12 April: New York
Get up to the minute photos from the road at worldharmonyrun.tumblr.com.
It is now a familiar sight, but no less of a thrill. Runners from many nations, heading along 47th Street, all of them holding a burning Harmony Torch.
Once again, as part an event that is held is every second year, the runners gathered at Dag Hammarskjold Plaza for the Opening Ceremony of the U.S. World Harmony Run. It was a ceremony both energetic and meditative, as befits the multifaceted world of Peace and Harmony.
Salil Wilson, the global coordinator of the World Harmony Run, stepped up to the podium to welcome runners, guests and members of the public. Salil joined the Peace Run (as it was then called) in its very first year: 1987. As a young runner, he was part of the team that ran through his native Australia. Now, he announced that this year marks the 25th anniversary. Of course, it has been an exciting quarter-century.
The event was introduced by Dr Davidson Hepburn, former President of the General Conference of United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), 2009 – 2011. Ambassador Hepburn, who hails from the Bahamas, and served for many years as as his country's Permanent Representative to the UN is a recipient of:
- the Order of the British Empire (OBE);
- Chevalier of the French Legion d'Honneur and of
- The Torch-Bearer Award for his work towards international friendship and understanding.
View the full text of Ambassador Hepburn's Remarks pdf format,
The New York City Housing Authority Youth Choir, one of our favorite regular musical guests, got the crowd into the mood with a happy musical number - led with panache by their director, Larry Matthew.
The day's first Torch-Bearer Award - to honor those who inspire others through their own lives and deeds - was presented by a previous recipient, Ambassador Anwarul K. Chowdhury Former Under-Secretary-General and High Representative of the United Nations.
This time, the award exalted a unique and very special honoree: the People of Japan. The Award was accepted by Mr Takahiro Nakamae, Minister of General Affairs of the Japan Mission.
A year after it was shaken by the Great East Japan Earthquake and successive disasters, the nation has achieved the seemingly impossible. It has bounced back from the tragedy with great resolve, oneness and good cheer.
Harashita Sunaoshi, co-ordinator of the World Harmony Run in Japan, also presented Mr Nakamae with Jharna-Kala artwork by World Harmony Run founder Sri Chinmoy, dedicated to Japan.
Mr Nakamae gave an inspiring speach stressing the imporance of "kizuna" which is a Japanese term corresponding to one of the main themes of the World Harmony Run - "oneness". The entire speech can be viewed here.
The second Torch-Bearer Award of the day was presented to Paula Savage (right foreground), President of the International Peace Garden Foundation. It was presented to Ms Savage by Mangala Keenan, co-ordinator of the World Harmony Run in Ireland.
The International Peace Garden Foundation, established in 1992, is a non-profit organization to advance global friendship and international understanding, through the creation of peace gardens and cultural programs around the world.
Belinda Munro, a donor artist from the Sing for Hope project, inspired the audience with a stirring rendition of John Lennon's Imagine.
We were honored to have guests from a number of UN Missions, all of whom accepted the Torch.
One of our noted guests was Dr Phil Shinnick, founder of Athletes United for Peace, and a UNESCO Good Will Ambassador. As a long-jump champion in 1963, Dr Shinnick jumped 8.33, which bettered the then world record of 8.31.
Many nations were represented. Malta - H.E. Mr. Christopher Grima, Permanent Representative.
Antigua and Barbuda - Brenda Eshram.
Saint Lucia - Victoria Bousquet, Consular Officer.
Serbia and Montenegro - H.E. Mr. Milorad Scepanovic, Permanent Representative.
Mongolia - Gerelmaa Davaasuren, Second Secretary.
Italy - Giuseppe Maria Perricone, First Secretary.
Hungary - Mr. Attila Zimonyi, Deputy Permanent Representative.
Kazakhstan.
Croatia.
The Bahamas - Sasha Dixon.
Indonesia - Mr. Abraham Levelauw, Consul.
Nepal - Ms. Sangy Singh, Secretary.
In a salute to 25 years of the Run, Shambhu Vineberg, the original Executive Director of the Sri Chinmoy Oneness-Home Peace Run, reminisced about the early days, when Sri Chinmoy asked him to co-ordinate a Torch relay around many nations of the world. Since 1987, the event has taken place in over 140 countries.
NYC Councilman James Gennaro, a long-time supporter of the World Harmony Run, offered a closing message.
The New York City Housing Authority Youth Chorus offered another upbeat musical number.
This time, they had the bonus of Belinda Munro on lead vocals.
The runners were preparing to leave, but there was one last number to perform...
The World Harmony Run song, performed by the World Harmony Run Choir - but with a difference. Saluting 25 years of the Run, this was a special, multi-part arrangement of two Sri Chinmoy compositions: the World Harmony Run song, and a fondly remembered classic from the past: the Peace Run anthem.
Just as the Peace Run was transformed into the World Harmony Run, the two songs were masterfully blended into one vocal extravaganza by Australian musician Prachar Stegemann, who conducted the Choir.
Like the runners, the singers represented many nations, and were dressed in the familiar blue tracksuits and World Harmony Run logos. Many of these singers were also members of the running team, putting into action the singing practice that they had received by singing these songs at schools and public ceremonies from New Zealand to the New Hebrides.
In past years, a runner has taken the Torch, running from the Plaza to begin the World Harmony Run across the USA. This time, it seemed only fitting that multiple runners, each representing a different part of the world, began the American leg of the world's longest running relay. It is a team effort, and the team will continue through 50 states.
Wherever they go, the Torch will light their way...
Special thanks to photographers - Apaguha and Jowan.
Video Message from Davidson Hepburn, President (2009 - 2011) of the General Conference of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) for 25th Anniversary of the World Harmony Run and a vision for the decade: "Toward a Oneness-World".
Full Text of the 25th annversary message and link to 25 language informal Translations: http://www.worldharmonyrun.org/25
or Click on language button for separate youtube videos wth sub titles in varous languages
- Youtube video on African experience which illustrates IYY slogan "Our Year Our Voice" International Year of Youth - Zambia World Harmony. They surprisingly mention Presidents and UN Secretary-General in a unique way!
- Listen to the World-Harmony-Run song: 2 min version // 6 min
Gallery: See more images!
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