Candles for Peace

Candles for peace

It was a sight to behold. On Saturday evening, M.G. Road was witness to a spectacular event. Thousands of school and college students with glowing candles in hand stood on the boulevard raising lusty slogans for peace. Organised by the Students for Peace (SFP), this novel programme attracted one and all. And fortunately the politicians were nowhere on the scene; no long boring speeches to contend with.

The students lit candles at about 6.45 p.m., and within minutes, a line of glowing candles brightened up the entire stretch between the statue of Mahatma Gandhi and the junction of M.G. Road and Brigade Road. The spectacle lasted for about 30 minutes, as the students chanted "We want peace."

The sight attracted a good deal of passers-by whose chores till the lights were put off. Mr P.C. Reddy, an engineer, who was among the curious by-standers, said "It is nice to see students of schools and colleges lighting candles for peace." He felt that it would create awareness among the public.

Ms Elizabeth Thomas, a young executive assistant in a private firm, who had "never before witnessed such an event", said the "idea is good." She herself wanted to participate in the programme, but was disappointed on learning that it was restricted only to students. Although she had a good word for the programme, she, like many others, felt it could have been arranged on a bigger scale, involving people from all walks of life. Ironically, the students were screaming unnecessarily and that too, for peace, she pointed out.

Despite all the light, the programme had its darker side too. The slogans and banners were all in English, confusing the commoner thoroughly. This labourer, for instance thought it was some...

[Text incomplete due to scanning limitations. The remainder of the article is not available in the archived copy.]