Culture as a Unifying Force: Week 3 Highlights from the OWOF World Cultural Festival

Central to the spiritual core of the festival were Sadguru Sri Madhusudan Sai’s profound discourses on the Ashtavakra Gita and Kathopanishad, which guided seekers to the direct recognition of the Self.

Drawing from the timeless dialogue between the sage Ashtavakra and King Janaka, Sadguru explained that true realisation does not come from rituals or intellectual philosophies, but through an immediate, intuitive insight into one’s true nature. He used a powerful metaphor: just as a lion cub raised among sheep suddenly recognises its true nature with a single roar, King Janaka awakened to the Self with a flash of clarity. Sadguru explained the fundamental truth: “I am Niranjanaha—pure and blemishless. I am Shanta—peaceful by nature. I am Bodha—awareness itself.” He clarified that the source of all suffering is the illusion of a separate self: “The confusion begins when you think some are yours and some are not.”

Sadguru illustrated two spiritual paths from this realisation: one of renunciation, like that of Ramana Maharshi, and another of engaged action, as exemplified by Swami Vivekananda. He emphasised that our path is a harmonious blend of both—loving service born of unity. “See yourself in all, love and serve all. That purity itself leads to realisation,” he said, affirming that selfless action prepares the mind for higher wisdom.

He also explored the vision of the Kathopanishad, explaining that the world, the individual, and the Divine are merely expressions of the same consciousness. Using the analogy of waves upon an ocean, he explained that all appearances rest upon the substratum of the Self. The true jñani (knower), therefore, sees divinity in all beings, without judgment.

Sadguru concluded by affirming that this Brahmajnana, or divine knowledge, is not distant or exclusive but “everybody’s birthright.” It is attainable here and now through unwavering faith in the Guru, selfless love, and the sincere effort to align with our true, eternal nature.

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

• Ms Ines Zaghdoudi from Tunisia shared her transformative spiritual journey, emphasising that “You do not need to withdraw from the world to realise the truth. All you need is a sincere longing for it, knowledge of your purpose, complete focus, and the courage to look into the mirror of truth.”
• Dr Dambajav Khamba Lama, the Chief Abbot of Dashichoiling Monastery in Mongolia, spoke on the power of compassion, stating, “The true strength of a nation lies not in power or wealth, but in the purity of its spirit and the compassion of its people.”
• Ms Shorouq Mohammed Ramadan from Jordan shared how love and awareness are the true pathways to freedom and harmony. She said, “The greatest secret of this existence is love; the secret of the universe is love, as love is a high state of consciousness that elevates us to inner peace and happiness.”
• Ms Nevin Shendi from Palestine shared how selfless service transformed her spiritual journey, becoming “the doorway through which I entered my true self.” She affirmed, “When we serve with love, we come to know God. And when we know Him, everything falls silent except the light within.”
• Aya Mahna, a Syrian-born singer, songwriter, and humanitarian, shared insights into Syria’s history, culture, and resilience, reminding us how “Storytelling, poetry, and music preserve memory and identity across generations.”

The One World One Family Humanitarian Award 2025 recognised individuals for their exemplary service. This award honours those whose work exemplifies the spirit of compassion and global unity.

• Ms Hanan Dawood from Tunisia was honoured in the category of Education for her selfless service, which includes initiatives that provide food, clothing, and livelihood projects to empower communities. She reminds us that “Every touch of love makes a difference, and true education rooted in mercy and dignity must begin on the ground.”
• Dr Bayaraa Danjin and Mrs Dugarjav Tsetsegmaa from Mongolia were honoured in the category of Education for nearly three decades of work transforming education into a force for social change. Their message is, “Education must nurture both the mind and the heart, for only then can it build a compassionate and resilient society.”
• Ms Samar Zagha from Palestine was honoured in the category of Women and Child Welfare. Through her foundation, she provides food, medicine, and education to families in need. Her message is, “Service is not just action—it is a prayer. To love is to love freely.”

The CSR Circle of Honour 2025 segment celebrated key partnerships that have amplified the impact of the One World One Family Mission.

