Kochi: The members of Hibakusha Peace Mission, which included eight atom bomb survivors of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, were accorded a warm reception here on Monday.
The eight survivors were in Kochi as part of 87th world tour of the Peace Boat which travels all around the world to spread the message of world peace. The reception was given under the auspices of Mayors for Peace, an international organisation headed by Mayors which is working against the use of atomic weapons and for spreading world peace.
A special meeting was held under Major Arch Bishop Cardinal George Alanchery to pay homage to victims of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. A candle light vigil was held to commemorate the memory of those who died on that fateful day. ``Peace is God's gift and all religions stand for peace,'' said the Arch Bishop.
Swami Bhadreshwananda of Sree Ramakrishna Mission, Mayor Tony Chammany, Deputy Mayor B. Bhadra attended the meeting. The message from Mayor of Hiroshima was read out. After the reception, 50 school children, who were selected from various schools in the city, interacted with members of Hibakusha Peace Mission.