This past Saturday, July 23 marked the conclusion of the World Harmony Run in Puerto Rico, which began on Thursday, July 21 at the Plaza de Armas in Old San Juan.

The World Harmony Run, an international olympic style torch relay which covers more than 70 countries, was founded by spiritual teacher Sri Chinmoy, who is widely admired and respected for his contributions towards global harmony and friendship through sports, music, art and literature.

The World Harmony Run is a vehicle through which citizens from all cultures, races and religions can express their common longing for harmony, brotherhood and friendship, by carrying the torch from person to person.

The World Harmony Run started on April 16, 2005 at the Dag Hammarskold Plaza at the United Nations, were it will end on August 22, 2005 with the arrival of more than 70 torches, representing all the countries that participated in this august event.

Ms Noemi Cardona Tomassini, Advisor of Community Initiatives for Renovations and Hope, received the torch at La Fortaleza and welcomed the Puerto Rico World Harmony Run team.

Hon. Fernando J. Bonilla Ortiz, Secretary of State, received the torch at La Fortaleza and offered the following words: "...first of all, I want to congratulate you all for this initiative, in these days we are living, not only in Puerto Rico but throughout the world as well ... because of the situation that we are also facing in Puerto Rico, with so much agitation, these initiatives are more than necessary, if not indispensable. For all this, I congratulate you for this initiative which we need so much."

Sukhendu J. Martin, coordinator for the World Harmony Run in Puerto Rico, offered the following words: "... the flame symbolizes our inner flame, our aspiration to reach higher goals. If we search for God and feel God within ourselves, and if we can quiet our mind for a few seconds, our spiritual heart will enable us to identify ourselves with our brothers and sisters, and eventually it is inevitable that we find, in the course of dialogue, some points in common."

The World Harmony Run team left a lighted torch at La Fortaleza for the duration of the event, as a symbol of solidarity and of the cry of all Puerto Ricans for harmony in our country and in the whole world.

In Puerto Rico the World Harmony Run torch was received in San Juan, MayagĂĽez, Ponce, Fajardo, Carolina and Caguas.