Sialkot, Pakistan: November 4, 2010. (Javed Gill / Naveed Anjum) – National Council for Interfaith Dialogue held a peace cards competition and exhibition here at St. Joseph Convent School, Fatehgarh on 3rd Nov. 2010. Through their cards the children conveyed their messages of peace in their individual way. Some condemned terrorism, while some highlighted the on-going injustices, war, floods & bomb blasts throughout the world. Some children expressed their desire of unity and brotherhood in the country. Pigeons, doves and flowers were used as symbols of love & peace. Many children used prayer of St. Francis of Assisi “O Lord Make Me A Channel of Peace” in an impressive manner while quotations from holy books of different religions were also used to deliver the message of peace. Fr. Abid Habib inaugurated the exhibition by cutting the ribbon. Other distinguished guests were Mohd. Khalid Wasim Advocate, Fr. Francis Nadeem, District Education Officer Zarina Shahid, Deputy Education Officer Rehana Sikandar. Mrs. Deeba Gill, Sr. Rasheda, Fr. Afzaal Iqbal, Sr. Kiran, Sr. Bashiran and Sr. Veronica. The guests went around the exhibition with interest and highly appreciated the hard work of young artists. Fr. Abid Habib in his address said that I am happy to attend the Peace Cards Exhibition and I congratulate Fr. Francis Nadeem for having organized such an exhibition. The setup was fantastic and so also were the cards that were prepared by the children. Fine Art or drawing is a very good way to see what is going on in the mind of a child. I feel that by making the cards the children’s thought about peace, have come forward and I am sure that they will work for peace in some way or the other provided they are guided positively. I feel that such activities are necessary as it make the children think what they see and feel but the present education system lacks it. I hope that the government and private sector officials who participated in the cards exhibition, will also get conscious to improve the education system in order to make the children think and work for the good of the nation. It is hoped that more activities of such kind will be held in different places and on a regular basis. Advocate Khalid Wasim in his address said by arranging this exhibition, NCID has proved that our children are fully aware of the present situation of their country and through their drawings they have expressed their feeling that they want to see this country a peaceful place. He said after watching this exhibition it is being felt that such programmes should be held at government level thus providing a chance to children to express their feelings and to gauge their mental abilities. Deputy Education Officer Rehana Sikandar while appreciating the exhibition and its purpose said that it is need of the hour that a sense of peace a prosperity must be created among the people at national level and they must be taught how to live peacefully. A teacher Tayyaba Aslam told that the children have worked really hard and their art work speak volumes about need of peace process in the country which is the only solution for a stable and prosperous Pakistan. Saman Yaqub was surprised to see the art work and talent of young artists and said if proper attention is paid these children have guts to change the future. She added that she is very happy to be with the children and their efforts and talent needs appreciation and encouragement at every level. Miss Kiran & Miss Anthia while expressing their views termed the exhibition a big achievement. They said that every card has a message of peace and we have learnt a lot through these messages. The elders should also come forward with their talent and resources and make this country a prosperous and peaceful land. Sr. Bashiran said she was excited after watching the exhibition wherein children have freely expressed their feelings about love and peace. Sr. Sitara prayed that may the peace messages of these young artists change the mindset of the terrorists and the country could flourish again. She asked those who have no fear of God to learn a lesson from children and give peace a chance. Deeba Gill said she has closely watched the hard work and sincerity of the children which is indeed a big achievement. She added that this is a unique exhibition in the sense that children have been provided a chance to freely express their feeling against terrorism and violence in the country. Sr. Veronica told that more than 2000 cards from children of different schools of Punjab have been put on exhibition and each card delivers a message of peace and love in a unique manner. MPA Engr. Imran Ashraf said that these cards are themselves messengers of peace because each card depicts peace. These children are truly ambassadors of peace and such efforts can put the country back on the peace track. MPA Rana Asif Mehmmod said that in the good old days people used to send cards on the occasions of festivals or other joyous moments to express their feelings. He added that Fr. Francis Nadeem and NCID have done a remarkable job by holding such exhibition which would go a long way in fostering peace and tolerance in our young generation. The children have done a remarkable job and their talent must not go waste instead they must be appreciated for their thought provoking messages. Peace has been snatched away from our society and such peace initiatives are truly praise worthy. As Pakistanis we must play our individual role for peace activities and let the dove of peace freely flutter her wings far and beyond, he concluded. Following schools children participated in the competition. Ideal High School, Lahore, Madrass Al-Quran, Lahore, St. Mary’s School, Lahore, St. Lawrence High School, Lahore, St. Thomas High School, Lahore, Rosary Convent School, Faislabad, Catholic School, Sheikhupura, St. Anthony High School, Sialkot, St. Anthony Girls High School, Sialkot, St. Joseph Convent High School, Sialkot, Yasir High School, Gujranwala, Excellence School System Gujranawala, Kenn Aizar High School Gujranawala, Aizar High School, Gujranawala, Christian High School Gujranwala, Franciscan Boys/Girls High School, Lahore, the Lords International School System, Lahore, Jesus & Mary Convent High School, Sialkot, St. Joseph Convent High School and St. Anthony High School for Boys Sialkot and ABC School Lahore.