An audio book containing poems and prose by Indian spiritual guru Sri Chinmoy was released at the United Nations headquarters here on the eve of the first UN International Day of Happiness.
The Audio Book "The Jewels of Happiness" contains chapters read by Nobel Peace Laureate Archbishop Desmond Tutu, singer Roberta Flack, Olympic champion Carl Lewis, musician Michael Walden, actress Judith Light and musician Boris Grebenshikov.
The event was opened by Anwarul Chowdhury, Special Advisor and Ambassador of Bangladesh to the United Nations for many years.
"These sweet gems of wisdom by my dear friend Sri Chinmoy are timeless truths full of encouragement, love and goodness," Nobel Peace Laureate, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, said in a video message.
A special message from peace activist Ela Gandhi, granddaughter of Mahatma Gandhi, and former Member of Parliament in South Africa, was also read out.
Chinmoy began teaching meditation in the West when he moved to New York City in 1964. A prolific author, artist, poet, athlete and musician, he is known for holding public events on the theme of inner peace.
