2022 January through May UN News Archive 2022 January through May UN News Archive

Table of Content

E-notice: Leading up to International Day of Yoga: 21 Days to Make a Difference

28 May 2022

Dear National and Center Coordinators,

 

We are pleased to share about a new project in celebration of the 8th. International Day of Yoga: 21 Days to Make a Difference - Your Relationship with Your Mind. It runs for 21 days leading up to International Day of Yoga, starting 1st June with a daily reflection and practise until 21st June.

 

Join us on this incredible journey to make a difference - an opportunity to change the habits of the mind - patterns of thinking, feelings and ways of responding. This unique journey will encapsulate 3 weeks of reflections and practises on the themes:


* Clean Your Mind
* Train Your Mind
* Empower Your Mind

 

Before you begin the journey, here are a few questions to contemplate on:
* Am I aware of the quality, volume, and the speed of thoughts I create?
* Is my self-talk pleasant?
* How do I take care of my mind?
* Do I enjoy my own company?

 

Get involved.

 

 

 

 

 

BK UN March Newsletter 2022

29 April 2022

Dear National Coordinators, Center Coordinators, and friends,

Greetings of love.

We invite you to read news of the International Women's Day, 66th Session for the Commission on the Status of Women, International Day of Happiness, and other ongoing activities.

Gender Equality today for a sustainable tomorrow.
The color was purple and the campaign theme for International Women's Day 2022 was #Break the Bias. Imagine a gender equal world. A world free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination. A world that is diverse, equitable, and inclusive. A world where difference is valued and celebrated.
Individually, we're all responsible for our own thoughts and actions - all day, every day. However, collectively we can break the bias in our communities, workplaces, schools, colleges and universities, even in our homes.
The Brahma Kumaris organized events to honor and raise awareness for gender empowerment in many countries:

Cinnaminson, NJ - Shakti: Harnessing the Power of Self.
BKUN Instagram - An intergenerational conversation
BKUN - Power of the Feminine
BKUN - Women Providing Healing, Promoting Hope
Malaysia - Role of women in values-based leadership

The Role of Consciousness in Transformation: women leading the way
March 23, 2022
Over the years, the Brahma Kumaris has actively participated in this conference. This year, a BK delegation of 5 submitted a written statement.
As we look at what is happening in the world, we know we need a deeper transformer, a deeper inquiry, and shift. The inner world and the outer world are parts of the same wheel of life. For the outer state of the world to be transformed, the inner state of our world must first be transformed. Women have a crucial role in this. Together with men, women can lead the way with integrity, intuitive wisdom, and courage. During this session, with participation from more than 180 women and men, we explored the topic of The Role of Consciousness in Transformation: Women Leading the Way. Read more.

You are welcome to watch event here.

BK delegation: Julia Grindon-Welch, Marianne Lizana, Nalishha Mehta, Pratiba Daya, and Sabita Geer.

International Day of Happiness
March 20
This year, HAPPINESS FOR ALL, UKRAINE was announced as the 2022 United Nations International Day of Happiness official theme, in solidarity with the people, country and government of Ukraine, against Russian President Putin’s invasion, act of war, war crimes, crimes against humanity, and overall attack on Ukraine and its people, as well as, democracy, freedom, all of humanity, all of civilization, and all of us.

"HAPPINESS FOR ALL, UKRAINE is a call to all people, all nations, and all humanity, to stand with Ukraine, with the United Nations, and the 7.8 billion strong global human family.
BK Gayatri Naraine shared a message for the world.
Watch on YouTube

The BKUN team also participated in various events organized by our NGO friends. The GandhiKing Season for Nonviolence annually hosts a few events to honor the lives of Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King. The Brahma Kumaris were invited to be on a panel with the theme, A Season for Nonviolence Across Cultures & Faiths. These events are organized and facilitated by students of high schools and colleges.

The conversation with faith leaders focused on educating people on the importance of nonviolence and to offer simple and meaningful tools on how to practice nonviolence. BK Sabita Geer represented the Brahma Kumaris.

Ongoing at the BKUN Office
Despite everyone's busy schedules, weekly one hour conversation and meditation is continuing with a small group of BKs along with regular Thursday evening meditation with friends. These meditation sessions usually focus on nurturing and empowering participants so they can better deal with current challenges and in observance of UN International Days. Meditation sessions were especially held in supporting the souls of war-ridden places, such as Ukraine.

The Social Media platforms are continuing to be very active. We do hope you are following us on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook, and have subscribed to the BKUN YouTube Channel. An extra word of appreciation to the team working behind the scenes, putting it all together.

***
UN International Observances Celebrated by the Brahma Kumaris
International Days
Kindly make a special note of these dates so that events can be organized to celebrate or honor them. As usual, we appreciate a brief report and photos for the facebook page and the blog.
You are welcome to browse this website for updates on themes and other information and international days you may wish to observe.

