Peace in the Park by Sabita Geer

by Sabita Geer Peace in the Park NY (PIP) was welcomed back to Central Park on July 29th with the splendor and excitement of finally being together in person after a two year absence. We couldn’t wait to be back in Central Park! Peace in the Park NY is dedicated to the United Nations International Day of Peace. This year, our theme was, “One People. One Planet. One Purpose.”

Because of Covid-19, the Peace in the Park committee morphed the annual festival into a successful monthly online series entitled, “Breathe Peace,” which lasted for more than 18 months. Our virtual PIP series ensured that we sustained our community throughout the pandemic.

The PIP committee is comprised of people with varied skillsets and ideas working together with the one goal of building brotherhood and sisterhood in our world. It starts with the teamwork within the group. The team met weekly for months to plan all the details, putting together a spectacular festival with a large showcase that would free of charge as a public service.

This year was no different than the past twelve years. The Brahma Kumaris and friendly supporting organizations presenting a wide variety of activities for people of all ages which included humanitarian organizations and NGOs. Activities included creative meditation, yoga sessions, conversations on health and well-being, and post-COVID trauma. Children were feted with face painting, clowns, magic, storytelling, children’s yoga, and exercises. Interfaith reflections on peace were interspersed throughout the event.

The Naumburg Bandshell stage was a delight of local and international musicians and dance performances from global cultures, including Bharatanatyam, a classical dance from South India, a dance duo from Ghana as well as rock and roll to jazz to jammin’. All in all, Central Park was hopping!

The “Mirror Mirror on the Wall” booth offered visitors an inward journey exploring the concept of “not all that meets the eye is what is”; that most things in life have a deeper meaning; and that we only need to pause and look deeper for understanding.

The festival was accented with the presence of dignitaries who offered messages of Peace messages. Dr. Varun Jeph, the Hon. Deputy Consul General of India, greeted everyone with “Namaskar” which is a profound message. It means that regardless of the color of one’s skin or whether one has a faith tradition or not, we may choose to see the divinity in each and every one. This may bring the feeling of brotherhood and sisterhood or family. The Deputy Consul General reiterated that inner virtues such as forgiveness, harmony, respect, acceptance, and nonviolence which foster solidarity and fraternity are those which are handed down from generation to generation.

Our very own, BK Gayatri Naraine, the BKs representative at the UN in NY, reminded us of the beauty of nature which allows us to breathe deeply; bringing harmony with nature and our own inner nature; and in fulfilling our purpose of engaging with one another, whether through music, prayer, or poetry.

Lasting from 12 noon to 7PM, the Festival did not have one moment’s pause of activity. The PIP Committee and the many who volunteered to staff and participate at the event--from serving refreshments, to set-up, to technology and audio, to hospitality crews, and to our multi-talented performers--were tired by sundown. Yet, it was a Peace in the Park, NY, we will not easily forget.

PIP is inspired and sponsored by the Brahma Kumaris, an international non-governmental organization affiliated with the United Nations. The work of the Brahma Kumaris focuses on sharing ancient wisdom that helps to transcend labels such as race, nationality, religion, and gender, and aspires to a global culture of peace and inclusivity. The BKs have over 8500 Centers in 110 countries.

Some Experiences from participants and visitors:

“Congratulations on another successful Peace in the Park! Thank you very much for having my sister and me perform. We loved the whole experience and felt very welcomed by all of your support team. We are truly grateful for the opportunity to spread our culture and joy, and we look forward to working together with you soon.”

“Everyone had a truly great experience at PIP again, it is our pleasure to continue to be a part of it and to be of service in support of you and this awesome event in any way we can…❤”

“It was a good experience. Good variety of information with different booths.”

Sister Sabita Geer represents the Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual University at the United Nations in New York Headquarters.