Today we had our official beginning of the Peace Run at Dag Hammarskjold Plaza. Salil, our Executive Director, welcomed all those in attendance.
Our runners from all over the globe carried in the torch.
This year as our Peace Run is going to finish in Chicago to coincide with the Parliament of World Religions we had an interfaith theme with people of a number of different religions offering and sharing they prayers for peace.
Dr. Kusumita Pedersen, Chair of the Interfaith Center of New York, introduced our guests.
“Guruji” Dkeep Thankappan of World Yoga Community blew a conch and offered a soulful Sanskrit Hindu prayer.
The Ven. Chang-Hwa Shih and the Ven. Chang-Xun of the Chan Meditation Center sang a haunting Buddhist chant in Chinese.
Rev. Chloe Breyer, Executive Director, Interfaith Center of New York shared reflection first composed by Pastor André Trocmé originating from Southern France.
Imam Saffet Catovic, Justice for All, sang a portion of Islamic daily prayers which peace to all sentient and celestial beings.
Saphira Rameshfar of Bahá-i International Community shared a Bahá-i prayer highlighting the need for the unity of humanity.
Next we had a parade of nations with each of our team members announcing their country. Here's Santiva from Mexico.
Bashata from Serbia.
Sopan from Bulgaria.
Premananda from Sweden.
Accomplished film-maker Sanjay Rawal introduced our Torch-Bearer recipient.
Champion long-distance runner Patti Dillon receives the Torch-Bearer Award from President of the Sri Chinmoy Centre, Ranjana Ghose.
Patti shared the transformative experiences running has provided her with and went on to highlight the profound benefits of transcending one's limitations.
Gifts for our guests.
Our Sri Chinmoy choir performed three songs of Sri Chinmoy's, the Peace Run Song, the World Harmony Run song and "A new world of peace".
President of the Sri Chinmoy Centre, Ranjana Ghose, shared some closing remarks.
We all to took our last chance to hold the torch.
Dileep thought about joining us as we ran back to our headquarters in Queens.
Off they go!!! See you in Chicago!!!
Smiles and thank you's all around.
Manhattan skyline in the background.
A great start to our 2023 Peace Run. Thank you!
