The evening began with Ayu Laksmi, one of Bali's most renowned performers offering contempary interpretations of traditional Balinese prayerful songs.
The Sri Chinmoy Bhajan singers, led by Ranjana Ghose, performed a selection of Sri Chinmoy's devotional songs.
Ms. Ranjana Ghose, Director of the Jharna-Kala Art Foundation and Leader of the Sri Chinmoy Bhajan Singers, presented the Sri Chinmoy Culture-Light Award to three princes of the Ubud Royal Family HRH Tjokorda Gede Putra Sukawati, HRH Tjokorda Oka Artha Ardhana Sukawati and HRH Tjokorda Gede Raka Sukawati.
In presenting the awards, Ms. Ranjana Ghose explained that “the Sri Chinmoy Culture-Light Award is intended to honour those who bring light to the human mind through culture,” as “the fine arts of a society symbolize the creative spark ignited by the Divine to help illumine humanity.”
Also receiving the award was the Honourable Agung Rai, Founder of the Agung Rai Museum of Art (ARMA).
Peace Run Executive Director, Salil Wilson, introduced the Peace Run and shared Sri Chinmoy's reflections on Bali. Sri Chinmoy said, "Of all the places I have visited in the last 15 or 16 years, Bali is undoubtedly the best. It has everything: sincerity, simplicity, purity, humility and peace. Even outwardly it is so beautiful. They have such simplicity! Here in Bali, nature herself will accelerate your inner progress! This place is Heaven on earth."
Each of the representative of the Royal Families in attendence held the torch and offered a prayer for peace.
The assembled members of the Royal Families.
HRH Gusti Ratu Alit, HRH Tjokorda Gede Putra Sukawati, HRH Gusti Febri and HRH Gusti Dipokusumo hold the torch together.
Sahadeva's Ensemble collaborated with Ayu Lakshmi to create some beautifully haunting songs.
