Video #339: Martin Luther King Day:  “I Have a Dream”

On January 14, 2026, the Sri Chinmoy Centre in New York to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s life and birthday. They performed the inspiring “I Have a Dream’ Song, featuring words from Dr. King’s historic 1963 “I Have a Dream” speech set to a beautiful melody by Sri Chinmoy, with a fresh piano arrangement. This musical tribute reminds us of hope, unity, and non-violence in divided times.

Historical Roots of the Song

The “I Have a Dream” song first premiered in 1977 at a special United Nations program honoring Dr. King. Mrs. Coretta Scott King attended as the guest of honor and keynote speaker. She heard the song performed in her presence, blending Dr. King’s powerful words with Sri Chinmoy’s uplifting melody.

Dr. King, a global beacon of peace, received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964 for his non-violent efforts toward equality and justice. His message transcends borders and eras.

The Performance at Aspiration-Ground

At Aspiration-Ground, a peaceful outdoor space in Jamaica Hills, New York, Sri Chinmoy’s students sang with devotion. The lyrics include:

I have a dream.
Today, with this faith we will be able
to work together, to pray together, to struggle together,
to go to jail together, to stand up for freedom together,
knowing that we will be free one day.

[Words of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.]

Sheet music is available here: “I Have a Dream”.

The new piano arrangement added emotional depth, making the performance even more moving. This tradition continues yearly, keeping Dr. King’s vision alive through music and meditation.

Timeless Relevance Today

In our world of divisions, Dr. King’s dream of unity, hope, and promise feels more urgent than ever. Sri Chinmoy, a dedicated advocate for world peace, created this song to inspire oneness and positive change. His students perform it to invoke harmony and inner strength.

The aspiration is for this song to spread widely—to churches, schools, and communities. It can help future generations remember and live Dr. King’s ideals of non-violence and human unity.

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A Message of Enduring Hope

Events like this show how music and spirituality can honor great leaders. Sri Chinmoy’s work at the UN and beyond promotes peace through self-transcendence. Sharing this song helps keep Dr. King’s dream vibrant.

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For more information about events, visit the official website: www.srichinmoycentre.org.
To learn more about Sri Chinmoy, please visit: www.srichinmoy.org.

News #83: Ananda Loka Orchestra Brings Uplifting Music to Russia

Ananda Loka Orchestra performing in Russia tour

A Soulful Tour Across Southern Russia

Between October 28 and November 3, the Ananda Loka Orchestra performed a series of inspiring, soul-stirring concerts. They brought the meditative music of Sri Chinmoy to audiences in southern Russia. The tour included Stavropol, Astrakhan, Volgograd, and Saratov. Each city experienced a profound message of peace, harmony, and inner awakening. The music transcended language and culture, inviting listeners to embark on a journey of mindfulness, joy, and inner calm.

Stavropol: A Luminous Opening

The tour began on October 28 in Stavropol. Fans filled the 750-seat hall of the Stavropol Palace of Children’s Creativity. From the first notes, the orchestra created an atmosphere of deep calm and radiant beauty. Rich instrumental textures, combined with moments of silence, drew the audience into a meditative state. Many attendees said the evening felt both powerful and serene—a rare blend of spiritual depth and artistic precision that touched hearts and lifted spirits.

Astrakhan, Volgograd, and Saratov: Heart-Opening Experiences

Next, the orchestra performed in Astrakhan on October 30 at the House of Officers of the Caspian Flotilla. The audience felt captivated by the emotional depth and harmony of the compositions. On November 1, the orchestra reached Volgograd at the House of Officers of the Volgograd Garrison. Listeners experienced the same gentle yet uplifting energy, feeling the music as a direct connection to their inner selves. Finally, the tour concluded on November 3 in Saratov at the Saratov Regional Center for Folk Art named after L.A. Ruslanova. The last performance became a shared celebration of devotion, beauty, and meditative exploration.

About the Ananda Loka Orchestra

Founded by disciples of Sri Chinmoy, the orchestra continues to inspire audiences across Russia and Europe. The musicians perform each concert with devotion and artistry, transforming every evening into an immersive experience of meditation and self-discovery. Although the orchestra has not announced future tours, music lovers can follow updates and upcoming performances on the official website.

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