NORWALK,CA - Sanatan Dharma Temple, Gujarati Society of Southern California, Jain Center of Southern California, and Anekant Community Center observed Interfaith Unity for Peace & Non-Violence day in commemoration of the birth of Mahatma Gandhi here on Sept 30 with over as hundred people in attendance. The day was dedicated to world peace and was open to people of all faiths.
The event started with a slide show followed by a short documentary on the life of Mahatma Gandhi. Arvind Joshi, a yester years’ TV and radio artiste opened the program with one of Gandhi’s favorite bhajans. BU Patel welcomed the audience while Ila Mehta emphasized need for peace not weapons or war in hope for a better life.
Dr. Deepak Shimkhada, Adjunct Professor Claremont School of Theology and Adjunct Professor Chaffey College, spoke on the significance of interfaith unity for a peaceful and happy world.
Dr. Sthaneshwar Timaisina from the University of San Diego talked about the Hindu perspective of understanding unity and peace. He said, his grandmother always used the word “dayadharma” as one word. She never used ‘Dharma’ without ‘Daya’ as she felt Dharama could not mean Dharma without Daya. He also said truth is non-violence and Ahimsa must be taught to oneself not to others.
Dr. Ardeshir Anoshiravani, a psychiatrist from Irvine spoke about Zarathushti respect for other religions in promoting unity. He said Gandhi’s quote “Be the change you want to be” greatly influenced him. If you want real peace in the world start with yourself. The power of love will make the world peaceful,he added.
Judge Deborah Sanchez, Judge Superior Court of Orange County, California spoke about the Native American Religion, and its role in promoting harmony among diverse religions.
Dr. Phillip Clayton former Dean and Senior VP Ingram Chair at Claremont School of Theology talked about Christianity and multifaith unity for peace and non-violence. He said, when Jesus said love your enemy he meant don’t kill them.
Mari Khani, Senior Muslim Chaplain with LA Sheriff Dept and member of Huntington Beach Inter Faith Council talked about the Muslim perspective on peace and unity.She lived in India when she was in High School and learned about Indian culture, language, and food. She said, peace is the message of Mohammed.
Avinder Singh Chawla, on the Board of Trustees of the Sikh Center of Orange County talked about Sikhism and peace & non-violence. He said when Sikhs say “Sat Sri Akal” it means truth is God, and when they say “Sarbat ka bhala” it means peace to the whole world. Guru Nanak believed in charity and equality.
Patti Heckman, member of the SGI Buddhist Center of Long Beach and past president of South Coast Interfaith Council spoke about Buddhism and Interfaith Unity and said non-violence is the mission of Buddhism. Take responsibility to cultivate non-violence and peace. Christopher Key Chapple, Doshi Professors of Indic and Comparative Theology at Loyola Marymout, gave the closing remarks saying from Gandhi we learned to speak the truth. Truth is power. Speak truth into life.
Director of Rangashree Dances of India, Paulomi Pandit’s students presented a couple of dance items.
Guru Yogi Ramesh Pandey sang a desh bhakti song, “Sabarmati ke sant ne kar dia kamal.”
Dr. Jaswant Modi gave the vote of thanks. All attendees were provided with complimentary lunch.
Dr. Deepak Shimkhada, Adjunct Professor Claremont School of Theology and Adjunct Professor Chaffey College, spoke on the significance of interfaith unity for a peaceful and happy world.
Dr. Sthaneshwar Timaisina from the University of San Diego talked about the Hindu perspective of understanding unity and peace. He said, his grandmother always used the word “dayadharma” as one word. She never used ‘Dharma’ without ‘Daya’ as she felt Dharama could not mean Dharma without Daya. He also said truth is non-violence and Ahimsa must be taught to oneself not to others.
Dr. Ardeshir Anoshiravani, a psychiatrist from Irvine spoke about Zarathushti respect for other religions in promoting unity. He said Gandhi’s quote “Be the change you want to be” greatly influenced him. If you want real peace in the world start with yourself. The power of love will make the world peaceful,he added.
Judge Deborah Sanchez, Judge Superior Court of Orange County, California spoke about the Native American Religion, and its role in promoting harmony among diverse religions.
Dr. Phillip Clayton former Dean and Senior VP Ingram Chair at Claremont School of Theology talked about Christianity and multifaith unity for peace and non-violence. He said, when Jesus said love your enemy he meant don’t kill them.
Mari Khani, Senior Muslim Chaplain with LA Sheriff Dept and member of Huntington Beach Inter Faith Council talked about the Muslim perspective on peace and unity.She lived in India when she was in High School and learned about Indian culture, language, and food. She said, peace is the message of Mohammed.
Avinder Singh Chawla, on the Board of Trustees of the Sikh Center of Orange County talked about Sikhism and peace & non-violence. He said when Sikhs say “Sat Sri Akal” it means truth is God, and when they say “Sarbat ka bhala” it means peace to the whole world. Guru Nanak believed in charity and equality.
Patti Heckman, member of the SGI Buddhist Center of Long Beach and past president of South Coast Interfaith Council spoke about Buddhism and Interfaith Unity and said non-violence is the mission of Buddhism. Take responsibility to cultivate non-violence and peace. Christopher Key Chapple, Doshi Professors of Indic and Comparative Theology at Loyola Marymout, gave the closing remarks saying from Gandhi we learned to speak the truth. Truth is power. Speak truth into life.
Director of Rangashree Dances of India, Paulomi Pandit’s students presented a couple of dance items.
Guru Yogi Ramesh Pandey sang a desh bhakti song, “Sabarmati ke sant ne kar dia kamal.”
Dr. Jaswant Modi gave the vote of thanks. All attendees were provided with complimentary lunch.
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