CORRESPONDENCE WITH UN SECRETARY-GENERALCopy <strong>of</strong> letters sent to UN Secretary-General in pursuance <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> direction given in <strong>the</strong> Lucknow Declaration 2007H.E. Mr. Ban Ki Moon,Date : 02-02-2008UN Secretary-General,The United Nations,1st Avenue & E 44th Street,New York, N.Y. 10017, U.S.A.Subject : 8th International Conference <strong>of</strong> Chief Justices <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> world(7 to 10 December 2007) - Request <strong>for</strong> action on <strong>the</strong> resolution.YourExcellency,We are enclosing herewith copy <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Resolution, entitledas <strong>the</strong> “Lucknow Declaration-2007', passed by <strong>the</strong> Hon'ble ChiefJustices and Judges, representing <strong>the</strong>ir Chief Justices, fromvarious countries <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> world, at <strong>the</strong> 8th International Conference<strong>of</strong> Chief Justices <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> world convened by <strong>the</strong> City MontessoriSchool (CMS), Lucknow (<strong>India</strong>) on 7th to 10th December, 2007.The a<strong>for</strong>ementioned Resolution was passed in <strong>the</strong> closing'Interactive Session <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Conference after detailed discussionsby Hon'ble Judges. A list <strong>of</strong> Hon'ble Justices who have assentedto and signed <strong>the</strong> said Resolution is also enclosed <strong>for</strong> yourExcellency's kind perusal. A list <strong>of</strong> Hon'ble Chief Justices andJudges who attended <strong>the</strong> Conference is also attached <strong>for</strong> yourkind perusal. Since many Judges had to leave Lucknow be<strong>for</strong>e orat <strong>the</strong> time <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> 'Interactive Session', to attend to <strong>the</strong>ir courtwork, <strong>the</strong>y could not partake in <strong>the</strong> session and sign <strong>the</strong>Resolution but had expressed <strong>the</strong>ir views in <strong>the</strong>ir speeches whichare reflected in <strong>the</strong> Resolution. The Hon'ble Justices have resolvedthat <strong>the</strong> a<strong>for</strong>ementioned Resolution be sent to your Excellency <strong>for</strong>kind consideration by <strong>the</strong> United Nations Organisation and havealso requested <strong>the</strong> UNO to <strong>for</strong>ward it to all members <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>organization.The City Montessori School, popularly known as CMS, isimparting value – based quality education to children right fromMontessori classes to Graduate level and has on its roll over32,000 students in <strong>the</strong> City <strong>of</strong> Lucknow. According to <strong>the</strong>Guinness Book <strong>of</strong> Records, it is <strong>the</strong> largest school in <strong>the</strong> worldby pupils on roll in a single city. The vision, philosophy andmission <strong>of</strong> CMS is to inculcate in <strong>the</strong> young impressionable minds<strong>the</strong> concept <strong>of</strong> world unity and world peace, oneness <strong>of</strong> religionand oneness <strong>of</strong> God. This concept is inculcated not only in <strong>the</strong>minds <strong>of</strong> students <strong>of</strong> CMS but also in <strong>the</strong> minds <strong>of</strong> thousands <strong>of</strong>students <strong>of</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r schools <strong>of</strong> <strong>India</strong> and abroad who come toparticipate in about two dozen international academic eventsorganized by CMS every year. The philosophy, vision and mission<strong>of</strong> CMS has been appreciated by UNESCO also which hasawarded to CMS 'The 2002 UNESCO Prize <strong>for</strong> Peace Education''in recognition <strong>of</strong> its ef<strong>for</strong>ts to promote <strong>the</strong> universal values <strong>of</strong>education <strong>for</strong> peace and tolerance at a time when <strong>the</strong>se valuesare increasingly being challenged'. The mission <strong>of</strong> CMS is tocreate world-wide awareness <strong>for</strong> world peace and world unity in<strong>the</strong> interest <strong>of</strong> humanity. With this end in view, CMS organizes <strong>the</strong>International Conferences <strong>of</strong> Chief Justices <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> world on <strong>Article</strong><strong>51</strong><strong>of</strong><strong>the</strong><strong>Constitution</strong><strong>of</strong><strong>India</strong>whichrelatestointernationalpeaceandsecurity.Thesaid<strong>Article</strong><strong>51</strong>actsasabeacon<strong>for</strong>us.This has unequivocally been acknowledged that children,who are common denominator <strong>for</strong> all nations, have to be provideda safe and secure future. The world belongs to <strong>the</strong>m; and it is ourbounden duty and obligation to preserve this world <strong>for</strong> <strong>the</strong> sake <strong>of</strong>children and future generations. They have a right over us, and onthat foundation we have got to be acting as trustees and to seethat no more destruction and wars take place and o<strong>the</strong>r problemswhich threaten <strong>the</strong> very existence and survival <strong>of</strong> humankind aretackled so that we are able to pass on to our children a brighterinheritancethanthatwhichwasbequea<strong>the</strong>dtous.The prevailing situation creates a sense <strong>of</strong> insecurity andfear in young minds. Large stockpile <strong>of</strong> Weapons <strong>of</strong> MassDestruction (WMD), trans-national network <strong>of</strong> terrorist groupshaving global reach making common cause ei<strong>the</strong>r on grounds <strong>of</strong>religion or ethnic disputes and environmental degradationresulting in global warming and climate change will have veryserious repercussions and are cause <strong>of</strong> serious concern. Future <strong>of</strong>two-billion children and future generations is at stake and it is ourbounden duty to create conditions so as to assure <strong>the</strong>m that <strong>the</strong>ywill survive and that we are honestly and with dedication tryingto bequeath to <strong>the</strong>m and future generations a better, united andpeaceful world. We have also to provide <strong>for</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir shelter, food,potable water, education and health services. And this is possibleif <strong>the</strong> huge resources spent on weapons, defense preparedness andon research <strong>of</strong> new and more destructive weapons and <strong>the</strong>irdelivery systems are consecrated to <strong>the</strong> welfare <strong>of</strong> humankind,especially children.The U.N.O. has, through its various organs and agencies,brought about many changes and has taken commendable stepsin various fields. The U.N.O. was established in 1945 and now itrequires to fit in <strong>the</strong> present world scenario and reflect our hopesand aspirations. However, since <strong>the</strong> U.N.O. is working <strong>for</strong> humanemancipation more than any o<strong>the</strong>r single organization, it isnecessary to streng<strong>the</strong>n <strong>the</strong> authority, prestige and power <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>U.N.O. <strong>for</strong> ensuring a safe future and safe ecology by suchamendments in <strong>the</strong> U.N. Charter as may be considered expedient.This view has been expressed by Hon'ble Justices at <strong>the</strong> 8thInternational Conference <strong>of</strong> Chief Justices. Besides, <strong>the</strong>y havealso strongly supported <strong>the</strong> idea to empower <strong>the</strong> InternationalCourt <strong>of</strong> Justice. In <strong>the</strong> present world scenario it appearsimperative to extend jurisdiction <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> International Court <strong>of</strong>Justice to all nations <strong>for</strong> resolving all international disputes andconflicts peacefully and legally.All <strong>the</strong> participants expressed <strong>the</strong>ir sentiments against <strong>the</strong>huge expenditure being incurred on wars and on manufactureand maintenance <strong>of</strong> weapons <strong>of</strong> mass destruction andrecommended that this expenditure should be consecrated <strong>for</strong><strong>the</strong> welfare <strong>of</strong> humankind.Need <strong>for</strong> creating awareness among children and alsoamong all sections <strong>of</strong> society by giving priority to peace educationin educational curricula was considered <strong>of</strong> primary importance.Besides, creating awareness about international law andfundamental human rights, human values and economic andsocial rights was also emphasized. Emphasis was also given toimparting <strong>of</strong> training about international law and various human,social and economic rights to lawyers and judges in <strong>the</strong> interest <strong>of</strong>human welfare and emancipation.Hon'ble Judges have, on <strong>the</strong>ir part, undertaken, whenever<strong>the</strong> occasion arises, to take effective steps to protect and promote<strong>the</strong> best interest <strong>of</strong> children, to promote respect <strong>for</strong> <strong>the</strong> dignity <strong>of</strong>humankind and to promote true respect <strong>for</strong> all religions.Excellency, <strong>the</strong> Hon'ble Judges with <strong>the</strong>ir dedication tojustice, impartiality and regard to universal values and law arehighly esteemed and trusted by all sections <strong>of</strong> society because<strong>the</strong>ir minds are conditioned towards justice. They are <strong>the</strong>conscience keepers <strong>of</strong> humankind and custodians <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> welfare<strong>of</strong> humanity's silent masses. There<strong>for</strong>e, we hope that <strong>the</strong>ir viewsas expressed in <strong>the</strong> attached, Resolution – 'The LucknowDeclaration-2007', will be