Walk for Values 2008
Committed to Making a Difference, One Step at a Time
All eyes were turned to the skies on the morning of June 22, expecting thunderstorms that had been predicted by all weather forecasters. But what greeted everyone instead was a bright, smiling sun, promising nothing but warmth and a cool breeze. So, what was it that took historic Battery Park and downtown Manhattan by a storm? It was none other than hundreds of members of the Sathya Sai Organization, Mid-Atlantic Region, along with their friends, families, neighbors, and co-workers, who had pledged to make a difference. And they did, one step at a time, at Walk for Values USA.
Young and old, men, women, and children from as diverse backgrounds as New York City itself, turned out to help raise the universal consciousness and awareness about the importance of practicing the five basic human values of truth, right conduct, love, non-violence, and peace, as taught to us by Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba. Concerned about increasing violence in schools, the threat of global warming, and a decline of morale in the nation, participants of the walk pledged to “adopt a value” that they will practice themselves, to help bring about this awareness through their own personal transformations.
They traveled by busloads for several hours from as far as Washington, D.C. and Virginia, bringing with them signs, placards, and banners with messages of peace, compassion, love, kindness, forgiveness, tolerance, and so on—all lovingly hand-made by children and adults—to join hundreds of participants from New Jersey, Delaware, New York City, and its surrounding areas.
When asked by the TV Asia crew why he was there, one young boy, who looked to be about seven years old, replied, “So the world could see what we are doing. It is important for everyone to practice these human values.”
A group of Sai Young Adults from Canada, with members of the team that started the original Walk for Values, made the 12-hour journey by car to give its loving support to the New York version of the event, thereby further strengthening their vision of “Values Without Borders.”
By the time registration opened at 9 a.m., many had already gathered in beautiful and serene Battery Park, listening to the soft hum of the ocean waves and watching sailboats swaying with the breeze. The majestic Statue of Liberty, not so far off in the distance, added a special meaning to the idea of practicing values like freedom and equality. Thousands of tourists had already started arriving in the park, and they were the lucky witnesses to a historic event taking place in the more-than-400-year-old Manhattan landmark. The joy and excitement written on the faces of everyone who had come prepared for the Walk, carrying a sign, placard, or banner in their hands and hearts, ready to imbibe Swami’s message in their lives, was a wonderful indication that all would be well in the world.
There were ample supplies of water, granola bars, sandwiches, and apples for anyone who wanted a refreshment or snack before the Walk started. Participants also had the opportunity to stop by the “Adopt a Value” booth to share the value they had selected to practice, and how doing so benefited them. Even the children boldly came forward to share their values.
Sai Young Adults enthusiastically equipped to paint the town with love, drew heart symbols and painted the word “Love” on the beaming faces of children and adults alike. Their presence was everywhere, managing the stage, handling sound, marshalling, security, and emceeing the entire program with the kind of cool discipline and commitment only found in dedicated Sai Young Adults. They gained the attention of many by their willingness to lead by example. After watching them distributing lunch packets to all, and then walking around with garbage bags to collect the trash, one onlooker exclaimed, “Such disciplined teamwork! It is impressive to see this in young people.”
Resplendent in their white Walk for Values USA T-shirts and caps, almost 1,000 kindred spirits had already formed long lines for as far as the eye could see along the Admiral Dewey Promenade, as the opening program began at 10 a.m. with items like a slow, meditative warm-up exercise by the Energy of Breath Institute; a welcome address by Piyush Ghayal and Bob Singh; and Audrey Bailey’s superb rendition of the “Star Spangled Banner.” Dr. David Gries also spoke on the history of the Walk for Values program and the importance of implementing human values in our lives.
Young adults Sridevi Raman, Vivek Virani, and Ria Nair gave a soul-stirring performance of the Walk theme song, “Banners of Human Values,” which they composed themselves.
Escorted by the New York City Police Department, the procession of gleaming faces and bright smiles began the Walk with Dr. Gries and Elaine Gries as Grand Marshalls. One by one they went, proudly displaying messages of hope, peace, love and forgiveness. One sign said: “Life is living, loving, listening, lifting, and learning.” Another read: “Watch your words, actions, thoughts, character, and heart.” Still another reminded: “Equality: everyone smiles in the same language.”
Onlookers who gathered in the streets in downtown Manhattan to watch the sea of love and commitment showed their appreciation by giving a thumbs-up sign or nodding their heads in support and agreement. Tourists perched high up on the decks of the tour buses peered down to catch a glimpse of the splendid sight below. Even the usually busy and impatient New York City traffic stopped to look and allowed everyone to cross the major street junctions as a group. It was truly love and kindness in action.
At Ground Zero, everyone stopped for two minutes of silence as a tribute to those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001. It was a touching moment for many.
As the Walk came to the last stretch, and the hot midday sun became more intense, Swami blessed us with a light rain that sent a cool breeze through the crowd, to the delight of everyone.
The closing ceremony was one to remember. As the Italian prayer song “Ave Maria” reverberated throughout Battery Park, one eager participant spontaneously stepped onto the podium to share her joy. Dr. Ronne Marantz then briefly spoke on human values and encouraged the organizers to continue planning similar events. Ram Singhal, of the Brahma Kumaris, was invited to the podium to speak on behalf of the nearly 100 Brahma Kumari members who participated in the Walk. He expressed his appreciation and joy to be a part of the program.
The last event was an extraordinary performance by Bervine Harris and the Renaissance EMS Band that rocked the audience and had everyone tapping and clapping, while sending a deep message into their hearts and minds. Ranging in age from 9 to 19, the band members performed the song that inspired Walk for Values USA, called “Care for Me,” a composition that they had recently created themselves to increase awareness in their community, and as a reminder to all parents, that children need a safer, kinder, gentler, and more caring society.
There were many, many volunteers who lovingly gave of their time and energy to make the Walk a success, including several doctors and off-duty police officers. St. Vincent’s Hospital, located in downtown Manhattan, generously made available emergency care personnel and a vehicle in the event that they were needed.
Walk for Values USA may have ended in Battery Park, but all those who participated in the memorable event left with a renewed commitment to continue strengthening their practice of the human values of Truth, Right Conduct, Love, Nonviolence, and Peace. For more information on Walk for Values USA, please visit www.walkforvaluesusa.org.
~Walk for Values USA Team
