Category: Sri Chinmoy Oneness-Home Peace Run

Video #317: In Loving Memory of Jane Goodall – A Tribute to a Life of Compassion and Discovery

Posted on by Yatkara

On October 1, 2025, the world lost a pioneering force in conservation and empathy, Dame Jane Goodall. At 91, she passed away in Los Angeles during a speaking tour. Her groundbreaking research in Gombe Stream National Park transformed our understanding of chimpanzees and their connection to humanity.

In April 2003, Dr. Goodall met with Sri Chinmoy, founder of the Sri Chinmoy Oneness-Home Peace Run, in New York. During this meeting, she delivered an inspirational talk to hundreds of Peace Run enthusiasts, emphasizing the importance of hope and action in the face of global challenges. She also shared a transformative experience witnessing the migration of sandhill cranes and snow geese, reinforcing her belief in the possibility of peace and the necessity of standing strong against fear and hate. Read more about this event.

Dr. Goodall’s commitment to peace and environmental stewardship resonated with Sri Chinmoy’s vision. In his book Listen to Nature, Sri Chinmoy stresses the need for a deep spiritual connection with the natural world, a sentiment echoed by Dr. Goodall in her foreword to the book. Learn more about the book.

May her spirit continue to inspire us all to act with compassion and strive for a harmonious world.

More Information:
Learn more about Jane Goodall at the Jane Goodall Institute.
Discover more about the global Peace Run at www.peacerun.org.
For upcoming events and activities, visit www.srichinmoycentre.org.
To learn more about Sri Chinmoy and his life’s work, please visit www.srichinmoy.org.

Video #316: Swimming 20 Bridges Around Manhattan for Peace – Vasanti Sets Record

Posted on by Yatkara

On September 12, 2025, Peace Run team member Vasanti Niemz (68) from Germany completed the iconic 20 Bridges open-water swim around Manhattan Island, dedicating it to Peace, in honour of the United Nations’ 80th Anniversary, the 55th year of Sri Chinmoy’s Peace Meditations at the UN, and the upcoming International Day of Peace.

Vasanti became the oldest woman ever to finish this swim, completing 48.5 km in 9 hours 34 minutes (current-assisted). The Peace Torch was lit at Pier A at both the start and finish, and carried on the escort boat by her crew, Pipasa and Jamini. The event was organized by New York Open Water (NYOW), which provided safety support – pilot, observer, and kayaker.

For Vasanti, the Manhattan swim was a lifelong dream. With separate group starts now by speed and carefully timed with tidal currents, it became possible even for slower swimmers. This year’s swim also marked her 40th anniversary of her first English Channel crossing (Sept. 9, 1985) – a very special combination of personal history and global tribute.

Having now completed two of the three components of the Triple Crown of Open Water Swimming, she plans to attempt the Catalina Channel in August 2026, aiming for another age record.

Because the higher gears on her bike malfunctioned the next day, she wasn’t able to complete her intended Peace Triathlon (swim + 50 km bike + 5 mi run). Instead, after relighting the Peace Torch at Pier A, she did a leisurely 20-mile sightseeing bike loop along the Hudson and East River Greenway, with detours, dead ends, and a visit past the UN Headquarters. It made for a peaceful recovery ride.

More Information:

Video #314: Shamita Achenbach-König’s Solo Run – Vienna to Oslo

Posted on by Yatkara

For the fifth time, Shamita Achenbach-König set out on a remarkable solo run across Europe – this year from Vienna, Austria to Oslo, Norway (September 5-24, 2025). Inspired by Sri Chinmoy, founder of the Sri Chinmoy Oneness-Home Peace Run, she once again put into practice his philosophy of self-transcendence, dedicating her journey to World Peace and harmony among nations.

Individual self-transcendence collectively inspires humanity at large.

–  Sri Chinmoy, Seventy-Seven Thousand Service-Trees, Part 13, Agni Press, 1999

Shamita covered an incredible 2,000 km in 19 days and 2 hours, averaging 80-90 km per day and running up to 12–14 hours daily. Along the way, she climbed more than 6,300 meters, crossing hills and small mountains in countries like the Czech Republic and Norway.

Her route included six countries:

  • Austria 🇦🇹 (1 day)
  • Czech Republic 🇨🇿 (3 days)
  • Germany 🇩🇪 (6 days)
  • Denmark 🇩🇰 (3 days)
  • Sweden 🇸🇪 (5 days)
  • Norway 🇳🇴 (2 days)

Shamita’s journey stands as a powerful reminder that when one person strives to go beyond themselves, it can inspire humanity as a whole.

To explore upcoming Sri Chinmoy races: www.srichinmoyraces.org.
To learn more about Sri Chinmoy: www.srichinmoy.org.

News #64: Annual Sri Chinmoy Heart-Garden Run and Ceremony – October 12, 2025

Posted on by Yatkara

On Sunday, October 12, 2025, the Sri Chinmoy Centre will hold the annual Heart-Garden Run and Ceremony at Flushing Meadows Corona Park, Queens, New York. Flushing Meadows holds special meaning — on October 11, 2006, both Sri Chinmoy Peace Street and Sri Chinmoy Heart-Garden were dedicated, an occasion in which Sri Chinmoy was present.

The program:

  • 9:45 AM – Children’s fun runs (100m / 800m)
  • 10:00 am – Children’s Peace Run program (20-30 minutes)
  • 10:00 AM – 2-Mile Run/Walk begins
  • 10:30 AM – Heart-Garden Ceremony, including:
    • Peace Walk with the Peace Torch
    • Singing performances
    • Torch-Bearer Awards honouring distinguished guests for their contributions
    • Inspirational words by our guests
    • Gifts, refreshments, and mixing

Participation is free of charge.

For full event details, please visit the official event page: us.srichinmoyraces.org/heart-garden-race
For more information about events, visit the official website: www.srichinmoycentre.org.
To learn more about Sri Chinmoy, please visit: www.srichinmoy.org.

News #51: Sri Chinmoy Oneness-Home Peace Run to Celebrate UN International Day of Peace in Italy – September 20–23, 2025

Posted on by Yatkara

This September, the Sri Chinmoy Oneness-Home Peace Run will mark the UN International Day of Peace with a special four-day journey through Italy, from September 20–23, 2025.

The 11th edition of the Peace Run in Italy will begin in Rome, known as the “Capital of Peace”, where over 5,000 peace-themed drawings by children will be displayed. The official inauguration will take place in Florence, in the historic Salone dei Cinquecento, a venue rarely opened to outside organisations and full of artistic and cultural resonance.

From there, the Peace Run will continue through Viareggio, Pietrasanta, Sant’Anna di Stazzema, and will conclude in Lerici, on the breathtaking Gulf of Poets. Each location will host events featuring community participation, silent meditations, ceremonial gatherings, and children’s peace activities.

This year’s Peace Run promises to be a vibrant celebration of harmony, creativity, and oneness, bringing together people of all backgrounds in a shared aspiration for a more peaceful world.

For more information:
Official Peace Run Website: www.peacerun.org.
Learn more about Sri Chinmoy: www.srichinmoy.org.