Today we launched our US Peace Run, a journey of 10,000 miles which will take place over the next 4-months.
We began with a moment of silence followed by Sri Chinmoy's song, A New World of Peace.
Here is the route of this year's relay.
Salil Wilson, Executive Director, briefly explained how the Peace Run endeavors to give an opportunity for each person to express their hopes and dreams for inner peace.
Ms. Ranjana Ghose, President of the Sri Chinmoy Centre welcomed everyone to Aspiration-Ground, a place where Sri Chinmoy spent time almost everyday when he was in New York.
Harita Davies, Co-Director of the US Peace Run, invited our visiting runners in a parade of nations.
We had runners from over 35 countries!
Jody, six years of age, accompanied by her mother Grace shared her hopes and dreams for peace.
Jody's speech!
Dr. Kusumita Pedersen Professor Emerita of Religious Studies at St. Francis College and Co-Chair of the Interfaith Center of New York introduced our interfaith component of the ceremony.
The Venerable Chang-hwa Shih, Director, The Venerable Yan-she and The Venerable Yan-rui of the Chan Meditation Center offered a beautiful chant to "bless the Peace Run to be a safe and prosperous one."
The Reverend Eli Wilson III, Senior Minister of St. Albans Congregational Church shared a soulful prayer thanking "the God of many names for this time of gathering and to help us all move in the same direction."
Dr. Uma Mysorekar, M.D., President of the Hindu Temple Society of North America shared a Sanskrit prayer which translated to, "O Lord, may all mankind be happy, healthy, prosperous and also none in this world suffer. May there be peace, peace and peace." She also shared her recollections of visiting with Sri Chinmoy at Aspiration Ground.
Dr. Tahereh Ziaian, Professor of Psychology of University of South Australia, originally from Iran, offered a selection of prayers from the Quran in Arabic. Praying in part, "O you who have faith, enter into peace completely."
Rabbi Daniel Wolpe of the Flushing-Fresh Meadows Jewish Center sang some beautiful Hebrew verses. Praying in part, "Let love and justice flow like a mighty stream, let peace fill the earth as the waters fill the sea."
Bishop Ebony Kirkland of the Living God Ministries Worldwide read from the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. She read articles 1 and 2.
Article 1 "All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood."
Article 2, "Everyone is entitled to all the rights and freedoms set forth in this Declaration, without distinction of any kind, such as race, colour, sex, language, religion, poli- tical or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status. Furthermore, no distinction shall be made on the basis of the political, jurisdictional or international status of the country or territory to which a person belongs, whether it be independent, trust, non-self-governing or under any other limitation of sovereignty."
Devashishu, the Director of the European Peace Run introduced the Sri Chinmoy Torch-Bearer award program honoring and celebrating individuals who have dedicated their lives in service of those around them.
Prema Jackson, Special Programming Producer for KPFA introduced our Torch-Bearer recipient Erica Ford.
Erica Ford is one of the most diligent and hard working activists of our generation. An internationally-recognized and widely-respected peacemaker, Erica Ford has been at the forefront of reducing youth and community violence in New York City — and beyond — for over 30 years.
Erica very eloquently elaborated on the sentiments expressed in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights saying, "It is our human right to live in Peace and so as we run today and as we run this journey called life let's continue to lift this torch of peace, lets continue to be this beacon of light and love."
Dr. Davidson Hepburn, Former Ambassador and Permanent Representative of the Bahamas to the United Nations and President of the General Conference of UNESCO (2009 – 2011) offered his closing remarks.
Shambhu Vineberg, the first Executive Director of the Peace Run shared his recollections of the very beginnings of the Peace Run which took place right there at Aspiration Ground with Sri Chinmoy asking him to please organize a global run for peace.
Brahmata Michael, National Co-Director for Peace Run Canada invited all our guests and runners on stage for one final photograph before we began our first steps.
Erica feeling the spirit of the torch as we made our way to our next event in a community park.
Good friend Jason carries the torch.
Special thanks to NYPD for keeping us safe.
Shoadire, a dear friend and regular customer at our restaurant Annam Brahma and cafe Panorama.
We had a wonderful tour of the "Peace is a Lifestyle" motorhome.
The Reverend Eli Wilson III traveled with us to Archie Spigner Park.
Bishop Ebony Kirkland joined us as well.
Shriya very beautifully offered us some exquisite Indian Dance.
Asoso International Ensemble performed a traditional African dance of welcome and peace.
The Bartlett Contemporaries, an amazing Jazz band, braved the inclement weather and entertained us with their incredible musicianship.
Thank you to all for making this a remarkable beginning to the US Canada Peace Run.
