Chinese and international students sing songs to promote peace at a memorial hall in Nanjing, Jiangsu. [Photo/jschina.com.cn]

Over 100 international students from various universities in Nanjing, alongside representatives of Chinese youth, gathered at the Memorial Hall of the Victims in Nanjing Massacre by Japanese Invaders on Sept 21 to celebrate the 24th International Peace Day.

International students spread seeds of purple grass, which symbolize peace. [Photo/jschina.com.cn]

Students from countries including Pakistan, Vietnam, Indonesia, and Sri Lanka performed the song Mercy, symbolizing their shared commitment to peace. Following the performance, they spread seeds of purple grass, a symbol of peace. They also distributed peace-themed postcards to visitors at an exhibition.

Waqas Ahmed, a doctoral student from Pakistan at Southeast University and a member of the Purple Grass International Volunteer Team for three years, emphasized the importance of peace, "Peace is the foundation of a beautiful life." He regularly brings fellow students to the memorial hall to share the history of the Nanjing Massacre and uses social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram to raise awareness about peace.

Currently, the memorial hall hosts nearly 400 international volunteers from 37 countries and regions, who contribute their skills and languages to educate the world about Nanjing's history and promote peace.