Religious Faiths Unite to Support “One God, One World, One Race” 
Kepercayaan Agama Bersatu Menyokong “Satu Tuhan, Satu Dunia, Satu Bangsa”

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(For Non-Muslim Use Only)

The vision of “One God, One World, One Race” inspired Dr. Swami Satyananda (Swamiji) to organize the Pure Life Society (PLS) in post-war Southeast Asia, with a primary mission of caring for war orphans left in the aftermath of World War II. Continuing his legacy, Mother Mangalam guided PLS to promote “the spirit of unity in the face of diversity through service to the community irrespective of race or religion.”

To honor Dr. Swamiji, the Swami Satyananda Memorial Lecture (SSML) series was established, celebrating its 16th year on July 20, 2024. This year’s event took place at the Asoka Hall of the Buddhist Maha Vihara campus in Brickfields, Kuala Lumpur, organized by the Interfaith Spiritual Fellowship (INSaF) and the Centre for Spiritual Advancement (CSA). Several local members and a few senior volunteers of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are active committee members in both of these organizations.

In the spirit of solidarity and collaboration, many additional members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Malaysia volunteered to assist INSaF and CSA with the event. Their involvement in the planning and execution of the SSML event highlighted the spirit of unity and community engagement.

“So much money is spent on wars and conflict and, by comparison, so little on peace and harmony,” said Dato Ambiga Sreenevasan, the current PLS president who began the proceedings. “We must not allow race, religion, language, culture or geography stand in the way of our aspirations for a better, and safer, world for all.”

Dr. Sri Kriyathasa Sekar – Ishana Sivam, founder of 7C Life Realization Centre, echoed, “Ultimately the vision of ‘One God, One World, One Race’ is a call to action, urging us to transcend our individual differences and work towards a greater good. It is a vision of a world where we recognize our shared humanity, our interdependence and our responsibility to one another and to the planet we all call home.”

These introductory remarks were followed by speeches from prominent figures who represented a variety of faiths; all focused on the concept of “One God, One World, One Race” from their perspective and background:

“The Quran puts great emphasis on the unity of humanity…it calls on humankind to know one another, cooperate and work for the common good…and to protect the planet earth,” said Dr. Osman Bakar from the Muslim faith.

“Religion is the vehicle that leads us back to God – no matter what religion,” said Father Xavier Andrew who is a Christian.

“Change will never be possible until we treat each other with dignity…the most important person is the one right in front of you,” said Professor Dr. Tajuddin Rasdi, an educator and philosopher.

“Prayer without listening is only half the story. We are missing the listening…the question is not how can ‘we’ but how can ‘I’ make the change,” said Mr. Haridas Nair from the Hindu faith.

Their comments led to a panel discussion, moderated by Dr. Amir Farid Isahak, current INSaF chairman. It provided an opportunity for audience members to ask specific questions to the program speakers.

The remainder of the meeting was spent on the issuing of special awards and recognitions, a musical presentation and a buffet luncheon.

The music was provided by full-time missionaries of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints currently serving in the Kuala Lumpur area. The three numbers: “Called to Serve”, “I Am a Child of God”, and “Because I Have Been Given Much”, were specifically chosen to compliment the theme and message of the event. The volunteers sang their opening number as they entered from the back of the hall and walked up onto the stage. This brought members of the audience to their feet, who then clapped in the rhythm of the music, to show their appreciation.

The concluding speaker, Mr. Gopal Balakrishnan, organizing chairman of the event, expressed his feelings and sentiments regarding the united group effort that it took to accomplish this event. Elder Dan Haltinner, an SSML organizing participant and senior volunteer for the Church, expressed the following to his INSaF colleagues at the end of the event, “The joint and cooperative effort of people with so many different ideas, beliefs, and backgrounds, is proof that the concept of ‘One God, One World, One Race’ is an achievable goal”.