Reflections on the 2024 Global Youth Peace Fest: A Journey of Hope and Connection in Chandigarh, India
In October 2024, the 17th Annual Global Youth Peace Fest (GYPF) took place in Chandigarh, India, offering an opportunity for participants to engage in discussions about how youth can show compassion for others and advocacy within their community. At this event, Helen Woodward Animal Center was represented by Haylee Blake and Jackie Kelleher, who shared insights on the connection between compassion for animals and the practice of non-violence. During their trip, they spoke to hundreds of youth about the importance of showing compassion for animals and talking them through ways that they can take action in their communities. Their experience in Chandigarh was eye-opening and transformative, and they returned back home with a wealth of stories to share with our organization.
Haylee Blake, Associate Director of Education at Helen Woodward Animal Center – Reflections on the trip to Chandigarh, India for the Global Youth Peace Fest
“Traveling to India offered me a shift in perspective, especially regarding how different societies relate to animals and confront shared challenges. Each person we met eagerly shared their culture and sought to foster understanding, making a genuine effort to forge lasting connections in support of peace for all living things. I was struck by the differences in how people interacted with animals compared to what I’m used to in the United States. In India, pets are generally considered a luxury, often limited to wealthier households. In comparison, I’ve seen even homeless individuals in the U.S. go to great lengths for their pets. The streets of Chandigarh told a different story—stray dogs are a common sight and largely treated with a kind of casual acceptance, much like our city pigeons, and were explained to me as being ‘free’ to exist the same way as the people. The indifference wasn’t born out of cruelty, but out of a different relationship to animals, shaped by economic realities and cultural practices.
Seeing so many street dogs, stray cattle, and street-worn horses was difficult to swallow at times, but I found hope in the youth we met. Their passion for animal welfare was palpable, and many expressed a desire to take action after hearing about our work. It was especially inspiring to hear that the Gurukul Global School planned to start an Animal Lovers Club, and that Chitkara University was keen to integrate our Sharing the Earth curriculum into their grade school programs. These moments reminded me that even when the challenges seem overwhelming, the desire for positive change is universal. What left the deepest impression on me was the second day of the conference when students from across the region presented projects addressing issues like water conservation, environmental innovation, and resource sharing. Their dedication translated into real, tangible results that went beyond words.
Even the city of Chandigarh itself showed this proactive spirit, because it was designed with care and focused on sustainability. I visited their local zoo prepared to see cramped enclosures, but instead found spacious exhibits, dedicated staff, and enriching environments for the animals. The same care was evident at the Butterfly and Bird Parks, where the staff’s commitment to animal well-being and public education was truly inspiring. My visit to India wasn’t just about encountering a different culture; it was about witnessing the power of youth-led change and recognizing that the drive to improve our world is a common thread, regardless of where you are. There is still work to be done, but seeing the passion and effort firsthand filled me with optimism and a renewed sense of purpose.”
Jackie Kelleher, Ambassador to the United Nations at Helen Woodward Animal Center – Reflections on the trip to Chandigarh, India for the Global Youth Peace Fest
“Words cannot describe how life-changing my experience in India was. As a representative of Helen Woodward Animal Center, I attended the 17th annual Global Youth Peace Fest in Chandigarh organized by Yuvsatta (youth for peace). My colleague Haylee Blake and I presented on how compassion for animals translates to non-violent practice and advocacy. Following our presentation, we were honored to network with thoughtful youth advocates from Europe, Malaysia, Mauritius, Nepal, and more. In addition to our presentation, we were lucky enough to meet with local dignitaries and government officials, chat with the lead Veterinarian at the Chhatbir Zoo, hear about local student projects to help progress the SDG goals, visit a group of marginalized girls learning English and other skills to help them succeed, speak at the extremely forward-thinking Gurukul Global School and explore some of the gorgeous local sights.
The city of Chandigarh is progressive, eco-friendly, innovative, resourceful and the people are beyond kind and hospitable. The city was formed in the second half of the 20th century and mapped by Swiss-French architect Le Corbusier. When you drive through the streets of Chandigarh, it is hard to ignore the heaps of shading that the millions of trees provide and the way that the city is built on a grid system. Cows are roaming the street and given right of way, given their sacred roots in Hindu culture. But we also encountered stray dogs and working horses throughout our travels. It is expensive to keep pets in the home so many dogs wander the streets. Actually, right as we entered Chandigarh from the airport we encountered a loose litter of puppies playing. A huge thanks is owed to our gracious hosts, Pramod Sharma and Vishal Kalia, who made our trip eventful and inspiring!”