given due weightage in <strong>the</strong> interest <strong>of</strong>humanity in general and children in particular because childrenare wealth <strong>of</strong> every nation and are loved by one and all, and assuch <strong>the</strong>ir interest and future should not be ignored. As yourExcellency may be aware, Henrik Tikkanen had said 'Because wedon't think about future generations, <strong>the</strong>y will never <strong>for</strong>get us.' Itis our bounden duty to bequeath to our children a better, moreunited and peaceful world than that which was inherited by us.Now, <strong>the</strong>re<strong>for</strong>e, we request that <strong>the</strong> Resolution – TheLucknow Declaration-2007 be placed be<strong>for</strong>e <strong>the</strong> U.N.O. andconsidered <strong>for</strong> taking such steps as may be consideredappropriate in <strong>the</strong> interest <strong>of</strong> children and future generations. Themembers <strong>of</strong> <strong>World</strong> Judiciary who will assemble <strong>for</strong> <strong>the</strong> nextInternational Conference <strong>of</strong> Chief Justices proposed to be held inDecember 2008 shall definitely be awaiting your Excellency'sviews and that <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> U.N.O. As desired by <strong>the</strong> Hon'ble Justices<strong>the</strong> Resolution may kindly be sent to all member nations so that<strong>the</strong>y may take such steps in <strong>the</strong>ir own countries as has beenstated in <strong>the</strong> resolution.Withkindestregards,(RatanChandraGupta)GeneralSecretary<strong>of</strong><strong>the</strong>ConferenceGeneralSecretary<strong>of</strong>CMS, LucknowYours sincerely,(Jagdish Gandhi)Convener <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> 8th InternationalConference<strong>of</strong>ChiefJustices<strong>of</strong><strong>the</strong><strong>World</strong>,Founder-Manager<strong>of</strong>CMS,LucknowIt is spirit, determination, faith and devotion, which bring victories into being, one after ano<strong>the</strong>r and not luxury and leisure.– CMS, Laureate <strong>of</strong> 2002 UNESCO Prize <strong>for</strong> Peace Education24
PEACE IS THE BY-PRODUCT OF UNITY.THE WORLD WILL BE UNITEDTHROUGH THE THREADOF WORLD LAW.WORLD UNITY IS 'PRE-REQUISITE' <strong>for</strong> world peace.An urgent meeting <strong>of</strong> all world leaders at New Delhi without <strong>the</strong>involvement <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> United Nations or its system <strong>of</strong> Veto is <strong>the</strong> FIRST STEP.THE FRUIT OF WORLDPEACE WILL GROW ON THETREE OF WORLD UNITY.21 February 2008REPLY TO THE LETTER DATED 21 FEBRUARY 2008 TO THE UN SECRETARY-GENERALH.E. Mr Ban Ki Moon,U.N. Secretary General 02-04-2008The United Nations,Ist Avenue, E 44th Street,New York, N.Y. 10017, U.S.A.Subject : 8th International Conference <strong>of</strong> Chief Justices <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> world(7 to 10 December 2007) - Request <strong>for</strong> action on <strong>the</strong> resolution.Your Excellency,Kindly refer to our letter dated 2nd February, 2008 (a copy<strong>of</strong> which is enclosed <strong>for</strong> ready reference) from which it would beclear that after due deliberations a Resolution under <strong>the</strong> title <strong>the</strong>'Lucknow Declarations 2007' was drafted as per <strong>the</strong> viewsexpressed by <strong>the</strong> Chief Justices and Judges from 40 countries at<strong>the</strong> 8th International Conference <strong>of</strong> Chief Justices <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>World</strong> .As required under <strong>the</strong> said Resolution/Declaration,<strong>the</strong> samewas sent to Your Excellency <strong>for</strong> necessary action.We have received a reply from your <strong>of</strong>fice, by PublicInquiries Team, Department <strong>of</strong> Public In<strong>for</strong>mation, suggestingthat 'you may send your thoughts to your country'srepresentative <strong>of</strong>fice be<strong>for</strong>e <strong>the</strong> United Nations: PermanentMission <strong>of</strong> <strong>India</strong> to <strong>the</strong> United Nations'. Besides, we have beenadvised to contact UNICEF to learn about U.N. ef<strong>for</strong>ts to promotechild welfare. A copy <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> letter from <strong>the</strong> Public Inquiries Teamis also attached <strong>for</strong> ready reference.In this connection we would like to re-iterate that <strong>the</strong>underlying idea <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> International Conference <strong>of</strong> Chief Justicesis to promote international peace and security and world unity,devoid <strong>of</strong> lawlessness, violence, terrorism, wars andenvironmental degradation etc. to make this world a better placeto live in. It is not a matter <strong>of</strong> concern <strong>for</strong> a single country - <strong>India</strong>,or any one country, but <strong>for</strong> all <strong>the</strong> countries <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> world. Theresolution