A Contemplation by Sharmin Rahman Sumi
Occupation: Deputy Controller of News
Organization: Bangladesh Betar (Radio)
The ‘3rd World March for Peace and Nonviolence’ and ‘The Humanist Movement’. Some days earlier, I never heard of them or their activities. However, I got myself associated with them through my marriage! How? You may ask! My husband, Mohammed Kawser Ahamed has been a member of the Humanist Movement since its inception in Bangladesh way back in 2001.
I happened to know about the ‘3rd World March’ for Peace and Nonviolence for the first time when a member of the World March Team, Mr. Decler Hague, visited Dhaka back in August to promote the World March and stayed at our home. But I got to know more about the activities of the Humanist Movement later, when the Chief Coordinator of the 3rd World March, Mr. Rafael de Rubia, and Antonio Carvallo along with Decler Hague visited Dhaka from the 17th to the 21st of October bringing the 3rd World March to our country. As a core member of the Humanist Movement, my husband was assigned to host the team at our home, which allowed us to directly get involved with their activities in Bangladesh.
Me and My Husband Mohammed Kawser with the World March Team at our home.
I also attended most of their activities while they were in Dhaka and this inspired and motivated me to be a part of the Humanist Movement as well. On the 17th of October, the Humanist Society organized a rally and a seminar on ‘Peace and Non-Violence’ at Sher-e-Bangla Agriculture University in the capital Dhaka, in association with a not-for-profit organization ‘Alokito Manush’ run by the students of the University. As an inquisitive humanist, I appreciate the involvement of the organization that helps underprivileged children become literate as it reflects how the sentiments of today’s generation resonate with humanity and wants to make the world a better place. The seminar and rally were attended by the faculties of the Agriculture University, a representative of the World Travel Team, Mr. Decler, university students, workers of ‘Alokito manush’, members of the Humanist Society, and people from all walks of life.
Activities of the Humanist Society at the Sher-e-Bangla Agriculture University, Dhaka…
On the second day of the activities, on 18th October, the Humanist Society arranged a colorful procession in the Dhaka University Campus and a seminar at the auditorium of the Language Institute of the University. The seminar was attended by faculties of the University, representatives of the World March Base Team– Antonio Carvallo and Decler Hague, journalists, cultural activists, and members of the Humanist Society. I find that all the speakers genuinely want to make the world a place of peace and non-violence and are very passionate about what they believe.
Rally at Dhaka University Premise…
On the 19th of October, the representatives of the 3rd World March Base Team, Antonio Carvallo and Decler Hague, went to visit a northern district of Bangladesh named Ishwardy. The members of the Humanist Society held a program at a local school, where they arranged different activities with the students. Although I didn’t attend the program, I heard from Decler and Antonio that they had great fun with the students over there. They also made the peace sign with all the students and attendees.
Various Activities by the Humanist Society Involving Students and the Locals at Ishwardy…
On October 20, the Uttara Centre of the Bangladesh Base Team of the Humanist Society organized a seminar, the ‘Establishment of World Peace through Peace and Non-Violence’ held at Shanto Mariam University, Uttara. The former Chief Justice of Bangladesh, vice-chancellor and teachers of various universities, poets-writers, journalists, and pediatricians along with the representatives of the World March Base Team, Rafael de Rubia, Antonio Carvallo, and Decler Hague, gave valuable speeches in the seminar. The highlight of the seminar was taking the ‘Peace Oath’ by all present.
The Seminar on Non-violence at the Shanto-Mariam University, Uttara…
During the stay of the World March Team in Bangladesh, while attending the different programs and events with them, I realized that people from all walks of life are interested and united in the cause of non-violence and world peace. The realization makes me hopeful that someday the world will be a place of non-violence, devoid of all the wars and discrimination. The realization also inspired me to be part of the ‘Humanist Movement’.
The World March Team with Our Family at Our Residence…
My experience while hosting them, getting into conversation with them or simply observing them have been very insightful. First of all, our family was very thrilled to host them– having different meals together and enjoying their company thoroughly. During their stay, while eating meals or while traveling, we often got into conversations about how they got the motivation and inspiration to work for the cause of Peace and Non-Violence.
They, especially, Antonio shared how he fully changed his philosophy of life. Mere materialistic things or all those things people want to have an extravagant life do not attract him anymore. Instead, he now lives a minimalistic life where his main focus has been establishing a world devoid of discrimination, a world where every human being can have the same amenities. Mr. Antonio also believes in the energy of the Sun and how he uses this energy to lighten up his inner aura through spiritual exercise.
This opened a new dimension for me. Then, I thought to myself, maybe that’s how you become a True Humanist! When anything worldly does not fascinate you, when you can connect with the energy that nature provides, when you do not think only about yourself, only then you can think about others and dedicate your life towards their well-being by trying to establish peace. Mr. Antonio’s spiritual insights about living life fascinated me and I enjoyed his company very much
The same goes with Mr. Rafael de Rubia and Mr. Decler Hague. At their age, their vigor towards making a world of Peace and Nonviolence a reality can put us, the young lot, into shame. How is it that at this age, they are traveling nonstop from one country to another, one continent to another, to bring this message? Very awe-inspiring!
Some may say, it’s a labor of love, one without any remuneration. But I realized that’s who they are. They have made this cause their life’s motto. From Mr. de Rubia’s silent contemplation to Mr. Antonio’s spiritual practice to Mr. Decler’s fun-filled jokes, all are different characteristics of life and all have come together to make the world a better place by establishing peace and a world of non-violence.
I wish them all the best and all the luck!