E-notice: A call to serve - National Day of Prayer USA - May 4, 2023

26 April 2023

DIVERSITY: Many Voices in Praise of One

 

Dear Center Coordinators, Sisters and Brothers,

Greetings of Peace.

 

The President and Congress designate the first Thursday in May annually as National Day of Prayer in the USA for people of all faiths to celebrate their freedom to worship according to their traditions.

 

In New York City, the Mayor's Office of Faith-based and Community Partnerships has invited us to observe this day by organizing a "prayer service." Given that NYS is such a melting pot of races, cultures, and religions, it is most fitting that we recognize our faith-based organizations’ impact on community solidarity and embrace the many diverse backgrounds and traditions of New Yorkers.

 

You are warmly invited to join us for a special online meditation on
Thursday, May 4
6:00 - 7:00pm

 

You are also invited to organize similar collective meditations in your areas.

 

 

 

 

 

 

E-notice: UN Global Road Safety Week - May 15-21, 2023

23 April 2023

Join the Action

15th to 21st May 2023

 

Dear Serviceable Instruments,
Kindly accept Greetings of Peace and Happiness.

 

Road Safety is about an elevated awareness when we use shared spaces – our roads. It is about a vision of equality as we navigate through to our destination. Road Safety is not merely about fewer or zero road crashes, but road behaviour is essentially an accurate reflection of one’s deep-rooted personality traits.

 

The UN Global Road Safety Week is soon approaching and we invite you to join a Global Observance in simple, non-complicated ways! Listed below are various ideas to celebrate the week:

 

A Public Walk – We can organise a Walkathon for the cause of Road Safety, in association with other NGOs, social groups. The participants can wear bright coloured jackets with Visibility Tapes, hold Placards in their hand and take dedicated Steps to Safety. Useful Resources like designs for placards, banner, etc for this are available for download at this link. 

 

An Educative Talk – Children, Youth and other citizens may be enlightened on the importance of a stable mind, a vision of respect towards all, using shared spaces (our roads) with the spirit of oneness and so on through an inspiring talk.

 

Email Campaign – Facts and Spiritual Life-Skills have been co-related in an interesting way in 7 different emailers. We could approach organisations, civil society groups, educational institutions to collaborate with them and send one email a day for 7 days to all their mailing lists. BK mailing lists can also share this content, one email a day for one week. The emailers are available on this link. 

 

Felicitation of Traffic Police / Trauma Teams: Road Safety is more than not having road crashes and/or fatalities. It is also about honoring the tireless work of traffic police personnel to achieve the higher safety standards on the roads. Medical teams which attend to victims are also equally vital as they face the anxiety of road crash victims and/or their relatives, absorb the trauma, and at the same time take steps to heal and soothe. Their lives are dedicated to saving lives. A gesture of appreciation towards these task forces will boost their morale. BKs can organise a felicitation event for them at the respective BK centre.

 

Digital Display of Artwork: Creatives inspire thought and transformation. Animations available on this link can be offered to groups for display on their digital screens during the Global Road Safety Week.

 

We invite BK centers to participate in this observance and add new linkages to the BK networks. In case you may need any specific resources, you may write to us at bkroadsafety01@gmail.com and we will be happy to help.

 

We will be also happy to receive updates of the events / programs which you will organise in commemoration of this week. We request you to share glimpses via photos, videos and brief details of the event via email to the aforementioned email ID.

 

With Divine Remembrances,

 

BK Julia Grindon - Welch
NGO Representative to the United Nations, NY
Co-Chair, Committee of Religious NGOs to the United Nations
Co-Chair, Values Caucus at the United Nations

BK Kavita
Coordinator - BK Road Safety Team

 

 

 

 

 

BK UN March Newsletter 2023

22 April 2023

Dear National Coordinators, Center Coordinators, and friends,

Greetings of love.

We invite you to read news of the International Women's Day, 67th Session for the Commission on the Status of Women, International Day of Happiness, UN Water Conference, and other ongoing activities.

Embracing Equity: Women's Activism & Leadership

Rikki Klanacsky and Stephanie Neuhauser, Brahma Kumaris UN Representatives, Vienna, participated in an International Women’s Day event at the United Nation’s Vienna on Friday, 10th of March 2023.

