The 2023 United Kingdom Peace Run starts with a Torch Bearer Award Ceremony at the World Heart Beat Music Academy in Nine Elms, London. The Sri Chinmoy Oneness-Home Peace Run offers this award to outstanding individuals who embody and inspire the spirit of of Peace.
The European Peace Run Director, Devashishu Torpy, welcomes everyone and introduces the programme.
Former Torch Bearer recipient Roy Trivedy offers words of inspiration. Roy has worked in several countries developing programmes to facilitate Peace and growth. He was the resident coordinator for te United Nations in Timor Leste when the Peace Run was received there several years ago.
Sahana Gero MBE, founder of the World Heart Beat Music Academy, describes her own foundation as 'the United Nations of Music' that offers young people the chance to discover the power of music.
Sahadeva introduces the first recipient of the Torch Bearer Award.
Jo Pavey is one of the all time greatest athletes in the United Kingdom. She competed in 5 consecutive Olympic Games from 2000 to 2016, a remarkable achievement. In 2014 she won gold medal in the 10,000 metres at the European Championships in Zurich. She was 40 years old. That courageous achievement has become a shining light of inspiration for not only athletes, but many people around the world. Jo's love of running and her 'Never Give Up' approach, have won her the admiration and affection of her countrymen. She continues to inspire and encourage young athletes to develop discipline, perseverance and happiness in their aspirations.
Marsha de Cordova receives the Torch Bearer Award. Marsha became the member of parliament for Battersea in 2017. Since then she has become a true voice for her constituents. She has a heart of empathy and generosity, and is dauntless in her pursuit of peace and justice. Everyone who comes into contact with her is uplifted, energised and inspired.
Betsy Blatchley is Pioneer Minister in the Arts. She works with Nine Elms Arts Ministry to bring the local community together through arts events. Her self giving spirit and her concern for the wellbeing of everyone she meets is extraordinary. She is constantly creating new programmes that allow people to discover their own inner capacities. She inspires hope and courage in the community, and is someone who carries a light for others to follow.
Two poems by Sri Chinmoy were recited for Betsy, as they capture her committment to the wellbeing of society:
