The World Peace Congress conference was held
on the 11 and 12 January at NES International School, Mumbai. Three students
from Oakridge were a part of this conference. The Congress saw attendance from
over 20 schools across the country and from 3 schools across the world. It was
an enlightening gathering of similar-minded people, who all came together to
strive for world peace, promote non-violence, and encourage a peaceful learning
environment.
Students were given the wonderful opportunity of listening to illuminating
speeches by dignitaries and celebrities such as Mr. Ian Chambers-
IB Regional Director Asia Pacific Region, Mr. Tom Oliver -CEO and
Founder of the World Peace Foundation, Mr. Anil Kapoor- actor, and Dr.
R. Varadarajan- Founder of the National Educational Society and Chairman of
the World Peace Congress. 
Ms. Kia Scherr- President
of the One Life Alliance, who had lost her husband and daughter in the 26/11
devastation in Mumbai, was especially inspiring and it was thrilling to
experience her calming character and listen to her rousing speech. It was
stimulating to interact and to listen to their perspective on peace with
participants and teachers from schools such as The Dominican International School-
Taiwan, and the Berlin Brandenburg International School- Germany.
The peace march, which involved participation from over 300 students, was the most exhilarating experience of the two day congress for the students and truly encapsulated the spirit of peace when buses and cars on busy Mumbai streets stopped to let the students march across the roads and rally for the global peace effort. The congress was an entirely stimulating event.
