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| TG2005_REPORT | ||
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| PHOTO COURTESY - ZIA KHAN | VIDEO - FIDA HUSSAIN | ||
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OPENING
Good evening, everyone - I'm Mike Ghouse - founder of
Foundation for Pluralism - and your host for this
multi- Our Mission at the Foundation for Pluralism is to encourage individuals to develop an open mind and an open heart towards their fellow beings, and make efforts to respect and value the uniqueness of each individual, their distinctive cultures, and their belief systems – while acknowledging our Unity in the Spirit. We seek ways to bridge any barriers based on religious, racial, nationalistic, linguistic, cultural, social or any other affiliation – through recognition of our Oneness and connection through universal human values of love, peace and joy. Thank you for joining with us in this Thanksgiving Celebration – as we take time to express gratitude for one another, for our cultures,for our country, and for the world we help create together. Now, to begin the program, will you please stand and join us for the procession of Flags and the Pledge of Allegiance
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FLAG CEREMONY & PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE BY GIRL SCOUTS OF TEXAS Terry Walker & Mary Parker
The
mission statement for the Girl Scouts states, Girl Scouts is the world’s preeminent organization dedicated solely to girls – all girls, where, in an accepting and nurturing environment, girls build character and skills for success in the real world. In partnership with committed adults, girls develop qualities that will serve them throughout their lives—like strong values, social conscience, and conviction about their own potential and self-worth. In Girl Scouts, girls discover the fun, friendship, and power of girls together. Through the many enriching experiences provided by the Girl Scouts, they can grow courageous and strong. 'The Girls Scouts of Service Unit 185 – Frisco, Celina and Prosper will now present the flag ceremony and lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance. |
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NATIONAL ANTHEM o Farheen 214-315-6536 o Fatima Khalsun 214-315-6538 o Color Guard, salute your Flag o Color Guard, dismissed |
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A few words about Pluralism. |
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Again, Our Mission is to encourage individuals to develop an open mind and an open heart towards their fellow beings.
If we can
learn to accept and respect the God-given uniqueness to each
one of us, The Foundation is committed to providing the media and world leaders with insights, and policy solutions to effectively manage the multi-ethnic, multi-religious and multi-cultural societies. We are committed to developing solutions for pluralistic governance of diverse people. Pluralism is an attitude of accepting and respecting every beautiful way people have come to worship the divine, including but not limited to the Baha'i, Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, Islam, Jain, Jewish, Sikh, Zoroastrian and other systems of belief. All religions are founded on the basis of Pluralism, meaning inclusiveness of all human beings. If you are a Good Jew, Muslim, Christian ……or a Hindu, you are indeed a pluralist. When Jesus says follow me, Krishna says surrender to me and Allah says, submit to my will; they are all saying the same thing. “Be like God who loves and belongs to all.” And, when you do become like God, all the distinctions fade; everything belongs to you and you belong to all. That is true freedom, release from the bondages of “yours” and “mine” and that is indeed salvation, the eternal peace. |
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Friends, I am pleased to introduce Julie Ann Turner as my co-MC. Julie Ann is founder of Orbits of Influence, a Global Leadership Dialogue initiative, designed to bring diverse leaders together to address the pivotal issues of our lives, work and world. Orbits of Influence is based on the belief that "Everyone has a valid - and valuable - voice in creating community." Please welcome JULIE ANN TURNER:
Based on the premise that
"Everyone has a valid -
and valuable - voice in creating community," Orbits
of Influence encourages leaders of every level, title,
position to assume their own leadership voice, in the belief
that each one has something unique and valuable to share
with the whole. Orbits of Influence provides a powerful,
proven dialogue platform that was designed specifically to
provide a space and a process for leaders to consider and
imagine solutions that span traditionally separate spheres
of interest (economic development, education, arts/culture,
health/human services, information/technology), so that we
may better focus our collective influence toward
higher-level, system wide solutions. Orbits of Influence
provides a complete system to progressively guide those
diverse leadership conversations from dialogue to visioning,
and on to shared, collective action, as the participants
assume leadership for positive change. |
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Najma Ghouse Ladies
and Gentlemen, now is the time for the Cultural Program, Najma has emceed a variety of programs like the Bollywood concerts, Move Star Shows, Poetry events, Pakistan Independence Day, 8 thanksgiving events before this…Please welcome Najma Ghouse ….
