A Week of Unity at the One World One Family World Cultural Festival

Central to the spiritual core of the festival were Sadguru Sri Madhusudan Sai’s profound discourses on the Ashtavakra Gita. Each morning began with the Shanti Mantra, a prayer for peace and protection, setting a contemplative tone. Sadguru introduced the sage Ashtavakra and King Janaka, highlighting the humility of a mighty ruler seeking wisdom from a young guru. He explained that wisdom itself is the proof of a true teacher, just as wet soil proves the presence of rain. 

The central teaching revolved around the universal human quest for wisdom, liberation, and detachment. Sadguru emphasised that the path to spiritual life requires one to renounce worldly pleasures and cultivate a set of “entry qualifications”: shama (forbearance), arjava (integrity), daya (compassion), tosha (contentment), and satya (truth). He revealed the fundamental truth that one is not the body or the mind, but the eternal witness (sākṣī)—pure consciousness, untouched by the transient world. Wrong identification is the source of all bondage; realisation of the Self is liberation. By holding the firm conviction that “I am ever free, I am the Self,” one can live joyfully and unattached, transcending the illusions of the material world.

The festival was graced by an array of global spiritual leaders who shared their unique perspectives on unity and peace, echoing Sadguru’s message.

• Maria Dolores Montes Peña, a Spanish Christian spiritual priest, spoke on the power of silence as a bridge to inner peace and unity.
• Reverend Dr Nyasha Gumbeze shared the values of inclusivity and compassion from her homeland, quoting the Māori proverb that “people are the most important thing in the world.”
• Sheikh Qasem Bader, President of the Universal Peace Council, spoke on the shared spirit of peace among all prophets and the importance of fighting hate.
• Avadhootha Sri Vinay Guruji, an eminent spiritual leader cited “When you become helpless, the Lord will help you — that is the real meaning of prayer. Without discipline, we cannot attain divinity. Humanity comes first, divinity next. Speak with the heart, for it gives only one gain — love.”
• Mr Chanthaliene Xamounty, an educator and humanitarian, spoke on the spiritual and cultural harmony of his country, highlighting the challenges of poverty and the power of small acts of kindness.

The One World One Family Humanitarian Award 2025 recognised individuals and organisations for their exemplary service in categories, such as education, healthcare, women and child welfare, environment, sports & yoga, music & fine arts, corporate governance and unity of religion:

• Dr Luis Falcón is honoured in the category of Healthcare for his outstanding contributions to advancing social medicine, ethical research, and healthcare accessibility worldwide. He is the founder of GNU Solidario and creator of GNU Health, a United Nations-adopted, award-winning health and hospital information system. His work has been instrumental in transforming hospitals and research institutions across the globe.
• Andy Ellis is honoured in the category of Healthcare for his dedication to improving mental health support and empowering vulnerable communities. As Co-founder and Chief Operating Officer of Propagator and Trustee of The Gift Box Charitable Trust, he has helped develop innovative, compassionate tools that aid the recovery of people experiencing mental distress, offering dignity, hope, and a path to healing.
• Sheikh Qasem Bader is honoured in the category of Unity of Religion. His commitment to service was sparked by simple acts of kindness in his youth, which deepened his understanding of the transformative power of compassion. Inspired by spiritual leaders like Rumi and Gandhi, he has since dedicated his life to serving others, embracing service as a profound and heartfelt responsibility.
• The Ukrainian Family is honoured in the category of Women & Child Welfare for its extraordinary dedication to supporting families, empowering women, and safeguarding the wellbeing of children affected by conflict. Founded in 2023 under the leadership of Kostyrko Yuliya Oleksandrivna, the organisation has provided humanitarian, psychological, and social assistance to over 10,000 families, including military families, internally displaced persons (IDPs), and victims of shelling.
• Somphone Sengsouliyavong is honoured in the category of Education for his unwavering dedication to empowering disadvantaged children and young people in Laos through mentorship, life coaching, and education in human values. As Co-founder of the Sengsourigna Children Music and Cultural Centre and General Manager of Shine Art Lao Music and Culture, he has built platforms that guide the young to overcome challenges such as drug addiction, anxiety, and depression.

The CSR Circle of Honour 2025 segment celebrated key partnerships that have amplified the festival’s mission of service:

• Transystem Logistics International Pvt. Ltd. was recognised for their contributions towards Each One Educate One Scholarship initiative of the One World One Family Mission.
• Varian Medical Systems was recognised for their lasting impact in transforming and advancing ENT care in collaboration with Sri Sathya Sai Sarla Memorial Hospital, one of the healthcare initiative of the One World One Family Mission.
• Catalyst Brands (formerly JCPenney) was honoured for their support of the Morning Nutrition Programme, which serves nearly 76,000 children across 6 districts in Karnataka.
• Sai Deepa Rock Drills Pvt. Ltd. was awarded for their long-standing contributions to the nutrition programme in Telangana.
• PD Navkar Bio Chem Private Limited was honoured for providing high-quality mineral vitamin mixes for the Sri Sathya Sai Annapoorna Trust.
• Microsoft was recognised for its employees’ contributions to the morning nutrition programme through the Benevity portal, a collaborative effort to bring “nourishment, care and hope to children across India.”

The evenings were a vibrant celebration of global culture, featuring a blend of traditional music, dance, and artistic expression.

Spain came alive with a fiery Flamenco performance by renowned guitarist Daniel Casares and his ensemble. Their passionate and soulful display of Spanish heritage was a powerful offering of culture and art. The audience was captivated by the powerful Māori haka from New Zealand, performed by Te Fāre-kari-oi of Ngāti Whātua. This traditional war dance, rooted in legend, conveyed a deep sense of spiritual connection and resilience. The performance was a testament to the fact that cultural expression is not just an act but an experience of unity.

Israel’s cultural spirit was shared through the voices of peace and togetherness. The ensemble Belev Echad, led by vocalist Michal Golan, delivered a moving performance with melodies rooted in Jewish tradition, prayers, and the Bible. Their rhythmic and harmonious music was an offering of oneness, love, and cultural pride.

Ukraine was honoured through music by the Horletzia ensemble, a group dedicated to preserving Ukrainian folk music traditions. Horletzia, meaning “turtle dove,” embodied its name, bringing a sense of harmony, peace, and cultural pride through powerful vocals and traditional instruments, leaving the audience with a deep connection to Ukrainian folk traditions.

Finally, Laos unveiled its soul through a cultural program that included the graceful Champa Dance and the melodies of the Khaen, a UNESCO-recognised bamboo organ. Led by Noi Sengsourigna, the artists celebrated 68 ethnic traditions, beautifully echoing Sadguru’s call to service:

“Let us always look at what we can give instead of asking what we can get. Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.” 

The inaugural week of the One World One Family World Cultural Festival 2025 was more than just a series of events; it was a powerful testament to the timeless wisdom that humanity is a single family. Through the collective action of spiritual leaders, humanitarians, and artists, the festival transcended geographical boundaries and cultural differences.

The key highlight of the week was Sadguru Sri Madhusudan Sai being recognised with the Highest Peace Leader Award 2025 by the Universal Peace Council, Israel.

The shared moments of spiritual discourse, the recognition of selfless service through humanitarian awards, and the vibrant displays of global culture all underscored a central truth: our diversity is a source of strength, and our unity is the key to a better world.

As the week concluded, it left behind not just a collection of memories, but a profound inspiration for the upcoming weeks—a reminder that in every act of kindness and every expression of our heritage, we are building a more compassionate and connected future for all.