageous conversation, or one stand for justice to add a "rung" to the ladder of peace.
Bringing the formal ceremony to a close, Mr. Nicoles Charles delivered a warm vote of thanks. He expressed profound gratitude to the Mauritius Police Force, particularly the Police Band, and all the NGOs and organizations whose unwavering support and collaboration were instrumental in successfully organizing the International Peace Day celebration.
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| Chelvin Ramsamy |
The event stood as a testament to L'Escalier's enduring commitment to its title as a City of Peace, demonstrating that from small communities arise the most powerful echoes of harmony that can resonate across the world.
organizations whose unwavering support and collaboration were instrumental in successfully organizing the International Peace Day celebration.
The event stood as a testament to L'Escalier's enduring commitment to its title as a City of Peace, demonstrating that from small communities arise the most powerful echoes of harmony that can resonate across the world.
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