The Hague,From Rabbis to Sufis, from Swamis to Sikhs – practising spiritual leaders from around the world gathered in The Hague, Netherlands, to draw global attention to the need to preserve the sanctity of holy water sources, to protect water bodies from pollution and ensure clean water provision for all in the world, leaving nobody behind.
The Living Peace Projects Foundation organised the ‘Water for All’ conference in the Peace Palace, where participants from the business community, among others, could enter into an interactive dialogue with the spiritual leaders present about the dire need for awareness and cooperation for action. Erik de Baedts, the Director of the Peace Palace, The Hague, received the first copy of the educational “Water Springs”, a special book which the spiritual leaders have worked on together.
Youth Participation
A number of young representatives also took part in the interactive dialogue. Prubleen Kaur Bhogal from Birmingham, aged 16, stated “Sacred Water is a tangible connection to my Gurus.” Mila Mohan, aged 13, said “this book has to be in every library.” Syeda Samar Chisty from Ajmer Sharif, aged 5, added “if you save water, water will save you.”
The ‘Water for All’ Ceremony
The highlight of the conference was the ‘Water for All’ ceremony, wherein, water from eighteen sacred sources was brought and merged together, representing the oneness of spirituality, creation and humanity. Afterwards, the merged water used to create exquisite glass water jewel pendants, to wear as a symbol of solidarity with the mission. The proceeds of these Living Jewels will benefit the water projects of Living Peace Projects.
The very first ‘Water for All’ ceremony of Living Peace Projects, took place in Assisi, Italy, in June 2018, which was immediately preceeded by a visit to Greenland, to bear witness to the melting of the ancient glaciers, sacred to the native population. Other events have included a trip to the Kumbh Mela in February 2019, and Palpung Sherabling Monastery in February 2020.
About Living Peace Projects
Living Peace Projects is a non-profit initiative founded in 2018 in the Netherlands by Brigitte van Baren and the late former Dutch Minister and IMF leader Prof. Dr. Johannes Witteveen. The primary aims of the initiative are to preserve and protect holy water sources while ensuring that clean water is provided for all, leaving nobody behind. Each ‘Living Cycles’ water house can harvest and purify rainwater for use as clean drinking water and sanitary facilities; the energy required for this is generated using solar technology. The foundation is assisted in its mission by an Advisory Board of nine spiritual leaders from various traditions and beliefs. Amongst them are leaders from the Christian, Buddhist, Hindu, Sufi, Sikh, Jewish and tribal traditions. Additionally, nineteen spiritual ambassadors are associated with this Advisory Board. See livingpeaceprojects.org for further information.
Haji Syed Salman Chishty ,Gaddi Nashin – Ajmer Sharif
“Cleanliness is Half of Our Faith” Prophet Muhammad(pbuh). If there is no clean water we have no personal hygiene or cleanliness! Shared our remarks from #AjmerSharif🇮🇳India at the Intl Water For All Summit @PeacePalace in The Hague🇳🇱Netherlands with Global Interfaith Leaders.
