Baha’i community celebrates 200th birthday of founder
SANDAKAN: Over 150 Baha’i community members of Sandakan gathered last Saturday night to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the birth of Baha’i Faith founder Baha’u’llah, at the Pavilion Hotel here.
Chairman of Sandakan Local Spiritual Assembly of Baha’is, Thangavelu Supramaniam, said he was touched to see the video presentation that was shown to the attendees before the start of dinner.
The video showed how the Baha’i community had helped other people all across the world.
“The central theme of the message of Baha’u’llah, the manifestation of God, is the oneness of humankind,” he said.
“The video presentation that we have just viewed clearly shows how with His (Baha’u’llah) teachings, the community of Baha’is has brought transformation in their social, economic and spiritual lives regardless if they are living in urban, city, or rural areas.
“The video shows the light of the world, the transforming effect of the teachings of Baha’u’llah in the community building activities, including how the community built themselves up after the tsunami devastated their village.
“The video also shows how women took part in consultation and were given equality in their community, and how worship and service were part and parcel of their lives.
“This vision of building a new world of spiritual civilization that embraces everyone based on justice for humankind will bring the greatest peace. This spiritual endeavour needs all of us to work together in love and unity,” Supramaniam said.
A mini exhibition on the background of the Baha’i community was also held during the dinner. Local leaders including Karamunting assemblyman Datuk Charles O Pang were among guests at the dinner.
Similar celebrations are held simultaneously across the world to celebrate the 200th birth anniversary of the Messenger of God for the Baha’i Community, Baha’u’llah.