Kailasa USA - United Nations Interfaith Harmony Week - Panel Discussion on Youth Empowerment and Technology   The context text is a comprehensive account of an interfaith event organized by Kailasa USA, focusing on youth, technology, faith, and the impacts of digital ecosystems on spirituality and community engagement.   Key Takeaways   The event emphasized the importance of interfaith dialogue and unity, particularly focusing on youth and technology's role in faith and spirituality. Speakers discussed the digital ecosystem's potential to support spiritual growth, community building, and interfaith collaborations. The importance of guiding youth towards positive online engagement and leveraging technology for spiritual education and outreach was highlighted. The discussions included perspectives from various faith traditions, emphasizing universal values of compassion, service, and understanding among diverse communities. The event showcased initiatives and projects aimed at making a social impact, fostering peace, and encouraging environmental consciousness and responsible consumption. The narrative underscored the belief in inherent divinity and the power of faith to transform individuals and societies, advocating for self-exploration, purposeful living, and the realization of one's spiritual goals. It concluded with a collective pledge to form an interfaith alliance, aiming to continue the dialogue and collaborative efforts for community betterment and youth engagement. Deep dive   **Suhas:** “Take a moment and realize that you're having an experience; you're not just a moving body, and that's all the proof you need.”   **Wen-li (Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation):** “Our responsibility as an organization is to create opportunities for people to get involved...to promote vegetarianism because we believe true love and compassion is towards the whole sentient beings.”   **Shvetu Suren:** “It (faith) brings some order to the chaos that's outside in the external world.”   **Wen-li:** “We create a lot of platforms for volunteerism... allowing a lot of different professions or different levels, whatever age you are, as long as you have that willingness to give, you can find something in our organization to help.”   **Tirzo Tek :** “Love yourself, love your planet; it's our home.”   **Shvetu's additional contribution:** Religion is showing a way of life; this way of life is positive, enjoyable, peaceful without guilt, regret, and mathematically cheaper.”   **A participant:** “Faith truly helps you build a very powerful foundation that leads you to... the intention to manifest and then how do you put it into the flow of action to truly experience and realize your life.”   **Ezequiell:** “Whatever you take upon yourself, whatever you choose to do, it can be done; the Divine will manifest the energy, the resources, whatever it is that needs to happen for that to become manifest in physical reality.”   **Ma Nithya Mukthika Ananda  (in her closing remarks):** “We want this to be a beginning rather than just a one-time event... to create such Interfaith alliances to work together to solve many of the problems that we have in society starting with the involvement of youth.”   These quotes represent a diverse range of perspectives on the importance of faith, the role of technology and religion in modern society, and the value of Interfaith dialogue. They underscore a collective aspiration to inspire and engage youth through spiritual and community-oriented activities.   Continuing with the specific quotes and insights shared by participants during the discussion, let's highlight more contributions focusing on technology, interfaith cooperation, youth engagement, and spirituality:   **A participant's reflection on technology and faith:** “Technology is good in certain ways but in some aspects, it's scary also...some concepts like a satvic life, awareness, and control can solve a lot of problems.”   **On guiding youth:** “Yes, they (youth) have to have freedom, but as a parent, we to watch them and guide them. That’s very important.”   **On the importance of finding purpose through faith:** “If you have enough faith, then you will create big aspirations. When you have aspiration, put that aspiration into action.”   **On promoting vegetarianism and compassion:** “We promote vegetarianism because we believe true love and compassion is towards the whole sentient beings. It’s not just for yourself; it’s for others, including the animals.”   **On encouraging youth self-discovery and resistance to materialism:** “Let the child decide what the child wants. Let him fulfill his dream. Let him fulfill his passion.”   **On interfaith education and dialogue:** “We have to educate ourselves on the different faiths and then allow our inner being, our subconscious to sort it out what truly speaks to us and what does not.”   **Suhas's observation on the power of divinity in action:** “The Divine will manifest the energy, the resources, whatever it is that needs to happen for that to become manifest in physical reality.”   **Ezequiel’s encouragement for youth to explore spirituality:** “Even though some of these things we may think like oh it’s too much, it’s...something that can be done just like some of us have shared you are Divine.”   These quotes further underscore the collective understanding that while technology presents challenges, it also offers opportunities for engaging with faith in meaningful ways. The participants' reflections on guiding youth, promoting compassionate and sustainable lifestyles, and fostering interfaith dialogue highlight a holistic approach to spirituality that resonates with contemporary societal challenges. The commitment to education, both in terms of religious practices and the responsible use of technology, emerges as a key theme in nurturing a spiritually enriched and socially responsible generation.   The Kailasa USA - Kailasa USA - United Nations Interfaith Harmony Week - Panel Discussion on Youth Empowerment and Technology event, marked by rich discussions and shared insights on technology, faith, and youth engagement, concluded on a note of optimism and unity. Participants from diverse religious and spiritual backgrounds came together to address the challenges and opportunities presented by modern technology and the evolving spiritual landscape facing today's youth.    Through thoughtful dialogue, they underscored the importance of guiding the younger generation with compassion, encouraging their pursuit of spirituality in a way that resonates with their lived experiences. The event highlighted the critical role of interfaith cooperation in fostering a sense of community, understanding, and shared purpose. It reminded us that while technology could be a source of division, it also holds the potential to connect us in our search for meaning, purpose, and mutual respect.   