Noor Chisti
09.22.2023
The Mridha International Institute of Peace and Happiness (MIIPH) marked a significant milestone in 2023 by celebrating International Peace Day for the third consecutive year. This annual event has become a beacon of hope and unity in Saginaw, MI, where MIIPH cordially invites all residents, irrespective of gender, to come together and champion the cause of peace. The historic Montague Inn Bed & Breakfast provided a picturesque backdrop for this momentous occasion.
Just as in previous years, MIIPH organized a Peace Expo, which saw the participation of 20 local organizations. Through this expo, these organizations showcased their dedication to contributing positively to society while actively promoting the message of peace. The list of participating organizations included:
CAN Council
Castle Museum of Saginaw County History
Child & Family Services of Saginaw
Disability Network Mid-Michigan
East Side Soup Kitchen
Great Lakes Bay Pride Association
Isabella County Human Rights Committee
Mexican American Council
Major Chords for Minors
Positive Results Downtown Saginaw (Pride in Saginaw)
Proactive Health Integration Chiropractic Center
READ Association of Saginaw
Saginaw Valley Rotary Club
Saginaw Choral Society
Saginaw YMCA
Saginaw Police Victim Services
Underground Railroad
United Way of Saginaw County
United Together Lupus Foundation
Youth for Understanding
The Peace Expo commenced at 4:00 PM, attracting attendees from the local community who were greeted with MIIPH T-shirts, quotes books authored by Debasish Mridha, MD, and various other thoughtful gifts.
At 5:00 PM, the founder of MIIPH, Dr. Debasish Mridha, delivered a poignant speech highlighting the organization’s mission to promote peace within society. He emphasized the importance of inner peace and unveiled MIIPH’s new project: the construction of a Peace Path along Washington Avenue.
Following Dr. Mridha’s speech, Mrs. Chinu Mridha, co-founder of MIIPH, took the stage. She proudly announced the results of MIIPH’s Peace Pals For Kids – Annual Art Competition 2023 and presented a certificate of achievement to the competition’s winner.
Saginaw Mayor Brenda F. Moore then graced the event with her presence and delivered an inspiring speech. She encouraged the people of Saginaw to prioritize inner peace and actively contribute to creating peaceful communities.
The highlight of the evening was the Peace Walk, where all attendees, accompanied by their friends and families, embarked on a one-mile journey. Starting from Washington Avenue and proceeding along Ezra Rust Drive, participants walked with tranquil hearts, embodying the spirit of peace. The event concluded with a gathering back at the Montague Inn, where attendees participated in memorable photo sessions.
As a delightful finale, Peace Walk coordinator, Jason Dean, hosted a brief musical segment with a friend Kris Pride, treating the audience to some popular songs that resonated with the theme of peace.
The MIIPH International Peace Day celebration of 2023 not only reaffirmed its commitment to spreading peace but also united the Saginaw community in a collective endeavor to create a more harmonious and tranquil society. It served as a reminder that peace begins within and can be achieved through shared efforts, compassion, and understanding.