"Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony." - Mahatma Gandhi

Peace, Love and Harmony in the Modern World

The concept of world peace and harmony in the current chaotic and war-torn times is one that is often met with skepticism. Especially for citizens of developed nations like Singapore, insulated from turbulent natural disasters and raging wars. The concept is one that begs questions like Why, What will it serve to do? and Will it work? Questions most of us encounter when dealing in games of tug-of-war with bureaucratic pen-pushers in the office. Without realising it, we resort to the same skepticism without taking a moment to ponder upon the impact of such a small, but tireless movement.

The World Harmony Day movement began in the aftermath of the September 11 attacks on New York's World Trade Centre and the Pentagon in Washington. Mother and daughter team Butterfly Chong and Greta Georges, the founders of the movement, wanted to emphasise the pertinence of having a greater number in the collective diversity against the elements that attempt to divide the citizens of the World. The purpose of having an observance on the 20th of February each year has been to remind others that peace and harmony are not to be taken for granted.

In 2001, the movement had sent a request to various world leaders to observe a two-minute Peace Silence on the 20th of February 2002 at 20:02 hours (8.02pm). In such an ambitious plea, the founders had envisioned a world-wide observance that would coincide with the palindrome 200220022002.

http://www.worldharmonyday.com/whd_love.php
http://www.worldharmonyday.com/whd_sign.php

This year, the movement is planning to extend its outreach to include the youth of Singapore in an ambitious move to produce an animated video of The Butterfly Story is a story about the struggles of a butterfly in its survival. The project, an anticipated collaboration between the movement and a local polytechnic, aims to screen the completed video as an educational tool communicating the values of unity in diversity and mutual cooperation as part of the civics and moral education curriculum in Singapore.

Since 20th of February 2002, the movement has relied on the goodwill and contributions of its supporters -- people like Brian Jenner, a United Kingdom-educated professional Consultant, who never fails to support the day-to-day operations of the movement and Razees Karim, who tirelessly helps the founders to plan and execute each year's observance. There are also people like John Chong and Xiong Zhou-- two young but incredibly talented youth, who constantly provide emotional support; aside from the creative work that they do for the movement. Above all, Edward Houng is one who needs to be mentioned for never failing to finance the operation of the movement to enable the founders of the movement to continue this work for humanity. He tells Sunflower that she has the best job in the world.

We are very blessed to have Kirpal Singh as our adviser. Last but not least, Richard Lord, Raffi and Kumar Nantha who have contributed in no small way towards putting our feelings into print.

What are the lone butterflies' tangible goals and aspirations? To ensure as many of our youth as possible are exposed to the concepts of peace, love and harmony.