The United Nations Correspondents Association Vienna (UNCAV) and the European Network of Filipino Diaspora Austria (ENFiD-Austria) in collaboration with the International Women's Day (IWD) organized a Panel Discussion in the margins of the International Women's Day Celebration on the theme: "Embracing Equity: Women's Activism and Leadership".

It was a wonderful opportunity to connect with women of different age groups who shared their personal experience and insights of values in feminine leadership as well as on the theme of embracing equity in their daily life.

Innovation and Technological Change, Education in a Digital Age.

March 6 - 17, 2023

Over the years, the Brahma Kumaris has actively participated in this conference. This year, a BK delegation of 5 submitted a written statement and organized a workshop on the topic Women's Transformative Leadership in a Digital Age held on Thursday, March 9. The event comprised of meditation, reflection, panel discussion, and audience interaction.

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

To read more about this event and other events held during the conference, click here.

International Day of Happiness: Be Mindful. Be Grateful. Be Kind

Tuesday, March 21, 2023

According to the World Happiness Report 2023, Finland is the happiest country!
The 3rd in a series of special Online Reflection in Yogic Silence, a transformative field, was dedicated to the International Days of Woman and Happiness. Inspirations were shared by Jacqueline Cambata, a social entrepreneur and the founder of Cambata Designs, LLC which engages in addressing issues of gender equality, education and poverty. Meditation was led by Arielle Hecht accompanied by Voices of joy: Magnolia Moonshot 2030.

Watch event here

Accelerating Change

After 47 years, the United Nations convened the second Water conference at the UNHQ from March 22-25, 2023. Brahma Kumaris UN participated in the conference for the first time and were represented by Julia Grindon-Welch and Juan Milling. It was an opportunity to learn more about the status of water in the world (SDG 6) and participate in multi-faith events and more. Read full report.

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 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.

The BKUN team is also very active with the committees they are involved in: 1. as co-chair of the International Day of Yoga Committee at the UN, the 45 minutes series, Holistic Healing and Wellbeing through Yogic Silence continues on the third Tuesday of every month and focuses on a specific UN Day.
2. Committee on Religious NGOs.
3. Committee on Spirituality, Values, and Global Concerns of which the BKUN has been recently appointed co-chair.

Interfaith Harmony Event

The Eastern Regional Health Authority (ERHA) family came together on March 17, 2023 to give thanks through an Interfaith service at the St Francis RC Church, Sangre grande, Trinidad.

The service was organised with the assistance of the Inter-Religious Organisation (IRO), and officiated by Lay Minister Mr Michael Serette, and Member of the ERHA Board of Directors Mrs Barbara Punch.

Mr Ronald Tsoi-A-Fatt, Chief Executive officer, welcomed Mr Anil Juteram, Chairman of the Sangre Grande Regional Corporation, and other specially invited guests who were in attendance.

Prayers were delivered by Sister Kalyca Keelia Gonzales of the Orisha Community, BK Sister Uma Deonath of the Brahma Kumaris, Bishop Austin Alleyne TRIUNE Spiritual Baptist Church of T & T, Baba Neil Rawlins Secretary of the IRO, and Mrs Elenor John-Eccles Acting General Manager - Nursing.

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 17 - 23 Global Road Safety Week

 

 

“Women’s Transformative Leadership in a Digital Age” - A BKUN parallel event organized during the 67th Session on the Commission of the Status of Women, (CSW 67)

22 April 2023

New York (USA): The Brahma Kumaris organized a parallel event during 67th Session on the Commission of the Status of Women, (CSW 67)  entitled “Women’s Transformative Leadership in a Digital Age” which brought together the wisdom of women in business, education and spirituality.

BK Gayatri Naraine, Main representative of the Brahma Kumaris at the UN, opened the conversation with an interesting reflection on the relevance of spirituality in transformation, at a time when all systems are in crisis. This was followed by a period of silence which allowed the participants time to reflect on what was shared. She spoke about the importance of connecting with the Source of silence and wisdom wherein lies the answers to the many questions of how to stay true to our inner principles and values while being active in our work and service.