Acknowledgement and thanking all the sponsors , organizers, religious and civic groups This program is brought to you by The Foundation for pluralism, Orbits of Influence and the Memnosye. As we grow in life, as we expand our horizons, we continue to discover that the life is just not what we know, it is much bigger. To some, it brings humility that we are a part of much larger universe, we are a miniscule part of it… it takes out the Arrogance in one self. Now, I invite you to a fascinating Journey of the world from Native Aztec Indian Culture to the far East, and then to the Egyptian/African/ Middle eastern to Indian. |
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NATIVE AZTEC AMERICAN DANCE
Theresa Ybarra (214) 766-7648 Ladies and Gentlemen, you are about to witness the native American invocation of thanksgiving to the 4 elements of nature; earth, wind, fire and water. It is a call to the ancestors. The dance is dedicated to mother earth that continues to give life. This formal prayer dance has been passed on from generation to generation over the millennium. These worshipful dances are still performed in its original format by the Pyramids of Mexico. This group is called the Cualli Tepec Aztec dance group, a family operated group that performs this sacred ceremony with permission from the Aztec elders. Please enjoy this… two part cultural expression. |
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We are pleased to acknowledge the support from the following organizations: Business Organizations
We also acknowledge the support of the faith based organizations listed on Participants. |
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BINASUAN, THE DANCE FROM THE FAR EAST….
Binasuan is a very colorful and spectacular dance from
Bayambang, Pangasinan. |
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| We thank the many civic organizations listed in the participants link who have participated in this event. | ||
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EGYPTIAN/AFRICAN DANCE PRESENTATION
Jacque of
Nadirah Johara group (817) 456-7871 Please welcome the Johara group
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TARANGAM, INDIAN KUCHIPUDI
DANCING
KuuchipuDi is a classical dance form from the South Indian
state of Andhra Pradesh. It is known for its graceful
movements and its strong narrative and dramatic characters.
Tarangam is distinctive in the Kuchipudi repertoire.
In
this particular piece, the dancer asks the world to behold
how beautiful little Krishna is and what bliss his
dance brings.
The
Dancer of the Tarangam will be Sashi Tadepalli. Please welcome Sasi Tadepalli, dancing the classical South Indian Tarangam … |
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Acknowledge the support of the following volunteers: Julie Ann Turner, Najma Ghouse, Mary Ann Thompson, Bernie Mayoff, Mirza Beg, Lubna Syed, Afsar Iqbal, Raffia Hussain, Ashar Ahmed, Noureen Khan, Hena Ahmed, Sabeena Rahman, Salma Choudhary, Fida Hussain, Basit Siddiqui, Zia Khan, Rehan Obaid, Muriel Pinkus and Rabbi Robert Haas. |
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Turkey Carving & Narration of Thanksgiving
Mike to introduce Presentation of Video from Unity Day 2005 …
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Dinner
buffets, vegetarian, Kosher & Halal. Bob Townsend, Councilman, City of Richardson honored with the symbolic Traditional turkey carving.
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In the Spirit of Thanksgiving, we would like to honor some special leaders and communities for their unifying visions, and their courageous efforts to opening the doors for all of us to live in a more inclusive world. Tribute to Rev. Martin Luther King & Hon. Rosa Parks
First and
foremost, we would like to honor two guiding lights of the
Civil Rights · Anne Marie Weiss Armush, President of DFW International · Cheryl Smith, Editor of the Dallas Weekly … and · Rev. Perry Crenshaw, pastor of Warren United Methodist Church. · Ester Davis of Ester Davis show on PAX television. |
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Anne Marie:
She is author of many a great books, including Middle Eastern cooking, a commentator on Goodmorning America, PBS, CBS 11, NBC 5, KNON radio and has been on my radio show several times. She is one of the best promoter of cultural diversity..
Rev.Perry N. Crenshaw is a native of
Fort Worth, Texas and currently resides in
Cedar Hill,
Texas Currently, Pastor Crenshaw is an Ordained Elder in the North Texas Conference of The United Methodist Church. He also serves as the Chief Financial Officer of the African American Pastors Coalition, and is a featured contributor in the anthology of sermons entitled, “Solutions: Sermonic Answers to Life’s Situations”.
Pastor
Crenshaw has a passion for serving God and His people.
Ester Davis is a shining example of a person who knows how to make the difference, she is a speaker, and host of Ester Davis TV show….