March 8 International Women's Day
March 20 International Day of Happiness
March 22 World Water Day
April 7 World Health Day
April 22 International Earth Day
May 15 International Day of Families
June 5 World Environment Day
June 21 International Day of Yoga
August 12 International Youth Day
August 19 World Humanitarian Day
September 21 International Day of Peace
October 1 International Day of Older Persons
October 2 International Day of Non-violence
November 16 International Day of Tolerance
November 18 World Day of Remebrance for Road Traffic Victims
December 3 International Day of Persons with Disabilities
December 10 Human Rights Day

International Weeks:
February 1 - 7 World Interfaith Harmony Week
May 13 - 17 Global Road Safety Week

 

 

 

 

 

Reminder: link to premiere of Peace in the Park promo, Apr. 3

3 April 2022

 

Dear NCs, CCS, and the Divine family,

Greetings of peace.

As promised, here is the link to watch the premiere of the launch of Peace in the Park on Sunday, April 3 @ 11:00AM EST.

Please click here to watch the launch.

We thank you for all the support you gave "Peace in the Park" over the years and especially during the pandemic when the festival went virtual with the series, "Breathe Peace."

We are happy to inform you that this year, Peace in the Park will be LIVE, in-PERSON, once again at Central Park Bandshell, NYC on

Friday, July 29th. from 12noon -7:00pm
We will prepare simple marketing materials and would appreciate it if you help in sharing it with your friends and contacts. You will receive these at a later date.

Thank you
In Baba's remembrance,

PIP planning team

 

Download Flyer here

 

 

 

Launch of Peace in the Park promo save-the-date, Apr 3

31 March 2022

Dear NCs, CCs, and all divine family,

We thank you for all the support you gave "Peace in the Park" over the years and especially during the pandemic when the festival went virtual with the series, "Breathe Peace."

We are happy to inform you that this year, Peace in the Park will be LIVE, in-PERSON, once again at Central Park Bandshell, NYC on

Friday, July 29th. from 12noon -7:00pm
The promo will be launched on Sunday, April 3 at 11am and all are invited!

Kindly save-the-date and look out for the promo link sent in another email in a few days.

We will prepare simple marketing materials and would appreciate it if you help in sharing it with your friends and contacts. You will receive these at a later date.

Thank you
In Baba’s yaad

PIP planning team

 

 

 

Reminder: UN CSW 66 parallel event: March 23 @ 8-10 AM EST

14 March 2022

The Role of Consciousness in Transformation

Women leading the way.

We extend a warm invitation especially for WOMEN on Wednesday, March 23, 2022 at 8:00am - 10:00am EST. This is a CSW 66 parallel event. We look forward to your presence and participation.

 

Please note: translation will be available in French, Portugese, and Spanish.

To learn more about the speakers, click here.

 

 

 

January - February UN Newsletter 2022

9 March 2022

Dear National Coordinators, Center Coordinators, and friends,

Greetings of love.

 

As the United Nations HQ remain closed to NGOs, all events are continuing online. We invite you to read news of World Interfaith Harmony Week, the 60th Session on the Commission for Social Development (CSocD60), and more.

 

 

Love for God, Love for Good, Love thy Neighbor : A Heart-To-Heart Conversation

The Brahma Kumaris have been supporting the annual Light-on-Light E-magazine by writing articles on various topics relating to Raja Yoga and Meditation. The 2022 E-magazine featured articles on the theme, Love for God, Love for Good, Love thy Neighbor. You can browse the magazine here

 

A heart-to-heart conversation and launch of the magazine was organized by the Brahma Kumaris and the International Day of Yoga (IDY) Committee. After a warm welcome and setting the context by BK Gayatri Naraine, main representative of the BKs at the UN and Vice-chair of IDY Committee, the authors of the articles were in conversation with moderator, Judy Rodgers and an intergenerational group of respondents. It was a rich, open, and uplifting experience for those attending.


Read more.

 

 

The United Nations annually observes World Interfaith Harmony Week (WIHW) during the first week of February.

 

WIHW was first proposed by King Abdullah II of Jordan at the United Nations in 2010 which was quickly adopted by the UN General Assembly. The concept is to promote a culture peace, nonviolence, and mutual understanding between all people regardless of their faith.

 

The celebration seeks to spread the message of harmony and tolerance among the followers of all faith-based traditions. There's a need for us to come together and demonstrate that at the core of all faith systems is the recognition that we are in this together, that we share the common basis of "Love of God, Love thy Neighbor, and Love of Good", that we need to love and support one another in order to live in harmony and peace in an environmentally sustainable world.

 

This year, the Brahma Kumaris at the United Nations co-organized a few events with our NGO friends.

 

 

World Interfaith Festival

Resolving Inter-cultural and inter-religious conflicts

World Interfaith Festival was organized by the World Yoga Community and was held everyday in the month of February. Various speakers were selected to share on a number of topics. The Brahma Kumaris was invited to join a panel of wisdom keepers to share their experience on how to resolve cultural and religious conflicts.

 

Watch event here

 

 

Transformation and tranquility in a time of adversity

Thursday, February 24, 2022

The Committee of Religious NGOs at the UN organized this event which was held at the Tillman Chapel of the UN Church Center, NYC. The Brahma Kumaris serve as vice-chair of the committee.


