An earlier peace poster competition for school children in Kalmunai organized by Marga was followed up with a second programme for promoting the idea of peace and coexistence among children and youth. Supported by a small grants initiative of the World Bank, Marga organized the drama festival on the 10th of October 2009. Five schools presented a drama each on the theme of peace and harmony, in all three languages. They enacted poignant stories of suffering by all parties to the conflict. The general theme appeared to be a strong message on the destruction and futility of the war for people of all ethnic groups. They sent out a passionate plea for youth to eschew violence and seek, at all times, peaceful solutions to conflict.
The performances, scripts, stage sets showed creative talents of a very high order as well as great enthusiasm by teachers and school principals.
The proceedings were documented on video, copies of which will be gifted to the five schools.
Participation by distinguished citizens in Kalmunai and religious leaders from all four religions and their contribution in the form of comments and suggestions displayed commitment to interethnic peace and had the potential to take an active role in future programmes. A strong plea for continuous Marga involvement with them in similar activities was made.
