As the chorus of the Tongan choir reverberated through Jubilee Hall in Parnell, Auckland, and gospel singing echoed on accompaniment of guitar and electric organ, the scene was well set for International Day of Peace last month.
The International Day of Peace, which is also known as “Peace Day" provides an opportunity for individuals, organizations and nations to create practical acts of peace on a shared date.
It was established by a United Nations resolution in 1981 to coincide with the opening of the United Nations General Assembly. The first Peace Day was celebrated in September 1982. In 2002, the General Assembly officially declared September 21 as the permanent date for the International Day of Peace. It is generally marked on the weekend after September 21; hence this year it was marked in Auckland on Saturday, September 22.
Apart from marking the day with international cultural items and songs, the day is also marked to award Ambassadors of Peace. These (Ambassadors of Peace) are part of a global network of leaders representing the religious, racial and ethnic diversity of the human family, as well as all disciplines of human endeavor. They stand on the common ground of shared principles and are committed to the path of promoting reconciliation, overcoming barriers, and building peace.
This year, Durga Reddy, a well known tabla and music maestro of Te Atatu South, Auckland, was honoured of Ambassador of Peace.
Reddy has many skills. Apart from being an accomplished and award-winning fisherman, he is a respected Guruji – community elder, mentor, advisor, community worker and more.
The renowned music maestro of the Gileloa and Gitanjali Musical Club of Fiji, Reddy has international teaching experience. He has taught music in Sydney for 10 years and in New Zealand for the past seven years at Te Atatu South, Sandringham, Mangere East and Otara in South Auckland.
He has more than 70 students in various classes. His many trained tabla players and singers are adding colour to the Hindi musical scene of New Zealand. Reddy is principal of his culture and arts school, Sur Sangam Indian Cultural Centre. He
is Guruji, teacher, mentor, and adviser to his group of students and their extended families. Apart from a dedicated family man, he is also a community worker who provides support to his community in form of peacemaker, counselling, reconciliation and general advice to his group of people.
“I am a Hindu and I believe in the principle of Vasundhara Kutumbakam, which means world is one family. My religion believes that we are all small streams, flowing into a big river, and ultimately into a big ocean, which is the human race and universe. I strongly believe in the institution of marriage as a means of a happy family,” Reddy said.
He said he believed in the principle of service to mankind, which is regarded as the biggest boon to Hindus. “I believe that God created human beings to serve people, as He has many angels at His disposal. I hail from a multiracial country Fiji, and therefore strongly believe in the principle of multiracialism, and this is reflected in many races of students in my tabla (musical) classes,” the said.
In his acceptance speech he thanked Universal Peace Federation (UPF) and its New Zealand branch for giving him that opportunity to be rewarded for service to his community. “My family is most important to me. I thank my beautiful wife and two lovely daughters for their support in making me worthy of this award, and always being beside me in all cases,” he said.
He also thanked his students, teachers and the community as a whole who collectively have made him serve them, and that recognition which had made him eligible for the award.