Dada JP Vaswani 106th birthday was celebrated with enthusiasm across the world as Global Forgiveness Day with 2pm observed as the Moment of Calm. The day aimed to spread Dada’s profound message of forgiveness in different ways to as many hearts as possible.
This year’s campaign theme was, ‘Happiness Blooms in Forgiving Hearts’. The campaign utilized a variety of platforms to reach a global audience, including Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Radio. Collaborations with global partners, programmes by Sadhu Vaswani Centres worldwide and institutions further expanded the campaign’s reach.
The campaign launched with a forgiveness video that conveyed the message that forgiveness is essential for self-care and healing. An upbeat musical video, “Just Let It Go,” was also released to help participants shed negativity. In connection with the musical theme, a “Let It Go” dance challenge was introduced, encouraging participants to use dance as a means to release their burdens and embrace freedom. Many individuals joined in to experience the liberating effects of letting go.
All were encouraged to share Forgiveness Bands both in person and online. The “Share the Love: Share the Band” initiative featured the forgiveness E-band in digital platforms as a fun reminder to prioritize mental well-being. The bands symbolized a silent promise of support, helping to build a global community of love and healing. In total, 2,50,000 physical bands were distributed worldwide.
Various magazines published articles on Dada Vaswani’s teachings on forgiveness. Continuous video screenings of forgiveness messages were featured at Pune Railway Station. Educational institutions, Berkeley University of California, D.Y Patil Akurdi, St.Mira’s college, HR college and National college joined the forgiveness movement.
Many schools across India actively participated with contests, workshops, and seminars. Couple of schools also conducted a mega Global Forgiveness Day event. Schools conducted various forgiveness activities such as Emotion graffiti wall, pebble paintings, Forgiveness delicacies, bookmark making and many more. Additionally, Several Zilla Parishad schools in Pune observed Moment of Calm.
Several global partners including, Unify, The Love Foundation, The Path of Forgiveness, Global Love Day, Positive Healthy Inspiration, Choose Love Movement, Project Forgive and more joined the Global Forgiveness Day.
Spiritual organizations such as Brahmakumaris, Gayatri Pariwar, Om Mandali, Australia, Swami Chidananda World Peace Foundation, Sindhu Amardham Ashram, Parmarth Niketan and Jeev Sewa Sansthan, agreed to support Moment of Calm.
Forgiveness Jars were set up at the Mission and its centres, allowing individuals to express and release their burdens by writing their feelings and placing them into the jars. The activity provided participants with a profound sense of relief. One participant shared, “I feel so much lighter after writing down my worries, it feels like Dada will look into it.”
Global Forgiveness Day 2024 not only honoured Dada JP Vaswani’s legacy but also emphasised the healing power of forgiveness through a diverse array of engaging activities and heartfelt initiatives. Dada Vaswani believed, “Hearts at peace will create world peace.”
