Garba for Peace at XLRI Jamshedpur: A Cultural Movement to Pray for Peace in Manipur

The Cultural Committee of PGDM (GM) program united XLers to raise awareness on the disturbances in Manipur and appeal for peace in the state.

Jamshedpur, 16th October 2023 — The Cultural Committee of PGDM (GM) program, batch of 2023-24, invited students, faculty, staff, and their families to join a unique cultural event, “Garba for Peace,” dedicated to promoting unity and harmony against the ongoing atrocities in the state of Manipur. The event was organized on the evening of October 15th, 2023 at Xavier School of Management (XLRI), Jamshedpur.
Why Garba for Peace at XLRI?
As the state of Manipur grapples with ethnic violence between the Meiteis and Kukis, the situation has taken a toll on the lives of its residents. Properties have been vandalized, women have been assaulted, human rights have been violated, and lives have been lost. In response, the PGDM GM’24 Cultural Committee organized “Garba for Peace” as a heartfelt plea for unity and a call to restore peace. The “Garba for Peace” event sought to bring our academic community together once more, uniting our hearts in prayers for the people of Manipur. They aimed to send a collective appeal to the concerned authorities and respected offices to restore peace in the strife-torn state.
The event commenced with a heartfelt address and appeals for the students of the General Management Program, SEAXI (Northeast Regional Committee), SAC (Students Affairs Committee), Father Kuruvilla, Fr. Donald D’Silva (Dean Admin & Finance) and Dr. Paramjyot Singh (Associate Dean Student Affairs). This was followed by a solemn prayer for peace led by Fr. Donald D’Silva and a symbolic gesture of lighting candles to pray for unity. Upon offering their prayers for peace in Manipur, the students commenced the evening, making Fr. Donald D’Silva, Fr Kuru, and Dr. Singh a part of the culturally significant dance of unity.
During the event, Professor Paramjyot emphasized the profound significance of each prayer, underscoring the privilege we have come together for a cause as vital as peace in Manipur. Fr. Donald, in his address, eloquently highlighted the symbolism of the “lamp of peace,” drawing attention to its importance in the pursuit of harmony.
A powerful moment of unity was witnessed as the crowd came together to observe a minute of silence, a poignant tribute to our brothers and sisters in Manipur, symbolizing our unwavering support and solidarity in their time of need.
“We believe that our unity, expressed through the Garba dance, will send a powerful message of support and solidarity to those affected by the turmoil in Manipur,” said Kanuj Kohli, General Secretary of the Cultural Committee.