ROCKVILLE, Md. — The Heartfulness Institute marked the International Day of Peace on Sept. 20 with an interfaith gathering in Rockville that brought together representatives of several religious and spiritual traditions for an afternoon of reflections, prayers, chants, music and meditation focused on peace, compassion and mutual understanding.
The gathering featured perspectives from Sikh, Islamic, Jain, Hindu and Buddhist traditions, along with musical and cultural presentations from community participants.
Dr. Hema Sidhu offered a Sikh reflection, while Imam Faizul Khan shared an Islamic perspective on peace. Shripal Shah presented a Jain reflection. Sri Ramaswamy Chandramouli and Sri Gopal Gopinath spoke on the Hindu tradition, and Rev. Amita Khema offered reflections from the Buddhist tradition.
Music and cultural presentations added a celebratory dimension to the program. Shiwani Tewari gave a devotional musical offering, while a Sikh youth group presented selections from sacred texts. Rama Devi Ravindran performed devotional Bharatanatyam pieces associated with Mahatma Gandhi.
The program also included a guided Heartfulness Meditation led by Nelly Vossoughi, giving participants an opportunity to experience a period of inner stillness and reflect on the relationship between personal well-being and peace in the wider community.
Organizers emphasized the idea that lasting peace in families and communities begins with individual transformation, mutual respect and compassionate action.
Participants said the gathering demonstrated how people from different spiritual traditions can come together in a spirit of harmony and create an atmosphere conducive to peace and positive energy.
The Heartfulness Institute thanked the speakers, performers, volunteers, community partners and guests who participated in the event.
