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Today was such a nice morning, with colors flying high in the clear blue sky. New Mexico is famous for its hot air ballooning.
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Soon we arrived at our major ceremony of the day at the University of New Mexico. Our local coordinator Sunamita organised this ceremony at the University's Duck Pond Park.
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We were greeted by Dr. Jamal Martin, who is the head of the Peace Studies Program at the University. Dr. Jamal was very inspired about Peace Run's mission and wanted the University dedicated as world's first Peace Blossom. The founder of the Peace Run, Sri Chinmoy, created the "Peace Blossoms" program to highlight significant locations that are dedicated to peace and serve as beacons of inspiration. Other locations include Niagara Falls, Victoria Falls as well as nations around the world.
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The University’s Peace Studies Program continues to promote sustainable peacebuilding education through innovative approaches to transforming conflict, justice and healing, and violence prevention. Professor Jamal Martin, Peace Studies Program Director says, “Righting the wrongs of structural violence and transforming the world for safety and hope remains a vital element within our integrated curriculum that encourages mindfulness and divergent thinking for building strategic skills for the local, national and global settings. Moreover, students who develop peacebuilding expertise through UNM’s institutional platform cultivate active practice, education, and investment in elevating sustainable environmentally and ethical domestic, international and global peace policies. The delivery of peace as a global public good is why we share and cooperate!
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Another member of University's Peace Study Program, Mr. Vernon C Butler, spoke about his experience working with students and the importance of local communities working together to build peace.
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Sri Chinmoy's complete collection of university lectures printed in three volumes were presented to the University's Peace Studies Program. These volumes were titled "The Oneness of Eastern Heart and the western Mind."