A proud Laureate

A wonderful recognition

The audience was immediately brought into a ceremonial mood when Trondheim Symphony Orchestra opened the Peace Prize Ceremony in honor of Duško Kostic.

People had dressed up in their best suits and all sorts of national costumes to participate in ”Walk of Peace” Friday night.

Foto: fotogjengen.samfundet.no
"Walk of Peace" passing by Nidarosdomen

It was the night when the Laureate of the Student Peace Prize should be honored. About 600 people joined the torchlight procession from Samfundet, to the monument “Walk of Peace” in Jomfrugata, and to the ending place Olavshallen. People’s smiling faces were lighted up by the torches, and the procession stretched throughout the city center. While passing Nidarosdomen one could hear church bells, and in Jomfrugata you could hear camera shooting.

Crystal clear winter night

The audience was immediately brought into a ceremonial mood when Trondheim Symphony Orchestra (TSO) opened the Peace Prize Ceremony 2011 with Verdi’s ”La Forza del Destino, Overture”. Immense music filled the hall after ISFiT-participants, functionaries and prominent guests had found their seats in Olavshallen. The stage was decorated as a cold, but crystal clear winter night. Even decorations made of paper plates could make one get lost in a dream. In this imaginary winter night, real stars were sitting among the audience: all the previous Laureates of the Student Peace Prize as well as the main person: Duško Kostic.

The first speaker at the ceremony was the Head of the Student Peace Prize Secretariat, Eirik Vikum, who honored the Laureate and encouraged to bring Duško’s story further on: -I want you to pack him in your suitcase, and seat him at the breakfast table with your parents and at take him to lunch with your friends so everybody get to know him and his history.

The host of the ceremony, Francois El-Safadi did a great job guiding the audience through the evening. He even committed himself to Duško Kostic’s main issue by teaching the audience how to pronounce the Laureate’s name. Afghan Dr. Sima Samar was also committed to the same topic. -The key to fight against injustice is education, and we have to take it seriously like Duško has done, she said.

Foto: fotogjengen.samfundet.no
The Celtic Inspiration Dance Company

Dedicates the Prize to his Parents

The Celtic Inspiration Dance Company had a great performance before the leader of the Student Peace Prize Committee, Runar Myrnes Balto, presented the Committee’s justification for the Laureate of the Student Peace Prize 2011.

Foto: fotogjengen.samfundet.no
Duško Kostic received the Student Peace Prize Friday night

-Duško Kostic uses education to build bridges and to break down stereotypes against the Roma people, Runar said. When Duško enters the stage applause and stomping of feet can be heard from the hall. Balto congratulates Kostic with the prize and the applause continues. He received the Student Peace Prize Statuette, which has the same design as the memorial plates in Jomfrugata. Kostic delivered a personal speech of thanks: -I want to dedicate this award to my parents, they always told me to help and build bridges with people rather than get in to conflicts. He also talked about future challenges for the Roma people that in many situations feel like second-range citizens. -I want to thank you all for this wonderful recognition for my work, and the work of my fellow colleagues in Eastern Croatia, the Laureate ends. Therese Aune finished the night with a lovely song, and together with the falling snow on the stage it was a perfect ending of the Peace Prize Ceremony in honor of Duško Kostic.