“The work in Asia Plateau has increased both in quality and quantity. Let us be strong for the weak.” - Rajmohan Gandhi. Carole Khakula from Kenya reports on her time as an intern at the centre.

‘University Of The Heart’ Celebrates 40 Years.
By Carole Khakula

For many years, actually all my life, I had been part of a home that I had never been to.

I am Kenyan, born and bred. My way of life and factors that have contributed to making me who I am today, were drawn from the IofC well. And now in my 25th year, I chose to visit, essentially, the place that from a distance has nurtured me. It is true then, as spoken of the ripples of IofC being felt far and wide.

I arrive at Asia Plateau, an anxious intern who has walked right into the wake of the 40th Anniversary Celebrations. This might have otherwise been confusing, and even overwhelming, but as soon as I set foot upon the campus, a peace, unique and deep, nestles itself in my heart.
The one week event brought together 250 ‘sons, daughters and grandchildren’ of Frank Buchman’s philosophy and conviction, born out of a common goal, from 32 countries. Each came to commemorate 40 phenomenal years of Asia Plateau’s existence & work in remaking the world. It was also a chance for spiritual nourishment, reflection, sharing and reconnecting. The Brown’s from France for instance hadn’t been to India for 30 years!! I shared the taxi that carried their daughter Carmen from the Mumbai Airport for she arrived days after her parents.

In response to a question she said, 'Yes I have been to India once before; in my mother’s belly! I was conceived here!'

The much anticipated, vivacious and inspirational event was punctuated by various activities with the first evening telling The Story – 40 Years of Asia Plateau. There was only one tree at the campus 40 years ago. Currently, the expanse is a home to an amazing forest of trees and animals. The grandfather tree, a tall Silver Oak still stands with such dignity on the grounds. This is a testimony of change beginning with one person and spreading on to others. The days that followed told of the special impact of Asia Plateau and candidly yet insightfully tabled various ideas in regard to Asia plateau’s heightened role for the next 40 years. Rajmohan Gandhi who was present, humbly listening, sharing and inspiring everyone remarked, 'The work in Asia Plateau has increased both in quality and quantity. Let us be strong for the weak.'

One of the evenings of colourful displays of creative and entertaining talent, presented a piano recital of classical ‘Romantic’ composers by Russian pianist Victor Ryabchikov; Sensational, moving and intoxicating to the mind.

The much acclaimed movie: Imam and the Pastor posed a huge challenge once again. If we need to remake this world, offer solutions to conflicts and bring reconciliation, then dialogue is key. To see Christians and Muslims working together in utter peace and unity is divine!!
Towards the end of the celebrations, various global initiatives were presented. Such a powerful portfolio of ideas, that are not a conception of genius, but of ordinary men and women who have allowed themselves to change, and then dared to follow their inner voice.

MRA-IofC has come a long way, with the brave spirit and vision being passed on from one generation to the next. The vision will, I pray, stand, as more ideas evolve with the unveiling of needs and imbalances of the world.

As we focus on the future of this community, let us reflect on the words of Devas Gandhi, one of Gandhi’s sons spoken in June 1956, at the MRA World Assembly at Caux and quoted by V C Viswanathan in chapter nine of the newly published ‘Frank Buckman’s legacy’.

'I do not think there is any single message for the world today that has so much significance as MRA. You are embarked on a most essential if difficult mission, and if you fail the world fails. The basis of MRA is fundamental and calls for the highest courage and patience. You face opposition and criticism. But I believe, with you, in persistence, and the good seeds you have sown will certainly come to bear fruit'.