Inspirational seminar on peace and nonviolence held at ISU

An inspiring seminar titled “Peace and Nonviolence: Inspiring Positive Change in Individuals and Society” was held at International Standard University (ISU) on Wednesday afternoon.

The event aimed to promote the values of peace, empathy, and nonviolence as essential tools for building a harmonious society, according to a media release. 

The seminar took place at ISU’s Mohakhali campus under the chairmanship of Professor Md. Abul Kashem, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Technology.

The keynote speech was delivered by renowned Australian scholar and humanist Declaire Arnaldo Méndez Hege.

Among the distinguished guests were ISU Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Abdul Awal Khan, Professor Ershad Ahmed Mughal from the University of the Punjab, and International Coordinator of the Humanist Movement A.K.M. Shamsuddohah Patowary.

In his address, Professor Hege emphasized that lasting peace begins with personal transformation. He highlighted the interconnection between personal and social change, noting that one cannot exist without the other. “To bring about positive transformation in society, we must work simultaneously on individual and collective development,” he said.

Expressing concern over the rise of aggression fueled by social media, he advised students to cultivate mindfulness and mental well-being through meditation and recreation.

“Violence only breeds more violence,” he remarked, sharing practical strategies for self-control and peaceful response in everyday life.

Presiding over the session, Professor Md. Abul Kashem urged students to develop themselves in ways that reflect positively on their families and society.

“Meaningful social change cannot happen overnight—it begins with small changes in our personal conduct,” he noted.

Professor Ershad Ahmed Mughal echoed similar sentiments, saying, “We envision a world free from war and conflict. True peace can only be achieved when these cease to exist.”

The seminar was conducted by Sultana Musfika Rahman, with Registrar Md. Faizullah Kawshik delivered the welcome address.

Students from various departments of ISU actively participated in the discussion and engaged with the speakers through a lively question-and-answer session, the release adds.