Photo:Dr. Hong, Tao-Tze, president of FOWPAL, center, and FOWPAL delegates pose in front of the Ministry of Health of Suriname during their visit for cultural exchange and the promotion of conscience, love, and peace on October 11, 2024.

 

Planting Seeds of Conscience, Love, and Peace

October 21, 2024

Dr. Hong, Tao-Tze, president of the Federation of World Peace and Love (FOWPAL), led the FOWPAL delegation to Suriname from October 9 to 12, 2024, marking the 112th country FOWPAL has visited for cultural exchange and the promotion of conscience, love, and peace. 

 

On October 11, FOWPAL hosted special bell-ringing ceremonies in Paramaribo, the capital of Suriname, with Suriname’s Minister of Education, Science, and Culture, Dr. Henry Ori, and Director of the Ministry of Health, Dr. Rakesh Gajadhar Sukul, who represented Minister of Health Amar Ramadhin, ringing the Bell of World Peace and Love. Both dignitaries also signed the Declaration of World Day of the Power of Hope, expressing their dedication to a shared vision of global sustainability and unity.

 

Photo :Director of the Ministry of Health of Suriname, Dr. Rakesh Gajadhar Sukul, representing Minister of Health Amar Ramadhin, rings the Bell of World Peace and Love on Oct. 11, 2024. He expressed his strong support for the ideals of love and peace, stating, "Let us do our utmost to live in peace together."

 

During the bell-ringing ceremony in the Ministry of Health in the morning, Dr. Sukul expressed his strong support for the ideals of love and peace, stating, "Let us do our utmost to live in peace together." After ringing the Bell, he shared his personal reflection: “When I rang the bell, I felt very good.” With peace in the world, people will live more happily, and better mental health will keep everyone healthy, he added.

 

FOWPAL visited Suriname’s Minister of Education, Science, and Culture, Dr. Henry Ori, in the afternoon. During the meeting with Minister Ori, Dr. Hong highlighted the importance of culture, stating, "Good culture leads to good education, good education leads to a good economy, and a good economy leads to a better life." Dr. Hong also presided over the ceremony of ringing the Bell of World Peace and Love and explained the profound meaning behind the bell-ringing: “The clouds and mists disperse, illuminating the Earth. Wishes for love and peace fill the air. United, we stand. The sound of the Bell spreads good tidings, awakening the conscience of all. Positive thoughts bring stability to the world, and good deeds change the world for the better.”

 

Photo :Suriname’s Minister of Education, Science, and Culture, Dr. Henry Ori, and Director of the Ministry of Health, Dr. Rakesh Gajadhar Sukul, signed the Declaration of World Day of the Power of Hope in Paramaribo on October 11, 2024.

 

Minister Ori rang the Bell and made a heartfelt wish for global peace. He emphasized the importance of nurturing peace from an early age: “We want peace in the world. This is starting in schools and we want future leaders to have competencies to arrange peace and advocate love & peace in the world.” He expressed his gratitude to FOWPAL members for sharing their hearts and promoting peace in Suriname. Reflecting on Suriname’s multicultural society, Minister Ori noted that although peace is present, it must be continuously nurtured both in Suriname and across the world. He urged global leaders to take responsibility in ending conflicts and fostering greater understanding among nations.

 

In recognition of the occasion, Dr. Hong presented several symbolic gifts to Minister Ori and Dr. Sukul, who received the gifts on behalf of Minister Ramadhin. These gifts included a "conscience scarf;" a certificate of honor for the bell-ringing; the “Key to the Heart,” symbolizing the release of love's power; the "Compass Clock of Conscience;" and a copy of The History of International Day of Conscience, which highlights FOWPAL's key role in the United Nations' designation of April 5 as the International Day of Conscience.

 

Photo:Dr. Henry Ori, Suriname’s Minister of Education, Science, and Culture, rings the Bell of World Peace and Love. He stated, “We want future leaders to have competencies to arrange peace and advocate love & peace in the world.”

 

Suriname, with its unique geography and rich cultural heritage, is a dynamic country where diversity flourishes. FOWPAL’s visit sought to enhance this cultural richness by planting seeds of love and conscience through the bell-ringing ceremonies, cultural exchanges, and heartfelt interactions with the people. Through singing, martial arts demonstrations, traditional dance performances, and more, the delegation spread the message of love and peace, hoping that the ripple effects of these actions, much like the butterfly effect, would inspire positive change far beyond the borders of Suriname.

 

Photo:Dr. Hong, Tao-Tze, president of FOWPAL, right, presents the “Key to the Heart,” symbolizing the release of love's power, to Minister of Education Henry Ori during the bell-ringing ceremony on October 11, 2024.

 

FOWPAL continues to encourage nations to unite under the guiding principles of love, peace, and conscience, believing that these values are essential for the sustainability and well-being of the world. As of October 18, 2024, a total of 599 global leaders, including 74 heads of state and government and 15 Nobel Peace Prize laureates, have rung the Bell of World Peace and Love, spreading hope and amplifying the call for a better future.