New Delhi [India], November 17: The Bahá’í House of Worship, widely known as the Lotus Temple, hosted a special edition of the One Ocean Concert Series on Friday evening, drawing ambassadors from 24 countries, leading writers, and many of Delhi’s cultural influencers.
Welcoming the distinguished gathering, the Bahá’í House of Worship team highlighted the temple’s enduring role as a symbol of the oneness of humankind. The One Ocean Concert Series, rooted in Bahá’í principles, celebrates the unifying force of the arts and their ability to inspire harmony, empathy, and collective upliftment.
The welcome address drew from the Bahá’í writings, noting that human diversity—like musical notes—forms a perfect chord when blended with unity and purpose. Art, it emphasised, is “a gift of the Holy Spirit,” capable of uplifting both individuals and societies.
Dr. Kazem Samandari, Co-Founder of the Trajectories of Hope Foundation, said: “This concert is more than a performance; it is a reminder that culture and music can dissolve boundaries. Today, as ambassadors, artists, and citizens sit together, we witness the real meaning of unity in diversity.”
Dr. Christine Samandari, Co-Founder of the Foundation, added: “The Lotus Temple welcomes every heart. Through the One Ocean Concert, we hope to reaffirm that humanity is interconnected — many waves, but truly one ocean.”
Justice Deepak Verma, Former Judge of the Supreme Court of India, said: “This evening’s concert showcased how art can be a carrier of peace. In a world of growing differences, platforms like the One Ocean Concert remind us of our shared humanity.”
Vicki Bedi, direct descendant of Guru Nanak and distinguished philanthropist, said: “The Lotus Temple embodies the spirit of universality. Tonight, the music echoed Guru Nanak’s message — that all beings are one, and that harmony is our natural state.”
Ambassador Sanjay Verma, member of UPSC and cultural patron, said: “Gatherings like this create a powerful bridge between communities and nations. The language of music speaks to every heart, and tonight, it united us effortlessly.” He added: “The performance’s visual dimension was defined by the incredible backdrop of the Lotus Temple.”
The evening featured an exceptional performance by Pandit Shubhendra Rao and Maestro Saskia Rao-de Haas, accompanied by Zuheb Ahmed and Zaheen Khan on tabla. Organised in collaboration with the Trajectories of Hope Foundation, the concert filled the iconic marble hall with meditative classical melodies.
Pandit Shubhendra Rao — a protégé of Bharat Ratna Pandit Ravi Shankar — was celebrated for continually expanding the boundaries of Indian classical music. Saskia Rao-de Haas, creator of the Indian cello, received admiration for her innovation and her cross-cultural artistic mastery.
Distinguished diplomats, cultural leaders, prominent writers, and personalities from Delhi’s artistic community attended the event. Among them was Amit Deshmukh of MMJP Global Wellness, representing the intersection of culture, community upliftment, and holistic well-being.
As part of the closing ceremony, Ms Nilakshi Rajkhowa, Director of the Bahá’í Office of Public Affairs, invited Dr Christine Samandari and Dr Kazem Samandari to join her in presenting a token of appreciation to the performers.
Carmel Tripathi
Director – Baha’i Office of Public Affairs
Baha’i House of Worship is organised with the whole concept idea of this event.
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