RADIO RUHANIYAT. 08-09-2014: Episode 357

NAS 2014- A Spiritual Convention!   -Harmony in Oneness!                                                                                          _________________________________________________________________________________________________

August 2^nd and 3^rd brought in a landmark event in Providence, Rhode Island. An estimated 3000 devotees from the Sant Nirankari Mission-Universal Brotherhood travelled from USA, Canada, UK and India to celebrate HARMONY & ONENESS. His Holiness Baba Hardev Singh Ji Maharaj: the spiritual head of the Sant Nirankari Mission, accompanied by Her Holiness Pujya Mataji blessed the followers.

A ‘Harmony in Oneness Parade’ took place on the streets of Providence which portrayed the message of Humanity. His Holiness Babaji inaugurated the parade by releasing 100 butterflies, which are a symbol of transformation and new beginnings signifying HARMONY. As the butterflies were released, the devotees released several dozens of eco-friendly dove shaped helium balloons. It was a scene to witness the entire Empire Street, full of white balloons in the sky. The dove is a symbol of peace, hence signifying ONENESS. As soon as the ‘Harmony In Oneness parade was inaugurated, about 20 groups from branches all across North America marched and danced, displaying banners of spiritual and social reform messages. From Scottish Pipers to Stomp Dance, Flash Mob Dance, Salsa, Bhangra, Gidha and much more; the items depicted the balance between our spiritual and material lives. More than 200 children participated in Yoga and the Mission’s sports teams emphasized on the significance of a health body for a healthy mind, during this parade.

The Sant Nirankari Mission participates in Social Reform activities such as ‘Saving Lives’ by organizing Blood Donation camps and ‘Going Green’ which gives awareness about saving the planet. ‘Spreading Love’ is a program that focusses on feeding the needy and organizing toy drives for children. Groups also spread awareness about their program: ‘Changing the Future’ in which they support the efforts to find cures for Alzheimer’s, Cancer and HIV. Branches in USA and Canada have also adopted roads which they maintain, to signify cleanliness in the environment.

A float named “HARMONY’ was the highlight of the parade. The float glittered with décor symbolic of ‘Harmony’. The lower level of the float portrayed the behavioral elements required for us to live in Harmony. The four corners of this float depicted: LOVE, TOLERANCE, HUMILITY and PEACE. A Harmony dance was performed atop the float.

All-in-all, this Dance Parade was an innovative spiritual experience which revived and awakened new inspiration and motivation for Harmony and Oneness amongst the thousands of devotees and locals who witnessed this divine experience. His Holiness Babaji and Pujya Mataji witnessed and blessed the Dance parade from their “Palki”: a vehicle converted and decorated with spiritual messages of Oneness. The streets across the Dunkin Donut Center in Providence were closed off for this parade and the volunteers of SNM organized and controlled thousands of onlookers with such discipline and ease, that a police officer on duty, on site, commented: “You guys are doing such an awesome job, you all don’t even need us.”

With several activities going on, the “Freedom in Spirituality-Harmony” Exhibition was another remarkable experience. Devotees from all across North America; participated and contributed by making 3-D projects on spiritual messages, along with videos, skits, power point presentations, panels, quilts and collages. An identical representation of the “Fountain of Oneness” located in Delhi, India was an eye catcher at this exhibition. A 2000 square foot area at the Dunkin Donut Arena in Providence was converted overnight into a state-of-the-art Spiritual Gallery. The messages portrayed in this Exhibition brought life to Spirituality in today’s era.

Both the days held the main 3 hour Events called the “Samagam” (Convention) in which speakers, singers and poets gave spiritual knowledge to the thousands in attendance. On both the days, sessions ended with the Divine message by His Holiness Baba Hardev Singh Ji Maharaj. Hosted by the Boston chapter of SNM, the North America Samagam 2014 was a one of a kind spiritual experience which made us realize the significance of Harmony and Oneness for Humanity.

The Sant Nirankari Mission is an active organization which focusses on Spiritual Liberation and Humanitarian reform. It is neither a religion, nor a sect of any religion. It is a spiritual organization working diligently towards the betterment of Humanity. With 25 local chapters in United States, each branch participates actively in Social Welfare activities and contributes towards making a difference and spreading awareness. More information is available at: www.nirankari.org. Its message for the society: “There is only one religion in the world, and that is HUMANITY!”