Peace: The Only Option and the Dream of a New World Order

by Ram Mohan Rai

Nirmala Deshpande

- The recent undeclared war between India and Pakistan, followed by its sudden ceasefire, has once again proven that peace is the only way forward. Although the ceasefire was not announced by the prime ministers of the two nations but by U.S. President Donald Trump, grabbing global headlines, this event underscores the indispensability of peace on a global scale. Trump’s new approach also draws attention. He now speaks of halting the Russia-Ukraine war, withdrawing from NATO, and pulling U.S. troops out of Iraq and Afghanistan. In the India-Pakistan issue, he emphasizes his role, which contrasts with the war-mongering policies of his predecessors. The political change in Bangladesh may be an exception, but it further highlights Trump’s peace-supporting image. Perhaps this is why the peace-loving people of America, especially the African-American community, saw renewed hope in him during the U.S. presidential election.

- There is no winner or loser in agreements. As  associated with the legal profession for 45 years, this is my conclusion. We must understand that blind nationalism and communal nationalism may tempt us, but they cannot provide a happy and prosperous life. In India, providing free rations to 800 million people while facing rising inflation, unemployment, and poverty will not make us a global leader. Similarly, in Pakistan, restoring democratic rights and freeing politicians from jails are essential for strengthening the spirit of peace and democracy in both nations.

- Today, people remember Indira Gandhi. Do we recall her only as the victor of the 1971 war? If so, this is an injustice to her legacy. Indira Gandhi was a global leader of the peace movement and the Non-Aligned Movement. Under her leadership, India made efforts to eradicate poverty and successfully implemented the White and Green Revolutions. She abolished princely privileges and connected banks and institutions with the masses. Inspired by our anti-imperialist national independence movement, she became a true heir to the legacy of Mahatma Gandhi, Pandit Nehru, and Lal Bahadur Shastri.

- A ceasefire has been achieved, but the war is not entirely over. War-mongering forces remain restless. The responsibility of peace activists has now increased. Peace advocates like Nirmala Deshpande, Kuldip Nayar, Dr. Mubashir, and Karamat Ali always said, "Goli nahi-Boli chahiye" (“Not bullets, but dialogue is needed.” )Their message is even more relevant today.

- Peace and unity in Asia can give birth to a new world order. India, Pakistan, China, and other nations can collectively strengthen this vision. This was the dream of Sant Vinoba Bhave and Rabindranath Tagore. Nirmala Deshpande and her companions took grassroots steps in this direction by establishing the ‘Association of Peoples of Asia.’ Today, there is a need to reorganize and reinforce this initiative.

- Peace is not just an option but our shared responsibility. We must work together to build a world where dialogue triumphs over bullets, and every individual can live with happiness, prosperity, and dignity. The time has come to abandon the frenzy of war and realize the dream of peace.

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Ram Mohan Rai is a long time peace activist, the founder of the Nirmala Deshpande Sansthan, Panipat and a leader of the Association of Peoples of Asia. He lives in Panipat.