Dominique Lapierre’s Inspiring Journey: A Message to the First Benares Convention
On May 2003, Dominique Lapierre, renowned author and humanitarian, penned a heartfelt message to the inaugural Benares Convention, held on June 26, 2003. Lapierre, born in Châtelaillon-Plage, Charente-Maritime, France, had an extraordinary life journey that began with a unique upbringing. At thirteen, he traveled to the U.S. with his diplomat father, attended a Jesuit school in New Orleans, and became a paperboy for the New Orleans Item. This early exposure to diverse cultures and experiences sparked his lifelong interests in travel, writing, and cars.
Lapierre’s adventurous spirit led him to renovate a 1927 Nash and travel across the United States, funding his journey by painting mailboxes. A scholarship to study the Aztec civilization in Mexico further fueled his wanderlust. His hitchhiking adventures across the U.S. involved writing articles, washing church windows, giving lectures, and even working as a siren cleaner on a Europe-bound boat. One notable incident was when a truck driver stole his suitcase on the road to Chicago. Lapierre’s determination led him to recover his belongings before the police did, earning him $100 from the Chicago Tribune for his exclusive story. These experiences culminated in his first book, “A Dollar for a Thousand Kilometers,” a bestseller in postwar France and Europe.
The First Benares Convention and Peoples’ SAARC
The first Benares Convention, held on June 26, 2003, was a significant event, attracting 5,000 participants. On January 15, 2005, human rights groups from India, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka, including PVCHR (India), INSEC (Nepal), People’s Forum for Human Rights (Bhutan), Human Rights Commission of Pakistan, LOKOJ (Bangladesh), and Wiros Lokh Institute (Sri Lanka), met in Varanasi with the objective of creating a united South Asia working for the common good. This convention, named People’s SAARC, led to the formation of a South Asian People’s Forum, with Raghuvanshi as its coordinator. Afghanistan was later added to this SAARC initiative. This was indeed an excellent effort to build a human rights mechanism in SAARC countries, where the discourse on human rights is still in its nascent stage.
Varanasi: A Tapestry of Cultures and Religions
On July 18, 2014, Varanasi, also known as Banaras or Kashi, prepared for the second Benares Convention held on August 9, 2014. Varanasi, one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities, is a melting pot of diverse religious and philosophical traditions. It is a sacred city for Hindus, Jains, and Buddhists, with Lord Buddha delivering his first sermon here in 528 BC. The city also played a crucial role in the Bhakti movement and was visited by Guru Nanak Dev, the founder of Sikhism.
Varanasi has been home to many saints and reformers like Sant Kabir and Sant Raidas, who opposed sectarianism and promoted the dignity of labor. The city’s famous Banarsi silk sarees, introduced by Maulana Alvi, are now a cultural emblem with global recognition.
Celebrating Pluralism and Heritage
Varanasi’s rich cultural heritage is reflected in its music, literature, and social fabric. The city has produced Bharat Ratna awardees like Shehnai maestro Ustad Bismillah Khan and sitar virtuoso Pt. Ravi Shankar. It has also been a hub for writers like Munshi Premchand and philosophers like Bhagwan Das, who contributed to India’s intellectual and cultural discourse.
The need to preserve Varanasi’s pluralistic and inclusive ethos is crucial. The proposal to declare Varanasi a Living Heritage City aims to conserve its ancient charm while promoting sustainable livelihoods for its artisans. It is essential to teach young generations the values of pluralism and reconciliation to counter sectarianism and foster a harmonious society.
A Call to Action
Dominique Lapierre’s message and the Benares Conventions highlight the importance of unity, cultural preservation, and human rights. As Varanasi continues to be a beacon of India’s civilizational ethos, it reminds us that diversity and pluralism are our greatest strengths. By protecting and promoting these values, we can ensure a future where all communities coexist peacefully and prosper together.