The event opened with the sacred blowing of the conch by Guru Dileepkumariji followed by the dynamic Rev. Dionne Boissiere who moderated the program. BK Gayatri Naraine, BK representative at the UN, led an empowering reflective piece on “transformative consciousness.” The presentations were interspersed with creative expressions.

 

Read more.

 

 

A Spiritual Vaccine: building inner immunity and capitalizing on the human spirit

February 7 - 16, 2022

UN 60th Session on the Commission for Social Development took place from February 7 – 16, 2022 with the priority theme, Inclusive and resilient recovery from COVID-19 for sustainable livelihoods, well-being and dignity for all: eradicating poverty and hunger in all its forms and dimensions to achieve the 2030 Agenda.


A side event was organised by the Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual University with the participation of the distinguished panel and individuals curious about the idea of a spiritual vaccine and an inside out approach.

 

Panellists:

Dr. Coralanne Griffith-Hunte, A Human, Industrial and Trauma Psychologist, Founder and Chairwoman of the Created For Greatness Leadership Group, Inc. U.S.A
Dr. Pratap Midha, General Manager of the Global Hospital and Research Centre of the Brahma Kumaris, India
Dr. Binod Man Shreshta, Brahma Kumaris, Nepal, Professor of Pediatrics in the Nepalese Army.
Moderator : Ms. Varshnie Singh A.A., Founder & Secretary of the Kids First Fund, Guyana.

 

A spiritual First Aid Kit was also introduced and offered to the participants as a tool kit for better health.

 

Read more.

 

workshop flier

 

 

Ongoing at the BKUN Office

Despite everyone's busy schedules, weekly one hour conversation and meditation is continuing with a small group of BKs along with regular Thursday evening meditation with friends.

 

The Social Media platforms are continuing to be very active. We do hope you are following us on TwitterInstagram, and Facebook, and have subscribed to the BKUN YouTube Channel. An extra word of appreciation to the team working behind the scenes, putting it all together.

 

The BKUN team continues to participate in events organized by ECOSOC and DGC, our many NGO friends and partners: interfaith, climate change, women's empowerment, youth engagement, and more.

 

UN International Observances Celebrated by the Brahma Kumaris

International Days

Kindly make a special note of these dates so that events can be organized to celebrate or honor them. As usual, we appreciate a brief report and photos for the facebook page and the blog.


You are welcome to browse this website for updates on themes and other information and international days you may wish to observe.

 

March 8 International Women's Day
March 20 International Day of Happiness
April 7 World Health Day
April 22 International Earth Day
May 15 International Day of Families
June 5 World Environment Day
June 21 International Day of Yoga
August 12 International Youth Day
August 19 World Humanitarian Day
September 21 International Day of Peace
October 1 International Day of Older Persons
October 2 International Day of Non-violence
November 16 International Day of Tolerance
November 18 World Day of Remebrance for Road Traffic Victims
December 3 International Day of Persons with Disabilities
December 10 Human Rights Day

 

International Weeks:

February 1 - 7 World Interfaith Harmony Week
May 17 - 23 Global Road Safety Week

 

 

 

 

 

 

UN Social Development Conference Side Event: Fri. 11 @ 10am EST

6 February 2022

Dear Friends,

 

With COVID-19's second mutation—Omicron—upon us, we must focus on leaving behind this catastrophe. Let's talk about what it is that gives us hope amidst adversity. Where do we go for support and care? How can we contribute to humanity's recovery from COVID-19 with dignity?


Alongside medical care that treats and cures the body, we must bolster our inner immunity—that of the spirit. We need a "spiritual vaccine" that builds our immunity from the inside. Let's talk about what that means. By shifting our awareness from the physical to the spiritual, by reawakening our innate wisdom and empowering hidden resources, we can see with love and serve from the heart. We can heal the spirit and the world.


The Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual University and our partners—Global Hospital and Research Center and Created for Greatness Leadership Group—will share stories that have reignited spirituality and restored humankind’s well-being and dignity.

 

 

 

Meet the Speakers:

  1. Dr. Binod Man, Shrestha, Former Chief of Specialist Secretary Ministry of Health & Population, Government. of Nepal
  2. Dr. Coralanne, Griffith-Hunte, Founder and Chairwoman, Created for Greatness Leadership Group, Inc. USA
  3. Dr. Pratap, Midha, General Manager, Global Hospital and research Center of the Brahma Kumaris in India
  4. Ms. Varshnie, Singh, A.A. Founder and Secretary, Kids First Fund Inc. Guyana.

 

 

 

 

 

 

BK UN Presents Love for God, Love thy Neighbor conversation: Jan 28

26 January 2022

Dear Friends,
You are warmly invited to a conversation on Love for God, Love thy Neighbor, to be held on Friday, January 28 @ 2PM EST. The conversation will be moderated and speakers and discussants will present their different perspectives.

 

A few articles from the Brahma Kumaris on the topic, Love for God, Love thy Neighbor are published in the E-magazine, Light-on-Light, which the International Day of Yoga Committee at the UN proudly launched last Friday. You can browse the magazine here: https://issuu.com/lightonlight/docs/lightonlight_un_idy_2021

 

 

Click image to download.

 

 

Event will also be live streamed on BKUN Facebook and BKUN YouTube.