Cheryl Smith Tribute to Martin Luther King, Jr. and Rosa Parks … Mike reads the Plaque, and presents it to Pastor Perry Crenshaw … and Ester Davis… |
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A Tribute to Jewish Community We would like to invite; Leon Levin representing the Jewish Community and the Mayor of Carrollton Ms. Becky Miller to join us on stage for a special tribute to the Jewish Community… and now we are pleased to invite: Becky Miller about…..Mike to intro
Leon Levin: about… A long time member of Temple Shalom, Leon was on the board of Trustees for four years and is a former Brotherhood chair. He has served on almost every committee at Temple Shalom in Dallas including being the Chair of their Caring Congregation. He continues to welcome and teach the various Church groups who come to visit Temple Shalom’s Friday evening service. He is on Board of Trustees of Chai House, a series of homes for Jewish adults with mental challenges. Jerry is a proud father of a daughter who is a rabbi in Florida and a former Navy Petty Officer who led services aboard the USS Perry. Mike to pay tribute to the Jewish community Jews have been an integral part of the American experience since the very beginnings of our country. They didn’t arrive with the Puritans in 1620 -- Jews had already been here for 130 years. Five Jews accompanied Columbus on his first voyage in 1492 in a time and from a place of extreme religious persecution. Indeed those Jews were all forced to convert to Christianity before they could depart. On July 1, 1776 Francis Salvador had the dubious honor of being the first American Jew to give his life for his adopted country as the American Revolution laid the groundwork for this nation of liberty and equality to take root and grow. Ever since then, no group has ever appreciated more this country’s welcome; has more appreciated and subscribed to the welcome of the Statue of Liberty: “Give me your tired, your poor, Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free”; and no group has worked harder to help our country live up to the words of the first phrase of the Bill of Rights: “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.” Indeed, James Madison, the father of the United States Constitution, once observed that "the [religious] devotion of the people has been manifestly increased by the total separation of the church from the state." Americans are still among the most religious people in the world. Yet the government plays almost no role in promoting, endorsing or funding religious institutions or religious beliefs. Free from government control -- and without government assistance -- religious values, literature, traditions and holidays permeate the lives of our citizens and, in their diverse ways, form an integral part of our national culture. By maintaining the wall separating church and state, we can guarantee the continued vitality of religion in American life.
Discrimination and intolerance are scourges that continue to
arise in societies, especially in times of economic stress.
Minorities, whether religious or ethnic or cultural, become
scapegoats for the ills of society. In 1913 the
Anti-Defamation League was formed in response to rampant
discrimination against Jews. Its ultimate purpose is
to secure justice and fair treatment for all citizens alike
and to put an end forever to unjust and unfair Unquestionably, many things have changed -- mainly for the better -- for Jews and other minorities in America since 1913. Discrimination in hiring, in schooling, and in housing, once so common, is now prohibited by law. Unlike in the past, few Americans feel compelled to conceal their origins. Offensive caricatures rarely appear in the mass media, and racial and religious stereotypes, on the whole, no longer dominate American popular culture. These changes are due, in large measure, to the efforts of the anti-Defamation League and its allies. Today, as in the past, the Jewish community works to expose and combat the purveyors of hatred, discrimination and intolerance in our midst. Today, all the faiths are flourishing and enjoying the freedom, thanks to the pioneering efforts of the Jewish community. Mayor Becky Miller to present the trophy to Leon Levin. Mayor to say Tribute if she wishes to. Leon Levin will say.
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Tribute to the Muslim Community and we would like to invite:
Lupe Gonzales to present the trophy to AMF |
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Tribute by Mike Today, we honor the newly created American Muslim Forum for its efforts to promote the time-honored American values of religious tolerance, inclusiveness, and fairness by bringing diverse communities together for greater mutual understanding.
The
American Muslim Forum would become a catalyst for American
Muslims to participate, contribute and develop programs that
would be good for all Americans. Their mission is to actively participate in all spheres of American life, and positively contribute towards peace, prosperity and the security of our nation. As Americans the Muslims celebrate, uphold, protect, and defend the values enshrined in our Constitution. The American Muslim Forum strongly believes that being American and Muslim is not only compatible, but it re-enforces the creed of “One nation under God, with liberty and justice for all.”
The
American Muslim Forum
aspires to be a voice for concerned Muslims
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The Texas Muslim Women’s Foundation Their mission is to empower, promote and support Muslim Women and their Families through Educational, Charitable and Social Services.' The Texas Muslim Women’s Foundation believes that Muslim Women must develop their Muslim Identity and make significant contributions to American Society through community activism, and provide role model for the Muslim youth. Now, we request our guest of honor, Mr. Lupe Gonzales to say what he would like to say, “when special agent Gonzales talks, people listen” And present the plaque to TMWF |
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Key Note – Mike Greetings is the oldest form of initiating a conversation when two people meet, it is an acknowledgment of the existence of the other. From a Simple “Hi” to “Hamazor Hama Ashobed”- meaning I am fine and hope you are too. The essence of greetings is “ I CARE” and this statement is flavored by religions, traditions and cultures - all mean goodness, pure goodness. Allow me to greet you in the traditional greetings of different faiths “ Alla Abho” - meaning God is Glorious, that is a Baha'i Greeting – God Bless “ Generalized Christian Greetings” Namaste “ the go(o)d in me invokes the go(o)d in you” Salaam Alaikum “ let you be peaceful and safe Jai Jinendra, Shalom Alechum, Sat Sri Akaal and Hamazor Hama Asho Bed, the Zoroastrian greeting. All meaning "I Care about you and your well being" - isn't it beautiful? I hope one day we could free ourselves from all the chains that take away our freedom to be good, to be natural and truly achieve the mukti to use these greetings as synonyms. It feels so good to be free, try it, you will not give it up. Since I am an Indian, I can talk about my own people –when you say "Salaam" or "Namaste" to one of us, you will hear the quickest response you can get from a few of us "I am not a Muslim" or "I am not a Hindu". How small can we get? They sound as if you should not have wished them . The responsibility falls on all of us to help people understand that they are the most beautiful words to greet any one. I would request you to see the new horizons for yourselves by greeting people in any one of the above greetings interchangeably as synonyms. Go by the essence of the words and not the words themselves. You will feel that you have been unchained and you will feel the Freedom is beautiful, once you taste it, you will love it.
