The Kochi City in Association with Mayors for Peace, YMCA Kerala Region and SEEDS India accorded a warm reception to the Peace Boat carrying survivors of the atomic bombings at Hiroshima and Nagasaki in Japan and 3 Youth Communicators in connection with the 70th anniversary of the A-bomb tragedy. The Hibakushas were here as a part of the Peace Boat’s 87th Global Voyage for a nuclear-free world. The meeting was held at the Council Hall of Kochi City under the auspices of Mayors for Peace in close association with Kochi City and SEEDS India.
Reception at Port
By 08:45am the organizing team consisting of SEEDS India and YMCA Kerala Region leaders and dignitaries received the Hibakusha Team at Kochi Port with origami Peace Cranes. The organizing team also visited Peace Boat which carried 1000 peace loving people from across the world and crew members and Peace Boat officials happily assisted them to know in detail what Peace Boat is all about.
Reception and Seminar at City Hall, Corporation of Kochi
By 09:55am the Hibakusha Team reached City Hall. Honorable Mayor, Deputy Mayor, Secretary and other officials of Kochi City welcomed the Hibakusha Team with bouquet and garlands in front of City Council Office. The program commenced at 10:00am at Council Hall of Kochi City with a packed audience. Deputy Mayor Mrs. B. Bhadra welcomed the gathering. Dr. Thomas Mathew, 2020 Vision Campaigner-Mayors for Peace made an introductory speech and a brief description of the project.
His Beatitude George Cardinal Alencherry, Major Archbishop of the Syro- Malabar Church inaugurated the program. The inauguration was marked by paying homage to the victims of nuclear bombings by holding a candle light vigil. Cardinal lighted a Peace Candle and hundreds of candles were lighted from the center candle by participants, as a prayer for peace and to remember those who lost lives in Hiroshima-Nagasaki A-bomb disaster in a minute of silence (2015 marks the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II and the dropping of the two atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki.) “Peace is a blessing of God and all religions exist for Peace” the Archbishop remarked. He also appreciated the organizers for organizing such warm reception. Swami Bhadreshwananda, President of Ramakrishna Mission Kochi also attended the event and highlighted the tolerate face of Kochi City towards other religions and faith groups. Being a native of West Bangal (a state in Eastern India) he did not hesitate to admire Kochi City for the broad approach to other communities and people group ever since first century AD. Mayor Tony Chammany in his address said that Kochi is a city that always stood first in spreading the message of peace and brotherhood. City is committed to coordinating the activities for world peace and molding public opinions against nuclear weapons, he added. It is the responsibility of each of us to ensure that steps are taken to prevent nuclear bombings in future, and to spread the message of global peace, he also added. He welcomed the Hibakushas officially and appreciated Peace Boat for carrying them to Kochi to share the horrible experiences of their life to the people of Kochi especially to the youths and students. He assured all kind of support for the documentary filming I was her age to educate the future generations.
A special message of Hiroshima Mayor Mr. Matsui Kazumi was presented during the meeting by Mr. Takaichi Mukai, representing Mayors for Peace from Hiroshima, Japan. Mr. Kazumi in his message mentioned the 70th anniversary of observance of bombing was a milestone for the citizens of Hiroshima and Nagasaki as well as all those who wish for peace around the world. Mr. Kazumi, who is also the President of Mayors for Peace was expected to be in Kochi, but could not make it as he has been attending the NPT Review Conference in New York. Later he presented the video clippings of Kochi program at the side event of NPT Review Conference at UN Head quarter, New York.
The 8-member Hibakusha delegation also interacted with 75 students, who were selected from various city schools. Students asked various questions regarding the Atomic Bombing, the survival of Japan after Second World War, steps to eliminate nuclear weapons etc. The interactive session of students with Hibakushas was covered to include in “I was Her Age” Film. The entire program held on 27th April at Kochi City will be included in the film, which is expected to be released on August 6, 2015 at Hiroshima, and eventually will be broadcasted by international media like CNN, BBC and NHK on the same day. "I was her age." is a joint project of Mayors for Peace and Peace Boat to give the warning and concern of child-survivors of Hiroshima & Nagasaki out to the whole world.
The 8-member delegation of Hibakusha (survivors of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki) onboard Peace Boat was able to give the heart touching personal testimony and call for the abolition of nuclear weapons. The entire program brought international acclamation to Kochi City. The visit of 8-member Hibakusha Team to Kochi, India is the first of its kind by any Hibakusha Team ever since the A-bomb tragedy in Hiroshima-Nagasaki. Earlier three-member Hibakushas Team had visited India for Peace Campaigns organized by SEEDS India in different parts of the India.
View More photos of the programs here