Phillipa Blackham, an award-winning documentary maker, reporter and presenter for BBC Radio, moderated a panel consisting of:

• Jimena Romero Ropero, Former Marketplace and Delivery Director at DiDi Food México, Central America & Colombia
• BK Sameeksha, Digital Content Creator and Social Media Manager, for Youth Wing, Delhi Zone of Brahma Kumaris
• Nomshado Lubisi Nkosinkulu, Head of Communications at Media Monitoring Africa
• Ms. Marcela Guerrero, Former Minister of Women, Costa Rica

The panelists shared about the challenges that women experience due to violence in social networks, lack of access to technology, and in positions of political leadership. They expressed the need for their own connection with the Source to maintain a high state of consciousness, and to maintain supportive leadership that takes all people into account. In addition, this gives strength to their own voice and builds inclusive solutions that support people that are living in exclusion and poverty.

The feedback of the panelists and from some of the participants was encouraging, as a feeling of community and safety was created, beyond borders and barriers, and they were motivated to continue working with us on similar conversations. The event was co-sponsored by the Committee on Spirituality, Values, and Global Concerns.

Over 100 people attended from all parts of the world.

 

 

BKUN Presents a Special Online Reflection Celebrating Love & Conscience, Tuesday, Apr 18 -- 6:30 pm

6 April 2023

Love & Conscience with Sacred Technology

 

4th. in a series of special Online Reflection in Yogic Silence, a transformative field

 

Featuring Meditation, Music, and Magic to ignite a Conscience of Love by Paul Luftenegger.

Paul Luftenegger is a multi-award winning international singer/songwriter, Doctor of Ministry, and Heal Your Life teacher.

 

Tuesday, April 18, at 6:30 - 7:15 pm EST

 

 

 

Dedicated to the International Day of Conscience. building a culture of peace.

 

Kindly feel free to share with your networks.

 

Hosted by the International Day of Yoga Committee at the UN
or more information on the committee, please visit the Facebook.

 

 

 

 

 

C-20 Women's Rights are Human Rights event: Apr. 7 @ 8am EST

5 April 2023

Human Rights as Human Values: C-20 India 2023 Working Group

 

Women's Rights are Human Rights

 

Friday, April 7, at 8am EST and 5:30pm IST

 

 

This is the 2nd in a series of C20 Policy Roundtables relating to the theme: Women's Rights are Human Rights. The panel will explore how human dignity is our birthright and how human rights are universal applying to every woman and girl from various perspectives as well as the value of equality, inclusivity, and interdependence.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Third in the series of HOLISTIC HEALING AND WELL-BEING, a special online reflection Celebrating Women, Tuesday, Mar 21 at 6:30 pm

22 March 2023

Holistic Healing and Well-Being

3rd in a series of special Online Reflection in Yogic Silence, a transformative field

Tuesday, March 21, at 6:30 - 7:15pm EST

Inspirations by Jacqueline Cambata, a social entrepreneur. Jacqui is the founder of Cambata Designs, LLC which engages in addressing issues of gender equality, education and poverty.

Meditation: Arielle Hecht

Voices of joy: Magnolia Moonshot 2030

Dedicated to the International Days of Women and Happiness #embraceequity and mindful.grateful.kind

Kindly feel free to share with your networks.

Hosted by the International Day of Yoga Committee at the UN
or more information on the committee, please visit the Facebook.

 

 

 

CSW 67 parallel event: March 9 @ 10 AM - 12 PM EST

7 March 2023

 

 

Women's Transformative Leadership in a Digital Age

We extend a warm invitation for you to join us on Thursday, March 9, 2023 at 10:00am - 12noon EST. This is a CSW 67 parallel event. We look forward to your presence and participation.

 

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

Stay tuned to learn more about the speakers

 

 

 

BKUN January - February Newsletter 2023

6 March 2023

Dear National Coordinators, Center Coordinators, and friends,

Greetings of love.

As we enter the new year, the United Nations HQ also entered a new phase - they are gradually opening to NGOs and visitors. Most events are hybrid with more access to NGOs in person. The energy is lively as the lobby, corridors, and conference rooms are buzzing once again with the presence of adults as well as students.
We invite you to read news of the International Day of Yoga Committee at the UN monthly series, Interfaith Harmony Week, the 61st Session on the Commission for Social Development (CSocD61), and more.

Holistic Healing and Wellbeing in Yogic Silence

Organized by the International Day Yoga Committee at the UN (of which the Brahma Kumaris is the co-chair), this is a monthly virtual series offering a safe and sacred space for healing. Each month focuses on a different topic in which yogic silence is the cornerstone.

In January, the theme was, Yoga, Healing, and Wellbeing and February was dedicated to Black History Month: Resistance: A New Renaissance with the Reverend Canon Lloyd Casson.

