On the 2nd of May this year, just a few days ago actually, I had the great privilege of attending the United World Week 2015, held in Coimbatore. It was by far, one of the most enriching experiences in my life, and today, I’d like to tell you about it.
But first, how about some mood music?!
The United World Week is an annual event, held in a different country each time, that celebrates universal brotherhood and connects thousands of individuals across the globe. It is hosted by “Youth for a United World” – the youth branch of the Focolare movement. This year it was also hosted by the Shanti Ashram, an unbelievably amazing philanthropic organization based in Coimbatore.
Over my three day stay with them, we covered a lot of issues and visited some very special places. We got to see Indian culture at its finest through mesmerizing music and dance performances. We experienced true kindness and hospitality during visits with families from various backgrounds. We saw impressive charity work and met with incredible people who have dedicated their lives to helping others. We visited a rural pre-school and met young children who will undoubtedly become pillars of society. We had interreligious prayers and talks on living in harmony and fraternity. I learned a great many things during this time and made great memories too. But to me, the most interesting part of this experience was the people I met.
These incredible people have truly restored my faith in humanity. They showed me that unity is possible. They taught me that these barriers society has built to separate us are so easy to break. They showed me how easy it is to make connections. They proved to me that universal fraternity is no longer a dream. It is a reality- a reality that we must carry forward and spread to every corner of the globe. These brilliant humans, along with the incredible organizations behind this event, have shown me that changing the world isn’t so hard. If we work together we can do incredible things and have lots of fun too!
When I asked one of the chief organizers, Tita Ruby, how I could join this remarkable movement, her answer stunned me. She laughed and said “We don’t have a registration form. If you live everyday of your life with love and kindness and respect everyone, then you are already a part of it!” This answer astounded me because of how simple she made it seem. And the more I thought about it, the more I realized how right she was; and how her statement has applications far beyond the Focolare movement. If you treat me with love and respect and kindness, we become brothers and sisters. Do you see how easy universal fraternity is?
After all how do we change the world?
One act of random kindness at a time.
So, though we began this journey as strangers, we parted ways as a family, scattered across this vast, flawed, beautiful planet we call home. And the best part? Each and every person on it is invited to join us!
To everyone who was there – organizers, volunteers, participants – if you’re reading this, please know you have my deepest gratitude for sharing this experience with me. And you’re right. Life is a beautiful thing J
คุณขอบคุณ.
Grazie
mille.
Merci beaucoup.
Maraming salamat.
どうもありがとうございました.
Dhan'yavāda.
Multumesc.
Naṉṟi.
شكرا جزيلا.
Gracias.
Asante.
감사합니다
Thank you.
Until next time,
Bianka.
No comments:
Post a Comment