passed at <strong>the</strong> Conference is not meant <strong>for</strong> childrenalone but <strong>for</strong> <strong>the</strong> entire humanity. We all, in every country, lovechildren and it is our bounden duty to bequeath to our children abetter future than that which was bequea<strong>the</strong>d to us. They arefuture <strong>of</strong> humanity and <strong>the</strong> issue is survival <strong>of</strong> humanity <strong>for</strong>which <strong>the</strong> United Nations, which is <strong>the</strong> largest singleorganization engaged in <strong>the</strong> emancipation <strong>of</strong> humanity, has tointensify ef<strong>for</strong>ts in this direction. The Lucknow Declaration doesnot seek to criticize and diminish <strong>the</strong> prestige <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> U.N.O. butseeks to streng<strong>the</strong>n <strong>the</strong> authority, prestige and power <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>U.N.O. <strong>for</strong> its effective role <strong>for</strong> preventing wars, resolvinginternational disputes, countering terrorism, ensuringdisarmament, conserving and protecting <strong>the</strong> environment andfur<strong>the</strong>ring peace and harmony.The issues mentioned above are not a matter <strong>of</strong> concern<strong>for</strong> any one country, but concerns all countries <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> world. In allChief Justices and Judges from 40 countries had participated in<strong>the</strong> conference and had expressed views as in <strong>the</strong> saidResolution /Declaration. The Chief Justices and Judges arehighly respected because <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir dedication to justice,impartiality and regard to universal values and law and,<strong>the</strong>re<strong>for</strong>e, <strong>the</strong>ir views as in <strong>the</strong> Resolution/Declaration must bevalued and deserve serious consideration and action.Your Excellency is more aware than any one <strong>of</strong> us here,about <strong>the</strong> present world scenario, plagued by a large stockpile <strong>of</strong>nuclear bombs and fear <strong>of</strong> ano<strong>the</strong>r world war, terrorists havingwide network, environmental degradation resulting in globalwarming, climate change, green house gases and melting <strong>of</strong>glaciers and ice-caps, ethnic disputes and civil wars,fundamentalism, poverty, HIV/AIDs, drug trafficking, childabuse, etc. In such a world scenario it is imperative to streng<strong>the</strong>n<strong>the</strong> prestige, power and authority <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> U.N., to haveen<strong>for</strong>ceable international or world law and to empower <strong>the</strong>international Court <strong>of</strong> Justice to adjudicate disputes anddispense justice to all by extending its jurisdiction. Concern <strong>of</strong><strong>the</strong> highly esteemed judges in this regard deserve to berespected and considered.Your Excellency, as stated above, <strong>the</strong> present situation isnot a matter <strong>of</strong> concern <strong>for</strong> <strong>India</strong> alone or any one country, but itconcerns all, a concern <strong>for</strong> survival <strong>of</strong> humanity as such. There<strong>for</strong>e,<strong>the</strong> Hon'ble Judges have requested Your Excellency to, at least,send copies <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir resolution - <strong>the</strong> 'Lucknow Declaration 2007' to allmember states. The member - states may, in turn, decide to takeappropriate action as <strong>the</strong>y consider expedient in <strong>the</strong> interest <strong>of</strong>humanityingeneralandchildreninparticular.We, <strong>the</strong>re<strong>for</strong>e, request Your Excellency to send copies <strong>of</strong><strong>the</strong> 'Lucknow Declaration- 2007' to all member states. Thisperhaps will not require approval <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> General Assembly. Theparticipants <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> 8th International Conference <strong>of</strong> ChiefJustices especially those who passed and assented to <strong>the</strong> saidDeclaration shall be grateful to Your Excellency <strong>for</strong> kindconsideration.With kindest regards,Yours sincerely,(Jagdish Gandhi)Founder – Manager <strong>of</strong> CMS& Convener <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> ConferenceChildren must be constantly encouraged and made eager to gain all <strong>the</strong> summits <strong>of</strong> human accomplishments. From <strong>the</strong>ir earliest years <strong>the</strong>y must be taught(1) to have high aims, (2) to conduct <strong>the</strong>mselves well, (3) to be chaste, pure and undefiled and (4) must also learn to be <strong>of</strong> powerful resolve and firm<strong>of</strong> purpose in all things. - CMS, Laureate <strong>of</strong> 2002 UNESCO Prize <strong>for</strong> Peace Education25
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