Indianapolis transforms into 'Mini World' of all religions

[singhbj singh]

1. SEP

   19

    

    

   Indianapolis transforms into 'Mini World' of all religions

   

    INDIANAPOLIS, SEPT 19

   Ahimsa Parmodharam (non-violence is the supreme religion). Our common call to Protect God's Creation unites us together. Love for all and Hatred for Non. Some of these banners clearly explain the importance of unity in religious diversity. Religious leaders of different faiths --- Christians, Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, Buddhists, Jews, Islam and other faiths shared the same platform on the occasion of 4th Indy Festival of Faiths. Indianapolis today transformed into a 'Mini World' of all religions.

   Center for Interfaith Cooperation (CIC) on Sunday organized the Fourth Annual Festival of Faiths at the Veterans Memorial Plaza, Downdown, Indianapolis. It was an opportunity to increase interfaith understanding and highlighting religious history of Indiana throughout the year.
   In a message Governor of Indiana Michael R Pence wrote "This event is celebration of different religious communities within Indiana and their contributions that make up the fabric of our state. I appreciate the many hours of hard work that went into planning this event, which will expand the cultural and religious understanding of your Hoosiers unity in Indiana....."
   Indianapolis Mayor Joseph Hogsett in his message said "...It is encouraging to know that citizens like you are continuing to build strong communities through hospitality and appreciation of religious diversity..... It is important to offer opportunities for citizens to embrace our cultural diversity and to serve as a welcoming community to all."
   Procession of Faith Congregation was led by 2016 Interfaith Ambassador Kanwal Prakash Singh, who is a world renowned artist and Sister Stella Sabina. After welcome by Master of Ceremonies Maninder Walia, words of welcome were by Indianapolis Faith leaders Rabbi Shelley Goldman, Imam Mikal Saahir, Maria Pimentel Gannon, Dr Vimal Patel and Reverend Marilyn Gill marked the opening ceremony.
   Various programme were arranged. Program by Guitarist Michael Glenn Bell, Mormon Choir, guided meditation with Dr Unissa Nava, Taiko Drumming with the Soka Gakkai Buddist Community, Dance troupe from Philippines, Sikh Sacred Hymns of Praise, Thanksgiving and Unity by Ragi Joginder Singh Jatha, Giani Pritam Singh and members of theSikh Community.
   Led by Congresswoman Susan Brooks table conversations modeled civil discourse and authentic inter-faith dialogue as community leaders facilitated conversations about challenging contemporary issues.
   With a goal to brining East and West closer internationally Billbord Top-10 charting artist Denish singer Anita Hjorth Lerche sang Hindu devotional Bhajans and Punjabi songs. Anita, who is also known as Heer from Denmark, was sponsored by Sikh's Political Action Committee.
   Importance of a turban in Sikh's life was demonstrated at a vendor which provided an opportunity for a visitor to learn how to tie and wear it. The visitors showed overwhelming response. After getting the turban tied, the participant took photos by selfy. A three-month old Lincoln remained calm while Gurinder Khalsa Singh was tied a blue turban on his head. "Lincon was a prince and now he is a crowned prince," remarked Gurinder Singh.

   Gurinder Khalsa Singh, founder and current chairman of Sikhs Political Action Committee (a voice for Diversity and Humanity) and Rupal Thakker Thanawala were among those present participated on the occasion. CIC vice chair Gehlausen and CIC Executive Director Charlie Wiles were looking for all arrangements.

   ====balbirsingh227@gmail.com

   Posted 2 days ago by Balbir Singh

    

   Source - http://sportswire4u.blogspot.in/2016/09/indianapolis-transforms-into-mini-world.html