Heidi Kühn brings a message of peace to hearing impaired youth in Mumbai
The American Catholic activist founded Roots of Peace, a humanitarian organisation that turns landmine fields into agricultural initiatives. In India for the ordination of her friend, Bishop Stephen Fernandes, she met with students from Saint Stephen High School for the Deaf and Aphasic and symbolically planted a white rose bush with them. For her, “we can break the silence and inspire transformative change”.
Mumbai (AsiaNews) – In Mumbai, world-renowned American peace activist Heidi Kühn – winner of the 2023 World Food Prize – was invited to become patroness of the Saint Stephen High School for the Deaf and Aphasic, a beacon of hope for children with hearing loss.
In 1997, guided by her Catholic faith and concern for human dignity, Kühn set up Roots of Peace to turn "landmines into vineyards”, replacing the leftover of war into regenerative agriculture.
The initiative with the Saint Stephen High School in Mumbai was prompted by her presence in the country for the ordination of the new auxiliary bishop, Mgr Stephen Fernandes, with whom she has worked in the past promoting numerous initiatives to protect creation.
At the ceremony – led by the apostolic nuncio, Archbishop Leopoldo Girelli, along with Archbishop John Rodrigues of Bombay, in the presence of Indian Cardinals Oswald Gracias and Filipe Neri Ferrao – Heidi Kühn carried a globe in the entrance procession, a symbol of the importance of interreligious respect for humanity and peace among nations.
“The school's mission resonates profoundly within me,” posted the Catholic activist, for it empowers “these young minds to soar beyond silence is a testament to the life-changing power of education and support.” The “the students and I will unite in a symbolic gesture this week in India, planting a 'white rose' bush to amplify the importance of global responsibility.”
Kühn's commitment is in line with the Borgo Laudato Sì, a model venue of ecological conversion and Christian hope inaugurated in Castel Gandolfo by Pope Leo XIV on 5 September, the very day of the feast of Saint Mother Teresa.
“Having witnessed the devastating impact of conflict on children in war-torn landscapes, I've seen firsthand the tragic consequence of war that often leaves innocent youth losing their hearing – a heartbreaking unspoken consequence of conflict,” Kühn explained.
“Yet, through initiatives like our 'Global Gardens for Food Security’ planted by the deaf children, we can break the silence and inspire transformative change, nurturing a brighter, more promising future by amplifying the importance of planting peace through agriculture.”
What is more, “Peace through agriculture is the pathway forward for humanity, as we begin the United Nations Year of the Woman Farmer,” she said.
“Drawing inspiration from fellow WFP Laureates like M.S. Swaminathan, the visionary behind India's Green Revolution, and (B.R.) Badrinarayan Ramulal Barwale, a pioneer in the Indian seeds industry, I'm committed to catalyzing a movement for 'Global Gardens for Food Security’.”
Lastly, “This initiative aims to empower nations to prioritize sustainable agricultural development, recognizing the pivotal role women play in food security, nutrition, and poverty eradication.”
Indeed, “As we navigate a world where conflict often ravages agrarian societies, I stand with India's children and the global community in promoting gender equality and empowering rural women.”
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