Inspiring a Movement of Love and Nonviolence in Brazil

June 22, 2024: A Day of Enlightening Presentations

The bustling city of Belo Horizonte, Brazil, was the epicenter of an inspiring event on June 22, 2024. NIC (Núcleo de Integração das Ciências) hosted a day filled with thought-provoking presentations from distinguished speakers across various fields, including university professors, civic leaders, and integrative doctors. 

Pictures Above: Top Left to Right Professor Ricardo Rabelo Federal University of Ouro Preto gave an engaging presentation on A.I. Federal University of Pernambuco Fernando Affonso (originally from Rio de Janeiro) gave his Project Love presentation on waste management for rural communities. Lynnea Bylund gave a presentation on the history of Gandhi Worldwide Education Institute – Ahimsa Peace Institute’s work and its programs. Pictures Below: Speakers and Special Video Address by Ramesh Sharma filmmaker of AHIMSA – Gandhi: The Power of the Powerless.

Integrative Territorial Transformation

We kicked off with a meditation and balancing exercise followed by discussions on Integrative Territorial Transformation, a unique methodology developed by NIC. This approach emphasizes the dynamic balance between nature, history, and the future of communities, regions, cities, states, or countries, with a primary focus on sustainable prosperity. Projects under this theme aim to revitalize and restore the integrity of areas, ensuring long-term sustainability.

Health, Longevity, and Well-being

The topic of Health, Longevity, and Well-being followed, where we explored the concept of health as an organizing axis of life. This perspective promotes the application of integrative knowledge and technologies to enhance human well-being and achieve healthy longevity.

Science, Innovation, and Technology

Our discussions on Science, Innovation, and Technology highlighted the integration of various knowledge areas to generate innovative solutions for global challenges. By collaborating with universities, research centers, and initiatives, NIC aims to foster new knowledge and integrated solutions.

Integrative Education

In the realm of Integrative Education, we acknowledged the human being as an entity with multiple intelligences. NIC’s educational approach promotes the holistic development of individuals, aiming for their evolution, health, and full fulfillment.

Picture Below: Professor Fernando Affonso.

Consciousness and Spirituality

We concluded the thematic presentations with Consciousness and Spirituality, emphasizing the role of spiritual science as the matrix of all other sciences. The expansion of human consciousness and multiple intelligences is seen as crucial for transforming and improving our world.

Ahimsa Peace Institute

I had the honor of closing the day’s presentations by discussing the Ahimsa Peace Institute’s initiatives, including AVANI, AHIMSA Gandhi, UN ECOSOC, the history of the Season for Nonviolence 2024, and the South Africa Youth Impact Tours. We also announced the launch of The Love In Action Campaign with a call to LOVE in action that requires all of us “everybody-all-at-once.”  I ended my shared thoughts with a heartfelt “Ti Amo, Brazil,” which was met with enthusiastic applause and cheers from the audience. NIC’s leadership then presented me with a beautiful citron crystal, marking a memorable conclusion to the day’s events.

Picture Top Left: Emilia and Lynnea. Right: DJ Mystical and Morel Fourman.

Following the presentations, we engaged in networking and enjoyed the screening of the documentary “AHIMSA- Gandhi: The Power of the Powerless,” which resonated deeply with the attendees.

Picture Below: Audience, Felipe Queiroga Barros, Event Producer and NIC Director and screening venues.

June 23, 2024: Screening of Ahimsa- Gandhi: The Power of the Powerless

The following day, we gathered at the Abílio Barreto Historical Museum in Belo Horizonte for another screening of the documentary with Portuguese subtitles. This venue, with its rich history and cultural significance, provided the perfect backdrop for our event. The museum, dedicated to the history of Belo Horizonte, showcases various aspects of the city’s development and heritage.

After the screening, the audience applauds.  I was invited to the stage to address the audience, sharing insights on the meaning of Satyagraha and its evolution from civil resistance to Truth Force. I emphasized that Gandhi and King’s success stemmed from their deep understanding of Truth with a capital T, the oneness of all beings, and their relationship with that Truth. Their movements were empowered by this profound understanding. We then opened the room up for questions and comments.

This inspiring weekend in Belo Horizonte was a testament to the power of collaboration, education, and consciousness in driving social change. The enthusiasm and support from the audience reaffirmed our commitment to promoting nonviolence.

Top Picture in Collage Above – Journey to Nova Lima: After the screening, we traveled to a picturesque outdoor restaurant in Nova Lima for refreshments and dialogue. Nova Lima historically known as Campos de Congonhas and Congonhas de Sabará, the city was called Villa Nova de Lima until 1923. The drive was scenic, with foliage and trees creating a jungle-like canopy atmosphere, accompanied by birds singing and live music, providing a serene and enchanting end to a fulfilling weekend. Images below the group at Nova Lima are from the Abílio Barreto Historical Museum screening of AHIMSA – Gandhi: The Power of the Powerless.

Brazil’s Vision for Future Screenings Include

 “Outdoor” Cinema In the Sky

Cinema has the power to enchant, connect, and transform. Carambola teamed up with the NIC Institute to promote a new edition of Cinema to Heaven Circuit, featuring AHIMSA – Gandhi: The Power of the Powerless. This initiative brings free access to cinema to several cities in Bahia and Brazil, providing knowledge and social reflection within their own communities.

Sociocultural Inclusion and Democratization of Art

The main goal of Cinema in the Sky is to transmit films to audiences without access to commercial cinema and cultural spaces. This project promotes a world without violence and more solidarity by increasing interaction between people of all ages. 

Technology, Magic, and Cinema

• • 450 spectators per session in personalized chairs
  • Giant inflatable screen: 8m high x 8m wide
  • High-quality sound
  • Free popcorn and soda combo
  • Tent with chemical toilets
  • Closed structure with access control

Additional Features:

• • Security and restroom facilities
  • Entrance/exit porter and monitors
  • Popcorn and soda stand
  • Instagrammable backdrop with logos
  • Space for showing institutional videos before each film

Disclosures

• • Digital influencers and social media promotions
  • Press office engagements
  • City/regional newspapers, blogs, and radio calls
  • Sound car in cities

The Cinema in the Sky project democratizes access to meaningful cinema and fosters a sense of community and social awareness. The screenings of AHIMSA- Gandhi: The Power of the Powerless highlight the power of film to inspire change and promote peace.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Emília Q. Barros | Conexão Ciência & Consciência (@emiliaqbarros)

The Gandhi Room – https://www.gandhiforchildren.org/brazil/gandhi-brazil/

Brazil History – https://www.gandhiforchildren.org/brazil/