By Parveen Chopra
Great Neck, NY: The Long Island Multi-Faith Forum (LIMFF) celebrated its 30th anniversary with some original founders reminiscing about its history, inter-faith presentations and devotional songs. The graceful program on July 20 was held in the serene setting of the Global Harmony House, the North American headquarters of the Brahma Kumaris.
The program was led by Arvind Vora, founding chairman of LIMFF. Other speakers praised Vora for keeping this not-for-profit organization going all these years. He announced that LIMFF plans to host similar events at different places of worship as part of its 30th anniversary.
LIMFF chairman Arvind Vora planned the program (Photo courtesy: Stacy Fagan/LIMFF)
Some of the over a dozen organizations that formed the original LIMFF were represented and some of the founding members were at hand. The 100-strong audience in the main auditorium of Global Harmony House consisted of people who believe in the need for interfaith understanding, which is as acute today as it was three decades ago.
The program started with a welcome note by BK Anjani. Sangeeta Kulkarni gave a Hindu presentation, and Chandni Rodriguez spoke about yoga spirituality. Dr. Kala Iyengar represented Brahma Kumaris, and Stacy Fagan represented the Bahai faith; both are LIMFF founders.
Sangeeta Kulkarni, Dr. Kala Iyengar and Chandni Rodriguez, respectively, made Hindu, Brahma Kumaris and Yoga Spirituality presentations. (Photo courtesy: Stacy Fagan/LIMFF)
Dr Faroque Khan, Su Dhamma Nanda, and Stacy Fagan made presentations, respectively, on behalf of Islam, Buddhism, and Bahais. (Photo courtesy: Stacy Fagan/LIMFF)
Guest speaker Dr. Faroque Khan recounted the association of the Islamic Center of Long Island’s Interfaith Institute with LIMFF.
Buddhist monk Su Dhamma Nanda led the audience through a loving-kindness meditation. Satleen, Dashmesh, and Sundri sang a Sikh hymn. Ila Vora, Jyoti Shah, and Rita Vora presented a Jain prayer. Lisa and Akiv the Believer represented the Jewish faith. Rev JoAnn Barrett and her husband presented the ‘On The Road’ song.
Soh Young Lee rendered the Christian song ‘Deep River’ in her operatic voice, and had the audience sing along for ‘Let There be Peace on Earth’ at the conclusion of the midday program.
Soh Young Lee rendered a Christian song; Lisa and Akiv the Believer explained the concept of God in Jewish faith, and Rev JoAnn Barrett represented her Gathering of Light Interspiritual Fellowship. (Photo courtesy: Stacy Fagan/LIMFF)
Arvind Vora presented a slide show of the history and activities of LIMFF’s first 25 years. LIMFF’s Jain co-founder, Dr Panna Shah, spoke via video link from Florida. She introduced Prof Justin Henry, who plans to start a LIMFF chapter in Florida.
A nutritious lunch was hosted by the Global Harmony House. Brahma Kumaris is the largest spiritual organization in the world led by women with more than 9,000 centers in 115 countries and over a million students.
LIMFF was founded in 1994 to promote:
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(Parveen Chopra is the founding editor of ALotusInTheMud.com, the premier wellness and spirituality web magazine)
