The World Harmony Run, founded by Sri Chinmoy, is a global relay that seeks to promote international friendship and understanding. As a symbol of harmony, runners carry a flaming torch, passing it from hand to hand between members of thousands of local communities, travelling through over 70 nations around the globe. The World Harmony Run is a true grassroots event that touches the lives of millions of people along its route. The runners visit schools, community groups, running clubs, and local and national government organizations. At these stops they celebrate the goal of world harmony as well as recognize people in the community who work for harmony in their own special way.

This was one of the first World Harmony Runs of 2007. On February 14th it covered just a few miles on the roads of a small town in Thailand. No international borders were crossed, no heads of state were present, the ceremony was simple and from the heart.

Yet the kids from the Montford School and Wachirait Primary school had an experience that day they will never forget. A group of runners from 10 countries carried the Harmony run torch into their school yard and shared with them a vision of a united world family.

Of course the runners received a valuable lesson as well from the students. In their enthusiastic willingness to participate and in their spontaneous joy, a heartfelt smile is the most precious gift in the world.


Utpal Marshall

CREDITS
Camera & Edit: Utpal Marshall