News #73: Sri Chinmoy 6-Hour Race – Amstelveen, Netherlands

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The weather finally cooperated for this edition of the Sri Chinmoy 6-Hour Race on September 27, 2025 – dry conditions, light wind, and occasional autumn sunshine made for perfect running. 23 participants took to the start line, ready to challenge themselves and enjoy one of the friendliest ultramarathons of the year.

Women’s Race:
The women’s race was a thrilling contest. With only four women starting, the fastest three ran closely together throughout the six hours, frequently exchanging the lead. Early on, Ugne Mirauskaite from Lithuania set a strong pace, followed by Germany’s Sabine Andres and Dutch ultra-debutante Marieke Tettero. In the end, Marieke showed the strongest endurance, covering 62.884 km, followed closely by Andres with 62.590 km and Mirauskaite with 62.399 km – all within half a kilometer after six hours of racing!

Men’s Race:
The men’s race was less contested at the top. Jermo in het Veld from Edam led from the start and held the lead throughout, finishing with 71.730 km. Second place went to Elger Bouwman from Zaandam (68.196 km) and third to Jelle Bolte from Bergschenhoek (62.140 km).

Special Mentions:
• Koos Rademaker from Amersfoort, at 80 years old, was the oldest participant ever in this race. He completed the full six hours and set a Dutch record for the 80+ age category with 48.476 km.
• Lars Mijnbergen, celebrating his 16th birthday just three weeks prior, was the youngest participant and impressively ran nearly 53 km.
• Dirk van Schaik of the Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team completed his first ultra after only a year of dedicated training, covering 55.174 km, and received the audience award for the most enthusiastic support.

More Information:

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

News #72: Madal Bal Celebrates 30 Years in Hungary

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Madal Bal, founded in Switzerland in 1978, marked 30 years of expansion into Hungary over the weekend of October 4–5 in Visegrád. Originally entering Hungary in 1993, the company began in Budapest, supplying DIY and trend shops, and has since expanded across the country.

Today, Madal Bal is a recognized name in Hungary’s wholesale and retail sectors, offering health food, gift products, tools, and more. Over its three decades here, it has become woven into the daily lives of many Hungarian consumers.

During the anniversary weekend, nearly 150 participants joined the celebrations, reflecting the company’s deep integration into the Hungarian wellness community.

Check out Madal Bal’s full history and international operations at madalbal.com.
To learn more about Sri Chinmoy and his life’s work, please visit www.srichinmoy.org.

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

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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

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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:

Week 225: I Love Singing

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Songs:

– Jani Jani Chapalatar Sugopanam
– The Secret Name of Restlessness
– Amar Sathi Nitya Nutan
– My Friend

Enjoy singing along with the audio recordings. These songs are composed by Sri Chinmoy and performed by his disciple Purnakama. Please click the links below to listen to or download the audio and song scores:

Track 1
Track 2
Track 3
Track 4
Song Scores

 

Lyrics:

1. Jani Jani Chapalatar Sugopanam

Jani jani chapalatar
Sugopanam durbalata

Translation:

I know, I know,
The secret name of restlessness is weakness.
– Sri Chinmoy, ‘I Implore Your Compassion-Light’ songbook


2. The Secret Name of Restlessness

I know, I know,
The secret name of restlessness is weakness.
– Sri Chinmoy, ‘I Implore Your Compassion-Light’ songbook


3. Amar Sathi Nitya Nutan

Amar sathi nitya nutan
Jiban hasir gan

Translation:

My friend is my ever-new
Life-happiness-song.
– Sri Chinmoy, ‘I Implore Your Compassion-Light’ songbook


4. My Friend

My friend is my ever-new
Life-happiness-song.
– Sri Chinmoy, ‘I Implore Your Compassion-Light’ songbook


For more of Sri Chinmoy’s published songs, visit the official website: www.srichinmoysongs.com.
To learn more about Sri Chinmoy, please visit: www.srichinmoy.org.

© 2025 Sri Chinmoy Centre