The world is called to take action and inspire change, making everyday a Mandela Day. 18th of July 2014 was declared the Nelson Mandela International Day, a day to acknowledge the contribution of Mandela to mankind. More importantly, it is a day that calls the world for action in efforts of peace-building.
It was a fatal coincidence that the downing of MH17 happened just the night before, giving out a plea to the world to put aside all conflicts and rivalry to come together for the greater good for humanity. Nelson Mandela is a leader much needed by Malaysia and the world at large. He has shown us how leaders can reconcile and through forgiveness have peacefully sought to resolve hatred that has plagued nations for many years.
More than 100 Mandelas, youths who are passionate and driven to make a positive turnaround, came together on this day to send ripple of positivity out to the world. The Mandelas reached out to connect with the public with some time well-spent bringing back the element of humanness in this era of technology and media-inducing consumerism. To add more ingredient in the recipe of togetherness, they sent out a message of love beyond boundaries by Random Acts of Kindness and Flowers For Peace to people around KL Sentral and The Curve. The message brought out to the public was that essentially we are one human family. Hence, the care, compassion and love is beyond selective social constructs may it be race, religion, colour or nationality. With the mental-mantra “One Family Under God”, the Mandelas struck a Mandela Mob to the “We Are One”song, Mandela-inspired flashmob to show the world how we are and need to live, as one harmonious global family. The evening was also accompanied by Kakiseni with an array of local talent performances featuring Hameer, Aliff AB and Jesz Ebrahim.
Picture Slideshow of Pray For MH17
Dato’ Latt Shariman Abdullah, a social activist stated with teary-eyes, ”I remember being here just 4 months ago to Unite for MH370 with the same people standing next to me, Dr Teh and Reshmonu. I never thought that I’d be her again for the same reason, but here I am, now to mourn the victims of MH17″. The evening was a solemn one dedicated to a ‘Pray for MH17’ candlelight vigil for the victims offering our prayer and support for the families in these turbulence of pain. “South Africa stands with Malaysia in this time of pain and loss”said Mr. Vickesh Maharaj, Deputy Head of Mission of the South African High Commission. The Chief High Priest of Malaysia, Ven. Datuk K. Sri Dhammaratana and Mdm. Shantha of the Council Member of Hindu Sangam conducted a public prayer for peace and reconciliation in our wounded world, for the 298 innocent lives lost in the shooting down of MH17. “People of such different backgrounds, nationalities and religion coming together to pray together is a beautiful thing. Praying for all those affected by the tragedy, praying for peace and unity in a world that seems to be shrouded with darkness these days. We are at the end of the day, one family under god,” Nadhirah Syalin, Global Peace Volunteer.
It is high time for humanity to reflect on what are we doing to ease the ongoing conflicts in the world which are causing more pain and suffering. Reshmonu, Malaysian singer and song writer emphasized on “the need to stop spreading rumours and speculations. Most importantly, let this tragedy not be the reason to start conflict, what we need is peace.”
Highlighting the importance of unity, Dr. Teh, the CEO of Global Peace Foundation Malaysia concluded with a positive affirmation- “Humanity would have a brighter future if we could nurture more Mandelas who embody these qualities. We can all be a ‘Mandela’in our own way when we start to practice service and humility, living for the greater good and embracing humanity as one family under God.”This is a path that the Global Peace Foundation with the Mandela-spirited youths have set the trail for many to embark on in efforts of transforming humanity on the global pedestal, building a culture of peace and harmony, elevating humanity.
Written by Archana Divi
Picture Slideshow of Flower for Peace and Random Act of Kindness