You are welcome to view them on YouTube.

World Interfaith Harmony Week

As you may know, the United Nations annually observes World Interfaith Harmony Week (WIHW) during the first week of February.

The Brahma Kumaris have celebrated this week by organizing and participating in events in their regions. As a member of the Inter Religious Organizations (IRO), Guyana, The Brahma Kumaris was invited as a panelist along with representatives from various faith traditions on the theme, Harmony Talk. The event was aired on National TV, NCN.

The Brahma Kumaris in Sydney organized an interfaith event with representatives from the Buddhist, Hindu, Sikh, Brahma Kumaris and Christian faiths. Kim Cunio, the moderator, also represented the Jewish faith.

As the Co-chair of the Committee of Religious NGOs, Brahma Kumaris at the UN co-hosted a "Multi-religious Prayer for Peace and Compassion" along with Religions for Peace.

To read more about these events and access links, please click here.

Creating full and productive employment and decent work for all as a way of overcoming inequalities to accelerate the recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic and the full implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development

February 6 - 15, 2023

UN 61st. Session on the Commission for Social Development took place from February 6 – 15, 2023. This year, the Brahma Kumaris at the UN submitted an oral statement which was approved and read out during the 12th. plenary of the Conference. Along with that, the BKs attended the conference and networked with NGOs and other dignitaries.

Listen to oral statement: here.

Another highlight of the conference was the Civil Society Forum where companies showcased what they are doing to provide decent work for their employees. Read more.

Brahma Kumaris and the Environment

The Brahma Kumaris launched the new social media platform "Yogis for Future" over a year ago. Since then, more than 150 meditation visual commentaries were uploaded. This platform to open to like-minded people to meditate and create good thoughts and intentions for the well-being of humanity and the planet.

Learn more here.

More recently, the Brahma Kumaris participated in the United Nation Convention on Biological Diversity (COP 15) in Canada from December 7-19, 2022.
In case you missed the details, you are invited to visit the webpage here.

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 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.

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. More recently, the Brahma Kumaris attended the Transforming Education Summit organized by UNESCO. Read some highlights here.

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

For more information about Brahma Kumaris at the United Nations, please click here.

To subscribe to receive these announcements, please click here

 

 

Cordial invitation to Multi-Religious Prayer for Peace and Compassion on February 7, 2023, on the occasion of World Interfaith Harmony Week 2023

5 February 2023

 

Multi-religious Prayer for Peace and Compassion

Tuesday, February 7, 8:30 - 9:30am EST

Dear Friends,

On the occasion of World Interfaith Harmony Week 2023, you are cordially invited to Multi-Religious Prayer for Peace and Compassion.

Join representatives across faith and spiritual traditions as we come together in prayerful intention for transcendence of the challenges we face, and tranquility as we strive to rebuild with resilience, especially among the most vulnerable.

 

Join us Virtually on zoom.

Join us in-person at Baha'i International Community, UN Office.. Limited availability.

 

 

 

BK UN Presents a Special Virtual event on Yoga, Health & Well-being: Sat., Jan., 21 @ 6:30 pm

17 January 2023

Yoga, Healing, and Well-Being

Saturday, 21 January at 6:30 - 7:00pm EST

 

Dear Friends,

You are warmly invited into this virtual sacred space for quiet healing through stillness and serenity.

 

Be Still | Let Go | Heal

 

 

 

The event is organized by the International Day of Yoga Committee at the UN.

 

For more information on the committee, please visit the Facebook. 

 

 

 

 

 

SPECIAL EDITION of "Light on Light" magazine, published with The IDY Committee at the UN, Features Three Articles on the BKs

9 January 2023

Our ANNUAL YOGA SPECIAL ISSUE from LonL Magazine, done annually with the The International Day of Yoga Committee at the United Nations (UNIDY) -- shepherded by Denise Scotto at UNIDY and Shannon and David Winters at Light on Light Magazine -- is now LIVE, and free, for all to enjoy!

 

Here is the live link on ISSUU

https://issuu.com/lightonlight/docs/lightonlight_un_idy_2022

 

A pdf version can also be downloaded HERE.

The three feature articles on the BKs include:

• an article by Sr Jayanti
• an article about the Peace in Central Park event
• a tribute to Sister Chandru