Echoes of peace
Essay by Hibah Arifeen

Essay Writing Competition 2025
Category: 12-15 years
- Commendation -

Senior category: Commendation

Echoes of Peace - Essay by Hibah Arifeen

Echoes of Peace

Peace - the presence of equality, harmony, and respect - is essential everywhere, whether in homes, schools, or workplaces. It holds the power to transform strangers into friends and communities into families. In my perspective, peace in my community is not a grand declaration but a daily practice. Not only during festivals, but throughout the year like families mainly exchange food and clothes as tokens of love, regardless of religion or background. These gestures may appear simple, yet they hold the power to build bridges of trust and friendship.

Around the world, similar customs remind us that harmony is universal. For this harmony to grow stronger, education is one of the most powerful tools. A classroom is more than a place to learn facts; it is where children discover empathy, fairness, and cooperation. When students learn to resolve conflicts through calmness instead of anger, they get to practice 'the art of peace'. Education shapes not only the mind but also the heart and in doing so, it prepares future generations to carry forward the echoes of peace.

Peace is not new; it has been practiced for centuries through customs and traditions that unite people. In Turkey - offering tea to guests: A simple custom that symbolizes hospitality, warmth and friendship. In my own residence, storytelling sessions with elders bring together children from different families, teaching us patience and wisdom. These customs may belong to different corners of the world, but together they echo the same truth: peace is woven into culture, waiting for us to recognize and protect it. History shows us that peace often begins with courageous individuals. Mahatma Gandhi proved that nonviolence could shake empires. In my own neighborhood, I see numerous examples too, such as a local elder who encourages neighbors to settle disagreements with peace rather than anger. These leaders - whether global icons or ordinary people - remind us that peace is a choice that requires courage, fairness and compassion.

I dream of a future where peace is not limited to ceremonies or slogans but is lived every day. In this future, children everywhere wake up to safe homes, clean water and classrooms where kindness is taught as seriously as science. This is not an impossible dream; it is the natural result of listening to the echoes of peace. If choosing anger and hatred over peace is good, then what may the future generations learn - something that they should never ever learn!

If I could change a few laws of communities for the future, its laws would be simple but powerful: respect everyone, share what you can and protect the Earth. No voice would be too small to matter and no culture too different to belong. In this community, peace would not be an occasional effort but a daily rhythm, as natural as breathing. Peace does not need to be invented; it needs to be remembered. The future may depend on my following mentioned points.

If we choose harmony over division, fairness over inequality, and respect over hatred, then tomorrow may be brighter than today. Peace is not the end of the journey. So, let's try to be a person who chooses peace over violence!

In the Age category 12 - 15 years, Hibah's inspiring essay is moving and thoughtful! Thank you for reminding us that peace begins with everyday choices. Well done! Congratulations again!

Hibah is 14 years old and attends Green Valley Educational Institute in Srinagar/ India. English and Urdu as first languages.