Enjoy this video of our experience in Johor Bahru.

Upon arrival at Taman Merdeka, we were greeted by our good friend Fairul, a teacher for Convent Primary School whom I met from from last year's WHR, Johor. Fairul was so moved by last year's event that he decided to volunteer his time, energy and put his whole heart in this project and decided that this shall be one of his self-giving offering to the community. Fairul is indeed a true peace lover and we are all very proud of him. 

 

It all started by former Headmistress of Convent Primary School Datin Hajah Azizah Binte Ahamad Tan whose acceptance of our event in 2012 made all this possible. Through her grace, everything started to unfurl. Datin Azizah was a very kind heart who was very well loved and respected by all her students and teachers. She was the first Headmistress in Malaysia Peninsula to receive Torch Bearer Award for the good work she has done for her school and the way she imparted the right values and confidence in all her charges. Her students are truly blessed to be guided by her. 

What I love about the World Harmony Run is that it has the capacity to draw out the best in people. The schools and communities in Johor Bahru is a living testament of this truth. Particularly in this event because we had to believe in what we were doing despite the weather. And believe we did. We sung, danced and ran in the rain. It was so wonderful. We welcomed the rain as a blessing from haven.

The children loved it. They were all drenched to the skin but there was no problem, not even with the parents. It's unimaginably joyful. If the whole world can learn from Johor Bahru schools and community leaders, the world will be a better place. We have to believe in order to achieve. We did it with all our hearts' love for peace and harmony.  

A beautiful banner prepared by the organizers.

 

From as early as 7am in the morning the children waited for the rain to stop, finally got to dance, sing and run in the rain. The duration of the whole event including waiting time : 6 hours. This is probably the longest single event in any country we have ever experienced and it was also voted as the best in the world.   

 

Here comes the World Harmony Runners.

Singing the National and State Anthem even as it rained.

Joining together in prayer.

Fireworks to celebrate our arrival.

Introducing the team, it's raining heavenly bubbles!

Actions to the song.

Please tell me some words that are similar to harmony.

Feeling peace in our hearts.

Enthusiastic singers.

Presenting the Torch-Bearer award to a city representative.

Torch-Bearer award goes to Convent Primary School.

Special thanks to Fairul, our first Country Coordinator for Malaysia.

Celebrating with bubbles.

Splashing rain water, drenched uniform, soaking socks and shoes, we still ran. Even the parents joined in the fun.   

Running around the Park.

Lots of fun running in the rain.

Peace and Love!

 

Medley Choir of SMKJI Convent. 

When I listened to the next song, "We are the World", it reminded me of August 2006 when the great music producer Quincy Jones, who was a  good friend of Sri Chinmoy, offered the Platinum Award for this song to Sri Chinmoy on his 75th birthday as a token of Quincy's appreciation for the founder's peace works.  

 

Contemporary Dance by SK (P) Sultan Ibrahim

A very charming young dancer.  

Wonderful traditional Malay dance troupe.

We all recieved medals.

Thank you so much.

All the teachers.

Everyone!!!

Lots of picture taking at the end.

Mila points to a picture taken in Canada of her friend Manoshri from Slovakia who ended up on the banner in Johor Bharu - small world!

   

Everyone of us were very impressed by the great effort being put up by the community and schools of Johor Bahru. It was a very memorable experience.

Thank you to all the schools participated including the following : SKIJ Convent JB, SK Bandar Uda2, SK(P) Sultan Ibrahim, SJK (C) Foon Yew 2, SK Kompleks Uda, SK Ayer Molek. SJK (T) Yahya Awal, and SMK IJ Convent JB.

Also thank you to all performing groups, they were Overture Zapin of SK Bander Uda2, Contemporary Dance of SK(P) Sultan Ibrahim, Medley Choir of SMKJI Convent and The Aerobic Dance of SKIJ Convent. 

total nos. of students : 500

 

Report by Yap Thian Beng

 

 

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Distance: 2 km

Team Members:
Salil Wilson (Australia), Abhisar Laza (Czech Republic), Mila (Czech Republic), Mahiya Lindt (Germany), Bharu (Germany), Padyatra (Slovakia), Jaghadata Amhrien (USA), Hridayinee (New Zealand), Urdhacheta Yap (Singapore)

Gallery: See more images!