Tag: Master

News #72: Madal Bal Celebrates 30 Years in Hungary

Posted on by Yatkara

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

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:

News #71: Self-Transcendence 24-Hour Track Race — London, United Kingdom

Posted on by Yatkara

On the weekend of 20–21 September 2025, 52 dedicated runners gathered at Battersea Park’s Millennium Stadium in London for the Self-Transcendence 24-Hour Track Race. Despite challenging, blustery conditions, participants embraced the physical and mental challenge of covering as many laps as possible within 24 hours.

In his debut at this distance, Julien Cazorla (FRA) led the men’s field with an impressive 242.939 km (150.955 miles). Paula Bedford (GBR) topped the women’s division with 188.605 km (117.193 miles). Notably, seven athletes surpassed the 200 km mark, and 31 runners completed over 100 miles, highlighting the event’s competitive spirit and the athletes’ endurance.

The race, organized by the Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team in conjunction with Run and Become, is renowned for its superb organization and has been a fixture in the UK ultrarunning calendar since 1989. It serves as a testament to the principles of self-transcendence, perseverance, and community.

More Information:

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

News #70: Sri Chinmoy Duathlon – Tockington, Bristol, United Kingdom

Posted on by Yatkara

On 14 September 2025, the Sri Chinmoy Duathlon at Tockington, near Bristol, United Kingdom, delivered one of the fastest races in the series. All participants completed the course in under an hour, with 11 athletes finishing in under 40 minutes, and new women’s course records were set.

Colette Sanderson became the first woman to complete the Short Course, setting a new record of 33:57, while Christopher Clarke claimed victory in the Short Course/Open category in 26:59. In the full-distance race, Sonka Reimers established a new women’s course record of 34:33, surpassing the previous best by over a minute. The long-course overall winner was veteran 60+ athlete Alan Price, who finished in 34:18, demonstrating remarkable endurance and skill.

The 2025 season now comes to a close. Next year, the Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team plans three Duathlons, a Try-a-Tri at Tockington, a three-race running series on the Sri Chinmoy Peace Mile in Eastville, and the signature Ice Cream Relay (3 × 1 Mile).

More Information:

To explore upcoming Sri Chinmoy races: www.srichinmoyraces.org.
To learn more about Sri Chinmoy’s vision and legacy: www.srichinmoy.org.