In 1995, Leeds was dedicated as a Sri Chinmoy Peace Blossom city. In 2014, the Peace Run passed through Leeds and there was a short ceremony to rededicate the city as a city dedicated to peace. The event was held at Park Square in the centre of Leeds.

Sri Chinmoy Oneness-Home Peace Run in Leeds.

Speaking at the event, I mentioned that:

“Having lived in Leeds for the past 30 years, it has been great to see the economic development of the city, with the city transformed with new service industries replacing the old manufacturing industries. But as the city develops into a financial centre of northern England, it is important to remember non-commercial ideals of peace, community and harmony between the many different people who live in Leeds. We thank the people of Leeds and the mayor of Leeds for taking the time to also appreciate our Peace Run, and the aim to spread good will across the country and whole world.”

After the meeting, the peace runners ran on to York.

The plaque reads:

A world of peace and harmony has been humanity’s dream since time immemorial. Today Leeds joins hundreds of communities throughout the world dedicated to the cause of peace and international friendship. Other such Peace Blossoms include the cities of Ottawa, Canberra, Auckland, Cardiff, Edinburgh and Reykavik and natural wonders such as the Niagara Falls and the Matterhorn.

A Sri Chinmoy Peace Blossom is a beacon of inspiration, to promote a strong sense of world family among people. It takes its name from Sri Chinmoy, an ambassador for peace who committed his life to the pursuit of world harmony. Leeds has long been home to people of many different cultures and believes. Through its status as a Nuclear Free Local Authority, it has worked to free the world of the the of nuclear annihilation. The peace loving people of Leeds are proud to honour our city’s historic commitment to peace and join our vibrant and graceful city with the global family of Sri Chinmoy Peace Blossoms.

In dedicating Leeds as a Peace City on the fiftieth anniversary of the founding of the United Nations, we register our hopes for the day when nations may work together in peace and people may live together in harmony.

Leeds City Council, United Nations Day, 24th October 1995.