I
came upon Global Peaceworks when my best friend suggested I look
into goabroad.com. It was there that I began interacting with
Eric via email about Global Peaceworks’ trip
to New Delhi. I was really excited to become part of the Global
Peaceworks team because it was not only spiritual enlightenment
for me but it also allowed me to delve into a part of my culture
that I had brushed aside after immigrating to the United States
in 1987. Reentering into a community not only helped me see
the value of peace among religions but also to embrace my South
Asian heritage.
I
was quiet impressed with New Delhi as it reminded me of my own
country of Bangladesh. Being in the heart of New Delhi, Global
Peaceworks participants were introduced to several religions
including Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism, Judaism, Christianity,
and the Ba’hai faith. As a little community,
we were able to encountered the wonders of these religions
and appreciate the similarities that existed among them all.
The best part of all of these religions combined was the belief
if God, a doctrine that Global Peaceworks focused on. In the
midst of visiting Old Dehli, Gobind Sadan, churches, mosques,
temples, and other holy sites, we gained a harmonic understanding
of our own religions. My personal experience of being an American
Muslim has always frustrated me especially when certain people
ignored me for being part of a wonderful and peaceful religion
called Islam. But becoming part of Global Peaceworks, I realized
that there are people who will open their eyes and see the
beauty of the Five Pillars of Islam – 1) Iman- the belief
in Allah; 2) Salat- Prayer 5 times a day (if it is possible);
3) Siyam – fasting during the month of Ramadan; 4) Zakat – charity;
5) Hajj - pilgrimage to Mecca (if one can afford it once in
his/her lifetime).
But
let me tell you, my favorite part of the project was working
at Amar Jyoti Charitable Trust,“ a voluntary
organization working for the prevention of disabilities and
the rehabilitation of the handicapped in and around Delhi,
and spending time with truly gifted children who make the school
very precious,” participating in the decoration preparation
for the New Year’s day, and hauling the bricks up four
flights (an incredibly arduous task for all of us!). It was
amazing that all of us involved in the project in Amar Jyoti
learned so much from each other of different backgrounds. It
helped me realize the distinctive light children with such
spirit can have on us. These children continue to prosper in
their daily activities even with
physical impediments. It was wonderful to work with
the Amar Joyti children!
I want to thank the participants:
From USA:
Melissa (for continuing to strive
as a counselor); Brook (for surviving that snake bite); Esther
(her unique dance style); David (who took awesome photographs);
Christa (a Yoga inspiration), and Eric (so peaceful in harsh
situations);
From India:
Khorrum (for organizing the project
so well in India); Pinaki (who worked the hardest in lifting
the bricks at Amar Joyti); Gayatri (for her sweet smile); Shymaine
(she can dance!); Sheena (for giving us a great introduction
to Hinduism); Ajay (for being our protection); Ammu
(she did so much that I can’t even describe), Dushleen
(who helped me get bargains on shawls!).
From Sri Lanka: Ravi (for his
spirituality in Buddhism); From Taiwan: Robert (Mr. University
of Taiwan); From Nepal: Durga (my roommate
for majority of the time) and Daman: (for his quiet spirituality
and smile); From Japan: Midori (thank you for
the bookmark – I’ll never
forget it!); From Korea: Won Chang (you did
a great job with the camera); From Kenya: Robai (my roommate
for the first 2 nights –loved
your impromptu acting).
Each
and every one of you shaped the meaning of leadership in Global
Peaceworks. I want especially to give a special thank you to
Eric, Khorrum, and Ammu, who made this project whole. Without
each of you, we would not have had the opportunity to experience
the diverse faiths by living in a close community and partake
in a charitable institution. Global Peaceworks not only encourages
everyone to look for peace in the
world but it also educates each one of us that we must acknowledge
the depth
of culture, ideas, religion, and most importantly friendships
formed with
people from various nations.
I will never forget the friendships
I formed with each of you and hope we will all keep in touch.
I wish much success to the newcomers of the next project in New
Delhi to see what I saw this past year.
