A Week of Culture and Shared Humanity Taking Centre Stage

The festival welcomed a series of distinguished spiritual leaders and scholars from across the globe, each sharing a unique perspective on service, faith, and unity.

• Ms Elly Mulder (Netherlands): A street pastor and PhD candidate, Miss Mulder’s life is a testament to the power of compassion and shared humanity. She believes, “every individual embodies the divine and deserves respect, acceptance, and compassion,” a philosophy that aligns with the festival’s core values. She shared, “Once you work and serve from love, once you really know what it means to serve from love, it changes you. The fulfilment it brings is unparalleled.”

• Prof Hyo Soon Kong (South Korea): As Vice President of the Phnom Penh University of the Arts and a devoted Deaconess, Prof. Kong embodies the fusion of education, faith, and cultural exchange. Her work in promoting the Korean language and culture builds bridges of understanding across nations.
• Revd Peter Salifu Kotia Bugri (Ghana): Through his Blessed Lamb Outreach Ministry, Revd. Bugri has brought hope to the marginalised, guided by the belief that “true faith is shown in acts of compassion.” He reminded us of Dr Martin Luther King Jr.’s words: “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is: what are you doing for others?”
• Dr Elhady (Egypt): A scholar, healer, and humanitarian, Dr Elhady’s work in nursing education and interfaith dialogue is dedicated to healing, teaching, and uniting hearts. She shared, “Even the smallest act of love can transform a life.”
• L P Bhanu Sharma (Nepal): A revered Spiritual Master and Life Coach, L P Bhanu Sharma believes that when we connect with our inner divinity, we create a world of joy and harmony. He reminded us that “the true human spirit lies in courage against all odds.”
• Prah Somavedi Dr Im Sopheak (Cambodia): As Rector of the Samdech Akka Mohasenapadei Techo Hun Sen Buddhist University, Prah Somavedi’s life is a testament to the power of education and spiritual guidance in uplifting society and creating a compassionate world.

People who have devoted their lives to helping others were honoured at the festival’s award ceremonies.

• Mr Eric Laarakker (Netherlands): Recognised for his lifelong advocacy for holistic healing, Mr Laarakker has pioneered innovative, accessible solutions for chronic illness through Water & Light, Analemma, and Information medicine. He believes that “in the eyes of God, human or animal is the same and deserves the same respect.”
• Professor Seong Cheol Lee (South Korea): As Vice President of the Korea Volunteer Forum, Prof. Lee has dedicated his life to advancing volunteerism as a way of life, leading volunteer missions across the globe.

• Mr Isaac Nabiam (Ghana): Recognised for his tireless efforts in uplifting rural communities through literacy and education, Mr Nabiam has helped countless young people break the cycle of poverty. “It doesn’t matter the colour, race or creed, we are all one,” he said.
• Dr Ahmed Fouad (Egypt): A counselling psychologist and author, Dr Fouad was honoured for his work in helping individuals and families overcome psychological challenges through his Bidaya Counselling Foundation.
• Ms Charimaya Tamang (Nepal): A survivor of human trafficking, Ms Tamang transformed her pain into purpose by co-founding the world’s first survivor-led anti-trafficking organisation, Shakti Samuha. Her work has strengthened legal frameworks and provided hope and dignity to countless survivors.
• H.E. Prak Sokhonn (Cambodia): An eminent politician and diplomat, H.E. Prak Sokhonn was honoured for his contributions to strengthening Cambodia’s global standing and his commitment to peace and stability.
• Dr Bhoomikumar Jegannathan (Cambodia): A child psychiatrist honoured for his work with children with neurodevelopmental disabilities.

Foundations and corporate partners that match their mission with community impact were honoured by the CSR Circle of Honour.

• Philips India: Recognised for its significant efforts in improving health and well-being.
  Give Grants: Honoured for their support of the Annapoorna Morning Nutrition Programme, which has expanded to multiple states and ensured children receive essential nutrition.
• Aero Treatments Pvt Ltd: Recognised for providing critical aerospace support services.
• Vidya Jyoti: A UK-based charity honoured for supporting rural communities in Ghana, Nigeria, Uganda, Cambodia, and India through various initiatives.
• Canbank Computer Services Ltd. (CCSL): Recognised for its trusted IT solutions across multiple industries.
• Fifth Avenue International: A global manufacturing partner recognised for its commitment to ethical practices and community development.
• eTravelvalue India Pvt Ltd: Honoured as India’s first corporate travel portal, providing seamless business travel solutions.
• Rotary International Bangalore: A key supporter of healthcare initiatives, its contributions have significantly enhanced the ability to provide life-saving care to children in need.

The evenings at the One World One Family World Cultural Festival, under the guiding vision of Sadguru Sri Madhusudan Sai, were a vibrant symphony of global cultures. Each performance was a heartfelt offering from a different part of the world, reminding us that while our cultures may be diverse, our spirit is one.

On 16 September, the Ghent Folk Violin Project from Belgium transported the audience with a fusion of traditional Belgian folk music and contemporary creativity. Their performance, carried by the warmth of the guitar, the rustic charm of the bagpipes, and the lyrical beauty of violins, filled the halls with joy. As Sadguru Sri Madhusudan Sai shared, “Your last thoughts become the reason for your next birth… Let them be happy.”

The following evening, on 17 September, we were honoured to welcome Pung-dhyu, an ensemble from South Korea. Through dance and the beats of the janggu (hourglass drum), the tones of the daegeum and danso flutes, and the lyrical strains of the gayageum and ajaeng, their performance evoked both the meditative spirit of Sinawi and the vibrant energy of Sanjo. The performance resonated with Sadguru’s words: “Gratitude is declining in society while entitlement spreads like the plague. In such times, great cultures come together to our rescue.”

On 18 September, the vibrant rhythms of Ghana came alive with the Dokodoko Ensemble. Founded by Seprewa virtuoso Nana Osei Twum Barima, the ensemble celebrated Ghana’s diverse musical heritage. It was a movement of resilience and community, and a reminder that, as Sadguru said, “One who does good work is rewarded with more work by God. If no work comes your way, it is His sign to serve and do better.”

The evening of 19 September transported the audience into the timeless melodies of the Arab Republic of Egypt. Five gifted artists brought this legacy to life with the soulful sounds of the oud, qanun, nay, darbuka, and riq. The performance resonated with Sadguru’s words: “We have always been one family… By returning to our roots and rediscovering what we share, we can bring people together within their hearts again.”

On 20 September, we witnessed the vibrant heritage of Nepal come alive with the Everest Nepal Cultural Group. Folk and classical dances such as the Kumari, Dhimey, and Tharu unfolded on stage. The performance ended with the song “Saya Thari Baja Eutai Taal,” a beautiful reminder that though many traditions exist, they beat together with one heartbeat of love and cultural pride. This echoed Sadguru’s words that the “true human spirit lies in courage against all odds… we only need to awaken it.”

The cultural programme on 21 September, was a heartfelt tribute to Cambodia. The artists of the Princess Buppha Devi Dance School performed Sita Apaharana, a revered choreography from the Royal Ballet. This living tradition safeguards the spiritual and cultural treasures of Cambodia. The performance served as a reminder of Sadguru’s teaching: “Unless the body, mind and spirit are all happy, we cannot be healthy. We need health physically, mentally, emotionally, and above all, spiritually.”

The festival continues to be a profound experience, demonstrating that spirituality, service, and culture converge to nurture a world where humanity truly lives as one family.