Sharing their quest for peace

: A world peace mission led by the atom bomb survivors of Hiroshima and Nagasaki were accorded a reception in the city on Monday.

The meeting was held at the council hall under the auspices of Mayors for Peace of which the Kochi Mayor is also a member.

The visit attains significance in the wake of the 70{+t}{+h}anniversary of the atom bombings of the Japanese city.

Eleven survivors came to Kochi for the 87{+t}{+h}world tour of the Peace Boat.

The meeting paid homage to the victims of the nuclear bombing by holding a candle light vigil.

Major Arch Bishop Cardinal George Alanchery led the candle light vigil. Deputy Mayor B. Bhadra, Works Standing Committee chairperson Soumini Jain and Swami Bhadreshwananda of the Sree Ramakrishna Mission attended.

Kochi Mayor Tony Chammany presented mementos to the visitors.

In his message, Matsui Kazumi, Mayor of Hiroshima, who is also the president of Mayors for Peace, said the 70{+t}{+h}anniversary observance of the bombing was a “milestone for the citizens of Hiroshima and Nagasaki as well as all for those who wish for peace around the world.”

Lauding the peace initiatives, Mr. Kazumi said the visit of the Peace team and the commemoration event in Kochi was the first in the series of events planned across the world. A project titled “I was Her Age” will be implemented in various world cities in association with the Peace Boat, said the message which was read out at the meeting.

The visiting delegation also interacted with 50 students, who were selected from various city schools.