• OneSight EssilorLuxottica Foundation was recognised for its unwavering commitment to universal vision care, exemplified by its partnership with the One World One Family Mission to restore the gift of sight for all.
• ASM Technologies Ltd. was honoured for its support of nutrition and healthcare initiatives, including contributions to the Annapoorna Trust and critical medical equipment for the Sri Sathya Sai Sarla Memorial Hospital. Accepting the award, Ms Priti Rabindra, Chairperson of the CSR Committee, said, “Our contributions to the hospital equipment in this campus are an enriching experience which further inspires us to work towards a common goal of serving humanity.”
• Software AG, a German multinational enterprise software company, was honoured for its support of the Each One Educate One Foundation, which provides scholarships to Gurukulam students. Their commitment empowers underprivileged children with brighter opportunities.

• The “Know Your Mission” segment showcased the impactful work of the Each One Educate One Foundation, founded by Sadguru Sri Madhusudan Sai. The mission is dedicated to providing free, high-quality, values-based education to rural and underprivileged children. Mr Sunil Narang, Chief Functionary & Trustee of the Foundation, shared its growth from a single initiative to a comprehensive educational model, which now serves over 3,000 students and exemplifies women’s empowerment.
• The segment also spotlighted the Annapoorna Morning Nutrition Programme, recognised as the world’s largest school breakfast initiative. Mr Anand Kadali, Trustee and CEO of Sri Sathya Sai Annapoorna Trust, spoke about its growth from feeding 50 children to serving over 10 million daily. He highlighted how the program is not only nourishing children but also uplifting communities through collaboration and innovation.

The evenings were a vibrant celebration of global culture, featuring a blend of traditional music, dance, and artistic expression that transported the audience across continents and traditions.

• Tunisia‘s musical ensemble lit up the stage with a performance deeply rooted in history and devotion. The group, led by international nasheed artist Ahmed Jelmem, masterfully blended Arab, Berber, and Mediterranean influences to create a harmony that touched every heart. Their performance showcased the timeless beauty of Mālūf, Tunisia’s treasured classical tradition. This genre, with its origins in medieval Iberia, is rich with intricate rhythmic patterns and melodic ornamentation. The music, an offering of oneness and cultural pride, demonstrated how heritage can be a unifying force.
• Mongolia shared its soul through a breathtaking cultural program of music and dance. The performance featured the captivating depth of throat singing (khöömii), a unique vocal technique where one person simultaneously produces a fundamental tone and an overtone, creating a mesmerising harmonic sound. This was accompanied by the rich tones of the morin khuur (horsehead fiddle), a two-stringed instrument considered a national symbol of Mongolia. With dancers embodying both nomadic and Buddhist essence, the evening became a window into the nation’s timeless spirit, echoing the vastness of the steppes and the wisdom of ancestors.
• A talented troupe from Palestine brought their homeland’s soul alive through music and dance. Their performance resonated with stories of resilience and spirit, featuring the soulful strains of the oud (a pear-shaped lute) and qanun (a zither-like string instrument). The electrifying beats of dabke and darbuka (a goblet drum) provided the rhythm for a powerful line dance (dabke) that unites friends and family. The audience was captivated by the collective energy and deeply meaningful cultural expression that celebrates identity and unity even through hardship.
• The evening concluded with a captivating cultural program showcasing the soulful music of Syria. Known for blending classical and folk traditions, the Syrian artists used instruments such as the oud, qanun, flute, and percussion to perform music that celebrated Syria’s deep history and emotional richness. The soulful performances, led by artists like Aya Mahna on the oud, Dr Wahib Alshar on flute, and others, evoked both nostalgia and hope. Sadguru described the performance as deeply engaging, noting how its “groovy music just takes you along” and makes one feel “involved and engaged.” He beautifully compared the experience to “going along with you on a camel ride across the desert,” expressing heartfelt gratitude for the soulful singing and playing.

The One World One Family World Cultural Festival continues to be more than an event—it is a movement, a gentle yet powerful reminder that humanity’s strength lies in its togetherness.

The week of 28 to 31 August became a shining example of what is possible when spiritual wisdom, humanitarian service, corporate responsibility, and cultural expression come together on one stage. It was not just a festival—it was a vision for the future.

As the festival moves into its next phase, it carries forward an enduring truth: when the world gathers as a family, divisions dissolve, and love becomes the common language.