When you get to that point ‘with malice towards none’, the boundlessness in you and the sense of alignment you feel with the almighty is incredible. It is indeed liberating, it is true freedom, it is worth having it. This is what Jesus may have meant when he said “follow me” and Krishna “surrender to me” and Allah “submit to my will” and you will find the same essence in all spiritual traditions. When you follow, surrender and submit, you have acquired the qualities of God, you have become like him (her/it) all loving, all caring which removes the “you” and “me” barriers. Everything belongs to you, and you belong to the Universe, that’s the salvation Jesus had promised us, Krishna had guaranteed us, Ahura Mazda will supervise it and Allah will deliver it to us. Pluralism is an attitude of accepting and respecting every beautiful way people have come to worship the divine, including but not limited to the Baha'i, Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, Islam, Jain, Jewish, Sikh, Zoroastrian and other systems of belief. The moment you believe yours is the only way, the ego takes over and kills the spirituality and the piety in you. Good riddance of ego for ones peace and tranquility is the summation of all religions.” Arrogance and Ego is the mother of all evil. Let's find solutions and methods with which we can achieve the results that are good for all. Any idea that benefits one group exclusively will not work in the long run. Even if it benefits in the short run, you will pay for it in the long haul.. There is an act of balance built into everything that is Life. The trajectory of the momentum is always seeking equilibrium which gives sure footedness, collectedness and steadiness to reach the next plateau. There are social, spiritual, religious, national and international equilibriums that need to be maintained. No one can be wished away to extinction, bombed to eliminate or hardships to ethnic cleansing. Each one of us exist, we are the reality with our shapes, faiths, colors, races, languages and culture. There is an old song from a Bollywood movie " Na Koi Raha hai no koi rehega, mera desh azaad ho kay rehega". Deeply meaning, that the Alexander's, Pharaohs, Crusaders, Hitlers have come and gone but the spirit of people was always stronger than the Oppressors. The Mighty Roman empire could not crush the will of the people, the Inquisitions did not do any harm to the spirit of people. The Mighty British Empire could not rein in on George Washington's spirit for freedom or Mahatma Gandhi's obduracy to seek self rule. The Soviet Machinery could not crush the Afghans, our own might couldn't do diddly in Vietnam. No military might can ever quell the spirit of people, it has never happened and will not happen ever, as it will affect the equilibrium set in motion by the creator, who is mightier than us. Power will never crush the will people. The Beautiful Bus Each community, each nation and each faith is like a beautiful bus; all its tires need to have the same amount of air pressure for it to run effectively, to give better mileage, lasting tire wear out..... all the mechanical parts must be greased, all the parts must be checked for a safe, stable and sure journey. We need to work together to ensure that we are on par to ride the road of progress, we need to fill the tire if it is inadequate instead of asking the tire to fill it itself. Whose loss is it if the tire does not fill it itself? Terrorism: - Each one of us needs to work together and join hands in making it go away. Remember, all of us are in it together. It is wrong, dead wrong to assume that somehow Muslims are not condemning this, they are, they are as sick of it as you and I are. We need to fill the tires, and we need to develop a language that brings people together to find the solutions. The goodwill developed should detect the spark of terrorism and diffuse it. The work is done by bad guys and they need to be punished, not their families, nationality or religion. Pointing guns towards good people will not do much for goodwill -Each one of us needs to be the 'source' of goodwill to bring that equilibrium. You and I are not safe if the world around isn't. I pledge that whatever I do, I will do it to bind people together and not divisions, I pledge that I will find solutions and not distractions and I pledge that I will do my best to promote goodwill amongst people of any affiliations. I pledge that I will be the source fo good will. |
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Universal Prayer: Lead: Swami Nityananda Prabhu & Mike Ghouse Each one of the prayer leader will recite a line…. I have assigned a name to each and will change as you prefer it... Thanks
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