PANCHKULA, Sept 16: "We are
all living with a dream of world peace, hoping that everyone
sees a world of love and unity...". These are the lines from a
song which still echo the hearts of the students of Bhavan
Vidyalaya who today witnessed an enthralling performance by 19
members of the Baha'i art group at their school in Sector 15
here. The group members, between the age group of 16-25 years,
all school and college students, are here to spread the
message of communal harmony and universal brotherhood.
The group constitutes members from far off places like
Panchgani, Bangalore, Manipur, Lucknow, Indore, Sikkim,
Mumbai, United Arab Emirates and Tanzania and they all have
only one thing to say,"We have all come together with one
vision: to tour India and share the message of communal
harmony and world unity with its people. We believe the earth
is but one country, and mankind its citizens."
The school students and teachers were spellbound as the
group members presented meaningful skits, dances and songs.
"Building bridges," a song presented by the group, asking
people to overcome the illusory mental bridges that separate
people of different lands, races and religion, received great
applause from the audience.
Chairman of the local spiritual assembly of Bahá'í,
Chandigarh, Anil Sarwal, also spoke on the occasion.
The Baha'i faith began in Iran in 1844 and the Prophet
Founder is Bahá'u'lláh, which means "Glory of God". Sharing
their views on religion, the Bahá'í members said they believed
that religion becomes a cause of disunity when its followers
forget that all religions come from the same God, whether he
be called God, Allah, Ishwar or Khuda.
Copyright © 1999 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay)
Ltd.