Participants also advocated for a balanced approach to life, one that embraces the values of simplicity, self-awareness, and environmental consciousness. They shared a common belief in the transformative power of faith and spirituality, not just as a means to personal fulfillment but as a pathway to global harmony and peace.   As the discussions drew to a close, there was a palpable sense of commitment among the participants to continue fostering these conversations beyond the event. The pledge to create an interfaith alliance signified a collective desire to build on the foundations laid during this gathering, aiming to address societal problems through the lens of faith and shared human values.   In essence, the Kailasa USA event illuminated the path toward a future where technology serves as a bridge rather than a barrier, uniting us in our diverse expressions of faith and spirituality. It reinforced the notion that in our shared commitment to the greater good lies the power to transform our world. This event was not merely a meeting of minds but a beacon of hope for a more inclusive, peaceful, and spiritual world.   During the event, refreshments including snacks and an early dinner were provided. Attendees also received a gift bag containing a shawl, symbolizing deep prestige and respect, along with a book featuring the teachings of the SPH (Spiritual Head) and an official certificate of participation. This event was the UN Interfaith Week Panel Discussion, hosted by Kailasa USA.   “ So, I would genuinely love for our group to be the foundational seed for a larger alliance that can move forward and accomplish great things in our community. Since we all live in this geographical area, I'd love for all of us to take a pledge. If you agree, please raise your hand. Let's work together, come together, and commit to building this Interfaith Alliance, making it a recurring initiative. Through this, we aim to engage with the broader community actively and work collaboratively to spread our collective message of love. Thank you so much for your agreement and support. ``  -At this point participants raised their hands in solidarity.   Date: March 2nd, 2024 Time: 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM Location: Kailasa USA  -  9720 Central Ave, Montclair, CA 91763 AGENDA: 1:00 PM - 1:30PM - Welcoming Guests                                                                                     Snacks and refreshments will be served at this time (MENU CARD BELOW) 1:30PM - 1:45PM - Introduction Of Panelists                                                                         Leaders and Youth Representatives From Different Faiths and Spiritual Organizations. 1:45PM - 2:00PM - Presentation From KAILASA USA                                                 KAILASA Representative youth will present on the pressing issues that stem from a more technology centered era, and the possibilities that it brings for all spiritual organizations to reach and empower future generations. Creating possibilities for a healthier society. 2:00PM - 3:00PM Panel Discussions On Youth Empowerment Through Faith In Relation To Technology                                                                                                                                The floor will open for comments and questions from all the panelists. This is an open conversation to share and understand more about where we are heading. The purpose is to understand what each of us understand and foresee on the subject of youth and technology and how each of us can gain and give deeper insights into the matter. This is the start of an ongoing conversation where we can find ways to collaborate and empower the community. The conversation will be led by KAILASA representative youth, who have crafted inquiries to facilitate the flow of conversation and to gain a better understanding of the standing  of each organization and to probe at potential collaboration opportunities. 3:00PM - 3:30PM Closing Remarks and Reflection                                                  Summary of the discussion and opportunity to declare willingness to contribute through and to future conversations and project. Panelists will have an opportunity to share what was gained through this event.  3:30 - 4:00 Networking Opportunities                                                                               Sattvic, vegetarian early dinner will be served . (MENU CARD BELOW)   List of Panelists:   Adrish Ananda - Shri Nand Shiv Durga Mandir   Vasu Pawar - Step2Stepup Inc.   Dr. Randi Robbs - Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’is of Los Angeles   Wenli Tseng - Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation   Amrit Bhandari - Lions Club and Jain Center   Ila Mehta and Gunvant Shah - Peace Center LA    Dennis Fisher - Temple Of Clarity    Shvetu Suri & Pastor Dale - Resurrection Beach MCC   Tirzo Tek - Lady of the Assumption Church   Dr. Khalid Naseem - Ahmadiyya Muslim Community   Charla - Church of Latter Day Saints   SOCIAL MEDIA POSTS The event was streamed online and on facebook   https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=httpsm.youtube.comlive0rPSAcnwbIssioVmAhMkptaAQ015k&h=AT2UI9g8htcKHu4J_C5DBob4pcUuBvqAxQQBpb7ZxkymofKNydIVQojixmkeAsu9xgJy4lGuy6YDNgQXgFF-2GbTCha-HvpGsMAsaNitLSAOvt7vnP4bo8Wecr6IfnREUw&s=1 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0rPSAcnwbIs&t=2657s Facebook Posts :   https://fb.watch/qCq7xLxy4M/ https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=786621500177485&set=a.441222494717389 https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=785528066953495&set=a.441222494717389 https://www.facebook.com/events/1728311781022253/?ref=newsfeed https://www.facebook.com/nhtla/posts/pfbid0t5Cp1etXqhkKFZwiZjS1P43N4RP6nuTwws2fdsPDDDAVBzZTKiV5BCuUJo2jsFKPl Whatsapp Community Posts : 12 https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1vgFEJ5i8qU7DSuOzAalMZq3xIGomCOU_?usp=sharing Instagram Posts: https://www.instagram.com/p/C36S0HavvBr/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link https://www.instagram.com/p/C3_Z5EEvkzv/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link  Pictures Taken: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1ufJ2KND_CLysGtvI8nOR0k1UprEGrKj0 https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1W0rPEOiQrOi_tEwg9sHVOTV-o-05Yf4N SLIDE SHOW PRESENTATION  https://www.canva.com/design/DAF-AokE-os/bfcguw0oe_PGYWEY7qvFew/edit Presentation notes for each slide: https://docs.google.com/document/d/109e1oKn-h6zHY6M3MYSvxyuY8ab6HbfakDFYBKy-cGs/edit?usp=sharing  

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