María Beatriz Coria Mariel, as part of the Peace Council movement, is convinced that we can all do something to live better, in community, with greater respect and tolerance for differences and therefore, with greater love and peace.
She, like so many other people, knows that all this is possible, starting with oneself. That is why today, when the World Day of Non-Violence is commemorated, he will be with his peers proposing to whoever approaches the Parque de Mayo punctually in the surroundings of the Museum of Urban History on Calle 25 de Mayo- to join the movement and paint the planetary peace flag, as an action and “universal symbol that represents unity in diversity to achieve a better world”, as proposed by this non-profit, non-partisan entity with no link to creed or religion.
The activity is free and free of charge and is part of the initiatives of what they call the Peace Round, a period that begins every September 21, with the Day of Peace and runs until October 24, coinciding with the Day of the Unit. Anyone who wishes can participate, and who can come alone, as a couple, as a family, with their children of all ages.
As detailed by the coordinator from 11 am to 5:30 pm, they will not only explain what this organization is about, but also detail some of their projects, such as Lexicon of Peace. They will also invite those present to go through three “portals” or spaces for experience and reflection, simple but significant, that do not involve more than the possibility of connecting with oneself, and then offer them 20 x 20 squares of cloth so that each one express, paint or write those sensations that the moment generates. Once the activity is finished, all the fabric cutouts will be joined into a mega planetary peace flag. The proposal will be repeated several times throughout the day.
“Peace is something felt, something that is within us, it is not a concept or a theory. That is why a previous experience is made so that each one can manifest what they are living, at that moment, so that it is a reflection of a When we say I am at peace, it is because peace is a multidimensional state, of integrity of all people, it is not someone who is fighting within himself or with others”, explains María Beatriz, who details that in the province the Council of Peace was activated in 2010 with different activities, especially focused on the commitment to Education for Peace. For example, in 2019 we carried out a great task with different educational and retirement institutions in Calingasta, where they painted several flags of peace, which they plan to unite so that one day they will reach the national call.
“To participate in our initiatives it is not necessary to have any special knowledge, nor to belong to any religion or have a certain state of spirituality. It only requires commitment since this is an independent action of any creed, political party, of any corporation. It is independent and free, because peace is for everyone, it is not sectarian. What is sought is a better coexistence, a culture of peace and the transformation of the person for the common good, “he says.
Peaceful man
Every October 2 since 2007, the International Day of Non-Violence is commemorated at the initiative of the United Nations Organization (UN) and as a tribute to the lawyer and politician Mahatma Gandhi, who was born on that day. He was chosen for having been a pioneer of the philosophy of nonviolence, becoming a source of inspiration for nonviolent movements that fight for the recognition of civil rights and for social change in the world. His doctrine began with the independence movement of India that Gandhi led, being able to lead this path rejecting violence, under harsh conditions and threats. To achieve his end, he never strayed from peace, tolerance and understanding, as he understood that aggression was the most powerful weapon of destruction that could ever be created. Its ideology of values based on respect for life, human rights, adherence to the principles of freedom, justice, democracy, tolerance, solidarity, cooperation, pluralism, cultural diversity, dialogue and understanding at all levels of society and among nations, were part of the principles for which he fought.
By Paulina Rothman
Photos: collaboration María Beatriz Coria Mariel