Category Archives: New Beginnings

Throughout history, our nation has forgotten the fact that we were founded  on freedom of worship, one nation under God, and equality. We have allowed our differences to dictate our futures. Advances in technology have transcended the barriers of time and  distance, leading to the growth of our social, economic, and cultural ties the global community as well as challenges in understanding and communicating with our international neighbors.  Open communication, mutual respect, sincere understanding, and unilateral cooperation plays a vital role in the promotion of peace and goodwill among all people and between all nations. Let’s affirm our commitment to interfaith harmony, religious liberty, and tolerance for diverse traditions and beliefs contributes to our continued strength and prosperity.

 As we enter a new decade, we will create international partnerships encompassing every culture, race, faith, and gender on the face of the earth. The World Conference of Mayors, and the Black Townships, stands ready to enter into a partnership with Universities, faith groups,  other cities and towns within our state, nation, and world to identify community problems, develop solutions to those problems, and begin to develop a “New Beginning” in 2020 to strive to develop a world community where love and compassion replace hate and killing. A world where every person on earth can rise to their potential where we all realize we are one race, the human race, just different shades.

Pandemic Thoughts – by Robyn Lebron and Sridhar Rangaswamy

A Light in the Darkness – by Robyn Lebron

Fear of the unknown is very common; something we’ve all experience, I’m sure. I remember when my daughter was leaving a 200-student middle school, and going to a 2,500-student high school. She was terrified that she would be “lost all the time” until I reminded her that her favorite mall was twice that size, and she was never lost there!

The “little child” in us rears it’s head when situations arise that we feel unprepared for. But as we pass through the eye of the storm, something miraculous happens! When human beings are faced with difficult situations, they rise to extraordinary heights! The spirit inside us blossoms and we become the beings we are meant to be. The sight of another person or community in need erases all those childlike fears, and we expose our “superman” uniforms!

Continue reading Pandemic Thoughts – by Robyn Lebron and Sridhar Rangaswamy

Education and Moral Values – by Sridhar Rangaswamy

Education helps in enlightening our minds and intellect and makes us think differently. Education together with sound moral values and righteous behavior can lead the muse of an excellent superstructure. Education may be a steppingstone to success. It helps us connect and form a bond with individuals from different walks of life.

I come from a rustic that places emphasis and prominence on education and helping others to grow and develop to their full potential. I try and be unique and distinctive and step into the domain and realm of unknown, a path few embark upon. The Tech field, where I work every now and then, can be very dry, dull, and boring. So I dabble in fun things and comedy to boost and invigorate the environment, making the concept of learning and teaching more enjoyable and pleasurable.

Continue reading Education and Moral Values – by Sridhar Rangaswamy

The World Interfaith Harmony Week

Annual UN Observance Week: Feb. 1-7

The World Interfaith Harmony Week was first proposed at the UN General Assembly on September 23, 2010 by H.M. King Abdullah II of Jordan. Just under a month later, on October 20, 2010, it was unanimously adopted by the UN and henceforth the first week of February will be observed as a World Interfaith Harmony Week.

The World Interfaith Harmony Week is based on the pioneering work of The Common Word initiative. This initiative, which started in 2007, called for Muslim and Christian leaders to engage in a dialogue based on two common fundamental religious Commandments; Love of God, and Love of the Neighbour, without nevertheless compromising any of their own religious tenets. The Two commandments are at the heart of the three Monotheistic religions and therefore provide the most solid theological ground possible.

The World Interfaith Harmony Week extends the Two Commandments by adding ‘Love of the Good, and Love of the Neighbour’. This formula includes all people of goodwill. It includes those of other faiths, and those with no faith.

The World Interfaith Harmony Week provides a platform—one week in a year—when all interfaith groups and other groups of goodwill can show the world what a powerful movement they are. The thousands of events organized by these groups often go unnoticed not only by the general public, but also by other groups themselves. This week will allow for these groups to become aware of each other and strengthen the movement by building ties and avoiding duplicating each others’ efforts.

It is hoped that this initiative will provide a focal point from which all people of goodwill can recognize that the common values they hold far outweigh the differences they have, and thus provide a strong dosage of peace and harmony to their communities.

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Editor’s Note: CLICK for ADR New Beginnings Proclamation to have your city join our World Harmony Interfaith Month.