by Mr. Iraj Abedian
Participation in the "7th International Conference on the "Role of Religion in Development" , hosted by City Montessori School (CMS) in Lucknow, India, was an amazing learning experience and a unique opportunity to meet some truly remarkable individuals from diverse backgrounds & divergent ideological persuasions. The Honourable Dr Adel Omar Sherif, Deputy Chief Justice of Egypt, was one such personality. He has been the chief advisor for the conference since inception. Ms Tahirih Danesh provided remarkable insights, Prof Siraj Khan, Dr Muin Afnani & many others shared valuable inputs. Dr Jagdish Gandhi & his wife Dr Bharti Gandhi are nothing less than remarkable after over 50 years of dedicated service, and now in their 80s, they remain inspirational in their efforts to promote unity, build solid scientific&moral foundations for over 55000 scholars who are enrolled in the world-renowned CMS campuses in Lucknow. Our dear Katya & her friends are volunteers at CMS, involved in Junior Youth Empowerment Programme. Seeing Katya was a real cherry on top of all other blessings of this trip. We also had a 2-hour evening tour of Lucknow, so our hosts catered for all our interests with true Indian hospitality and generosity. Lucknow is known as the Shiraz of India! Shiraz is a well known city in the southern Iran famous for its poets, mystics, roses& the nightingales. The true significance of Shiraz however extends far beyond its historic fame- a tale that is best left for another occasion!
As I head back home, I cannot but wonder at the pace with which our human civilization is decaying whilst at the same time marvel at the fact that millions of our fellow humans are awakening to the reality that we all have a role to play in arresting the decay, rejuvenating the social cohesion, caring for the environment & expending our resources in the promotion of human solidarity. We surely have the scientific tools, but can we muster the required moral and spiritual commitment in this regard? For those at the conference the answer was exemplary & positive!
Participation in the "7th International Conference on the "Role of Religion in Development" , hosted by City Montessori School (CMS) in Lucknow, India, was an amazing learning experience and a unique opportunity to meet some truly remarkable individuals from diverse backgrounds & divergent ideological persuasions. The Honourable Dr Adel Omar Sherif, Deputy Chief Justice of Egypt, was one such personality. He has been the chief advisor for the conference since inception. Ms Tahirih Danesh provided remarkable insights, Prof Siraj Khan, Dr Muin Afnani & many others shared valuable inputs. Dr Jagdish Gandhi & his wife Dr Bharti Gandhi are nothing less than remarkable after over 50 years of dedicated service, and now in their 80s, they remain inspirational in their efforts to promote unity, build solid scientific&moral foundations for over 55000 scholars who are enrolled in the world-renowned CMS campuses in Lucknow. Our dear Katya & her friends are volunteers at CMS, involved in Junior Youth Empowerment Programme. Seeing Katya was a real cherry on top of all other blessings of this trip. We also had a 2-hour evening tour of Lucknow, so our hosts catered for all our interests with true Indian hospitality and generosity. Lucknow is known as the Shiraz of India! Shiraz is a well known city in the southern Iran famous for its poets, mystics, roses& the nightingales. The true significance of Shiraz however extends far beyond its historic fame- a tale that is best left for another occasion!
As I head back home, I cannot but wonder at the pace with which our human civilization is decaying whilst at the same time marvel at the fact that millions of our fellow humans are awakening to the reality that we all have a role to play in arresting the decay, rejuvenating the social cohesion, caring for the environment & expending our resources in the promotion of human solidarity. We surely have the scientific tools, but can we muster the required moral and spiritual commitment in this regard? For those at the conference the answer was exemplary & positive!
