Munich, Germany — In a solemn and powerful expression of unity and collective grief, over 700 members of the Indian diaspora gathered in Munich on 3rd May for the Bharat Peace March, strongly condemning terrorism and honoring the victims of the recent inhumane and cowardly terrorist attack in Pahalgam, India.
The peaceful march, organized under the banner of solidarity and compassion, was not merely a symbolic gesture—it served as a call for justice, a rejection of terror attack, and a heartfelt demand for a future grounded in peace and humanity.
Participants assembled at Geschwister-Scholl-Platz at 11:00 AM, where the event commenced with speeches from notable dignitaries including Dr. Hans Theiss, a prominent German cardiologist and Member of the Bundestag (2025), and Mr. Deli Balidemaj, City Councilor of LH Munich and Member of the Upper Bavaria District Council.
Dr. Theiss addressed the gathering with a deeply moving message, offering prayers for the victims and condemning terrorism and religious extremism in all its forms. He commended the Indian diaspora’s initiative, stating:
“This Peace March is a powerful message to the world that we stand together, rejecting hatred and embracing peace. We must ensure such acts of terror never happen again, and the perpetrators must be brought to justice. At the same time, we must do all we can to avoid further escalation between India and Pakistan—two nuclear-armed nations. Today, we stand with the victims. You are not alone.”
Mr. Deli Balidemaj echoed this message of solidarity and peace, voicing his wholehearted support for the march and the Indian community’s peaceful stand against violence.
At approximately 12:20 PM, the Bharat Peace March began from Geschwister-Scholl-Platz, proceeding through the heart of Munich and culminating at Münchner Freiheit by 2:00 PM. The gathering continued at the Children’s Park, where the crowd raised slogans of peace, unity, and justice.
A poignant one-minute silence was observed to honor the victims and their families, followed by the collective singing of Jana Gana Mana, the national anthem of India—a deeply emotional moment that unified all in shared mourning and hope.
The march brought together individuals from all walks of life—students, professionals, families, and community leaders—demonstrating the strength and unity of the Indian diaspora in the face of tragedy.
“This was not just a peace march; it was a collective cry for justice,” said Shobhit Sarin, one of the event’s key organizers based in Munich. “We marched for those whose voices were silenced in Pahalgam, and for every Indian who believes in peace, justice, and the dignity of human life.”
“We want to say clearly – Terror has no place in our world,” said Shiwangi Kaushik and Divyabh Tyagi, event’s key organizers based in Munich. “India Stands United, strong, as we rise as one.”
The organizers emphasized that this movement will not end with the march. Plans are underway for follow-up campaigns promoting peace education, community outreach, and global awareness about the impact of terrorism on innocent lives.
The Bharat Peace March has lit a spark of unity and purpose. Across time zones and continents, the Indian diaspora has spoken with one voice: We will not forget, we will not be silent, and we will always stand for peace.
