Ravi Nyayapati
(Indian Newslink)
Auckland, June 2, 2018
The Auckland Interfaith Council (AIFC) organised a memorable evening on May 28, 2018 at the Fickling Convention Centre., Three Kings.
Performing groups of diverse religious denominations representing a range of spiritual music was a highlight of this free public concert.
The Council provides a platform for inter-religious dialogue and networking.
The Performers
Performers at the Concert included representatives from the Sri Chinmoy Centre, St Marks and Latter Day Saints Church groups, the Sikh community, the Sathya Sai International Organisation and the Family Federation for World Peace.
Following the teachings of Sri Chinmoy, the father-son duo of the ‘Mt Eden duo Monk Party’ opened the evening with a captivating soulful experience, uplifting the overly packed hall into a state of bliss. They set the scene for what turned out to be an evening of serenity and peace.
As the various groups presented their items, a big range of Bengali songs were delightfully rendered by three groups of Sri Chinmoyi’s following, who were a major player in putting the concert together.
The Church groups rendered their choirs with exceptional harmonisation and precision.
Half the audience comprised people from the Sathya Sai International Organisation who supported the event in big numbers and managed the near-perfect sound.
Sign Language
A standout performance that moved the crowd was by the Tzu Chi Organisation, who performed a song in sign language. This was extraordinarily beautiful, oozing with grace and captivating an active crowd who joined in and learnt the hand movements quickly.
It is said that music transcends barriers of caste, creed and nations. The musical evening ensured this happened.
Magic of Music
Music embodies universal truth and reality, and plays an important role in bringing about oneness amongst people.
The purpose of the Concert was to promote peace and a cultural awareness of the existence of strong commonalities amongst different faiths, brought together by music.
The AIFC is a voluntary non-profit association of persons from diverse religious traditions and faiths. Established in 2003, it is run by a committee of eleven volunteers from various Auckland faiths. Their aim is to act on behalf of their respective faith’s leadership and community.
Diverse Religious Groups
A registered charity organisation, the committee comprises members from the Anglican Christian, Baha’i, Unificationist, Latter Day Saints, Sikh, Islam, Sanatana Dharma, Buddhist, Roman Catholic and Jewish communities.
Ruth Cleaver of the Unificationist community chairs the Council.
The Council also has an advisory forum to help accomplish its aims and support the work of the Council. This forum comprises leaders from various faith communities who, in collaboration with their committee representative on the Council, share resources and best practices while extending AIFC’s reach into the Auckland community.
Appropriate to Auckland
The need for such an outfit is well suited in a place like Auckland where over two hundred known ethnic groups exist.
One of the world’s most culturally diverse cities, Auckland can be proud to showcase a harmonious environment where religious difference have barely surfaced.
With a continued increase in religious diversity, the Council aims to enhance social cohesion and help prevent misunderstandings or prejudice amongst people of different faiths. They aim to educate the community about religious beliefs and practices of other communities and faiths.
Please visit www.aucklandinterfaithCouncil.org.nz for more information.
Ravi Nyayapati is Indian Newslink Columnist and Correspondent. He lives in Auckland.
Photo Credits: Barry Noel.
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Photo Caption:
- The Tzu Chi Organisation presents ‘The Sign Language’
- Captivating Father-Son ‘Mt Eden duo Monk Party’
- Group Picture of all Performers at the ‘Auckland Interfaith Council Concert’
