NEW DELHI: A delegation of citizen-led movement “Awara Nahi Humara Hai” recently met the venerable monks of the “Walk for Peace” and the dog Aloka during their visit to India and presented them a “Letter of Compassion and Coexistence” on behalf of those who cared about the future of street dogs.The delegation sought the blessings and voice of the monks in reminding people that peace is reflected not only in the absence of conflict between human beings, but also in how society treats its most vulnerable and voiceless beings.The members were all praise for Most Venerable Bhikkhu Pannakara, a Vietnamese-American monk who undertook a 3,700-kilometre peace walk in the United States and later in other countries to spread the message of mindfulness and peace.Addressing a gathering organised by the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC), Bhikkhu Pannakara spoke extensively about the importance of mindfulness as a pathway to peace. He reminded those present that animals have no voice, yet are equally deserving of compassion and care.The monk reflected on the remarkable journey of Aloka from being a stray dog on the streets of Kolkata to becoming a global ambassador for peace.
