The meaning of peace changes from context to context, person to person. In an ideal world, it entails solidarity and humanity, but in highly diverse and conflicted societies, it may need to start with the simple act of ‘tolerance’. 

The UN began commemorating November 16 as the annual International Day of Tolerance with this Declaration in 1996:  "...tolerance is neither indulgence nor indifference. It is respect and appreciation of the rich variety of our world's cultures, our forms of expression and ways of being human. Tolerance recognizes the universal human rights and fundamental freedoms of others. People are naturally diverse; only tolerance can ensure the survival of mixed communities in every region of the globe."

One way of showing support for these ideas could be by inviting more people to sign our "Milne Do" (Let us meet) online petition, calling for soft political borders among Southasian nations. No matter how different we think our neighbours are, let us be more open and tolerant towards the movement of people and ideas. From meeting, knowing will follow; from knowing, tolerance will follow, and from tolerance, peace will follow. 

If you've already signed, pass it along, and ask your friends and family to sign up for the idea of a kinder, better Southasia that upholds good neighbourly values. 

Thank you and solidarity!