The Emory Inn Hotel in the Druid Hills area of Atlanta was a wonderful place to relax after a long day on the road. Their hospitality was remarkable and their offering of four rooms for our team was a great contribution to the World Harmony Run Team.

The day warmed up rapidly as the women’s team ran the torch to the Hindu Temple of Atlanta. This is the largest Hindu Temple in the south and it certainly was quite beautiful. As international runners with a universal appeal, we are open to any group or groups of individuals who wish to offer us their goodwill and support in our journey to spread the concepts of harmony and oneness amongst all people. Different religions, ethnic groups, and other public service groups including politicians, schools, etc. have been welcoming us to share these universal principles which transcend our differences and appeal to the goodness inside all human beings.

Although many of us were not brought up in the Hindu tradition, we certainly felt and appreciated their very deep and sincere faith and offerings. We were treated to a religious service as well as a friendly and very tasty Indian meal for over an hour at this vast and beautiful Temple. They even sent us on our way not only with outer blessings of food and water, but with the inner blessings of their strong and deep faith.

After a long day of running south of Atlanta, some of us had to drive back to Atlanta to be part of the opening ceremonies of the Atlanta Braves professional Major League baseball game. We are so grateful to Ronnie Richardson who arranged this event for us.

He was very efficient and friendly as he stayed with us in the outfield entry hall during warm-ups and batting practice. This stadium is quite big and beautiful and equipped with the latest digital technology including the largest high definition screen in any stadium. At 7:00 p.m. our whole team of eight men and four women ran with the torch around the stadium track while thousands cheered us on. Music played and an announcer explained who we were and what we were doing. I got a thrill to be able to look up at the huge screen and see ourselves running a lap with the World Harmony Run Torch around this incredible stadium.

After wards, we stayed around and spent a little time with the children who were going to sing in a beautiful and large children’s choir. It is so inspiring to share the torch and wishes and prayers for harmony and friendship with so many children almost everyday. There were also many children who were dressed up in different major league uniforms for a march into the stadium. It was so heartwarming when young children are offered the opportunity and discipline of team sports at young age. I myself participated in organized baseball from an early age until my teenage years. I definitely learned some important principles related to harmony and oneness even at a young age because of this discipline which at the same time was quite healthy and lots of fun.

Sports in general, whether it is baseball, basketball, soccer or football, any other team sports or even individual disciplines such as running, all seem to offer something quite valuable to the character and health of people of all ages. The founder of the World Harmony Run, Sri Chinmoy, is also an avid supporter of sports in general to help foster the health and wisdom of children and adults alike.

Today and all of its inspiring events would not have been possible without the hard and selfless work of our dear friend Prakhara of Atlanta. Her efforts to organize such important and memorable events will never be forgotten. Thank you, Prakhara.

Arpan and the Team

"Give me the luxuries of life and I will willingly do without the necessities." Frank Lloyd Wright

What a bigger luxurie, than to start the day with a smile on rt 29 on an early morning with a flaming torch in hand, birds chirpping, mist, and breeze of dewy freshness...the awakening world is showing its face. And you know, that you start for the rare luxurie of harmony.

Maria

P.S. I promise more detailed stories coming soon.

Special Thank You

We would like to thank Whole Foods for providing team with some excellent sandwiches and bottled water for lunch.

Thank you to the R.Thomas Deluxe Grill for the team's favorite meal so far. The foods was delicious, the atmosphere was entertaining and the service was delightful.

Thank you to the Jameson Inn and the Days Inn in Thomaston GA. We can't express enough how much it means to have a warm comfortable place to rest our weary beings.

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