Students of Grades 3–5 at GIIS Hadapsar came together to commemorate Peace Day through a meaningful and thought-provoking activity, “Roots of Peace – Our Peace Tree & Peace Stones.” The initiative provided young learners with an opportunity to reflect on the values that form the foundation of a harmonious society, including peace, kindness, empathy, respect, gratitude and unity.

As part of the activity, students reflected on what peace meant to them and expressed their thoughts through vibrant paper leaves. Each leaf carried a heartfelt message, personal wish or pledge, transforming individual reflections into colourful expressions of hope and positivity. Students also creatively decorated smooth stones with words and symbols representing values such as Peace, Kindness, Respect, Empathy and Unity.

These individual creations came together to form a beautiful Peace Tree and a permanent Peace Corner within the school. The display transformed the creative activity into a lasting symbol of harmony and compassion, while giving students a space to appreciate the thoughts and perspectives of their peers.

The activity also encouraged students to understand that peace begins with everyday choices—to listen, understand, respect, forgive and care. They discovered that even a small act of kindness can create ripples of positivity and inspire meaningful change within the community.

The initiative reflected two important dimensions of the 9GEMS holistic education framework—Universal Values & Ethics and Community & Care. Through the activity, students developed compassion, empathy, integrity and mutual respect while being encouraged to become responsible, considerate and caring members of society.

More than an artistic exercise, “Roots of Peace” became a powerful opportunity for reflection, self-expression and value-based learning. It inspired students to recognise their role in building a more peaceful, inclusive and compassionate world.

The Peace Tree will continue to stand as a meaningful symbol at GIIS Hadapsar—a reminder that when we nurture the roots of kindness, the branches of empathy flourish, and the fruits of peace become a shared legacy.