Australia 27 March: Richmond, Melbourne - Government House, Melbourne
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA... OUR FINAL DESTINATION!
Melbourne is a fast growing city with over four million inhabitants and is predicted to soon be bigger than Sydney, making it the biggest city in Australia.
Uddyogini Hall, our Melbourne World Harmony Run Co-ordinator, led us through the streets of Melbourne on a bicycle she bought in 1987, the same year the World Harmony Run began. A smart choice as she arrived much earlier than our support vehicle, which got a little lost in peak-hour traffic.
A beautiful day to run along the Yarra River and admire the Melbourne skyline.
Known as the ‘cultural capital of Australia’, Melbourne is a showcase for all sorts of unique art.
Running through the busy streets of Melbourne during peak hour with the Torch, we received many cheers from onlookers.
Our school ceremonies began today at North Melbourne Primary School.
Thumbs up to the children for their enthusiastic participation.
Lee Street Primary, also known as Carlton North Primary, was our second stop.
Watching the World Harmony Run DVD showing children from around the world who have joined the Run.
North Fitzroy Primary School – a fabulous reception!
Question time with our US runner who was with Sri Chinmoy in 1986 when he first shared his dream to have a worldwide relay run for peace. The World Harmony Run thus began in 1987 as the ‘Sri Chinmoy Oneness-Home Peace Run’.
Our final school and probably the most multi-cultural school yet – Fitzroy Primary School.
Children from around the world living in Australia making a wish for a true oneness-world.
Prabuddha Nicol from Perth – our 'big kid' on the team – always finds a way to connect with the younger kids.
Not just great runners, but also fabulous actors. Here, members of our team demonstrate the differences between peaceful and non-peaceful behaviour.
One last round of the World Harmony Run Song we have delighted in sharing with thousands of children since our journey began in Adelaide.
One of the many remarkably dedicated teachers we met on our nine-day journey. To all the great teachers we met along the way, we applaud your selfless dedication to loving and nuturing the children of Australia.
Our final destination – the Victorian Governor’s Office. We made sure, however, that we had enough time before to visit the Victorian Arts Centre which became a "Sri Chinmoy Peace-Blossom" on June 28th, 1995, during Sri Chinmoy’s Concert in there. Sri Chinmoy dedicated this concert to the 50th Anniversary of the United Nations.
"Art, in the most effective sense of the term, is a sublime truth that draws our soul from within towards the Infinite Vast." – Sri Chinmoy
The Australian World Harmony Run 2012 concluded in the regal quarters of the Governor of Victoria, The Honourable Mr. Alex Chernov.
The Governor and his wife Mrs. Chernov greeted us with tremendous graciousness and hospitality.
We had the good fortune of a private tour of Government House. Here we are in the Grand Ballroom.
Mirrors magnify the majesty of the artwork.
We, the runners from around Australia conclude this Australian leg of the 2012, the 25th Anniversary World Harmony Run, by extending our deepest gratitude to Sri Chinmoy for his vision and inspiration that continues to guide this maginificent event and to our three international runners: Prabhata Schrader, Germany; Adhiratha Keefe, USA (pictured here with the Torch) and Preetidutta Thorpe, New Zealand (pictured here smiling behind Adhiratha on the right) for making this year’s Australian World Harmony Run so joyous and rewarding.
Stay tuned for more 2012, 25th Anniversary World Harmony Run events in Australia as they unfold throughout the year!
Video Message from Davidson Hepburn, President (2009 - 2011) of the General Conference of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) for 25th Anniversary of the World Harmony Run and a vision for the decade: "Toward a Oneness-World".
Full Text of the 25th annversary message and link to 25 language informal Translations: http://www.worldharmonyrun.org/25
or Click on language button for separate youtube videos wth sub titles in varous languages
- Youtube video on African experience which illustrates IYY slogan "Our Year Our Voice" International Year of Youth - Zambia World Harmony. They surprisingly mention Presidents and UN Secretary-General in a unique way!
- Listen to the World-Harmony-Run song: 2 min version // 6 min
Distance: 20 km
Team Members:
Ashadeep Volkhardt (Canberra, Australia), Hastakamala Diaz (Perth, Australia), Anubha Baird (Adelaide, Australia), Preetidutta Thorpe (Auckland, New Zealand), Adhiratha Keefe (New York, USA), Prabuddha Nicol (Perth, Australia), Prabhata Schrader (Heidelberg, Germany), Kishore Cunningham (Melbourne, Australia), Uddyogini Hall (Melbourne, Australia), Vilasi Gray (Melbourne, Australia), Shasti Ashton (Melbourne, Australia), Kuvarani Dollas (Melbourne, Australia)
Harmonemail:
You can send a message to the runners or read the messages.
Gallery: See more images!
|
< Australia 26 March |