Pune to Celebrate Bicentenary of the Bab (Herald of the Bahai Faith) on 28 October
Pune, October 25, 2019: The year 2019 marks the two hundredth anniversary of the birth of the Báb, one of the two founders of the Bahá’í Faith.
On 23 May 1844, as a young man of 25, the Báb announced the end of one religious era and the beginning of another. His public mission, lasting only six short years, was far-reaching in its consequences.
The Báb’s teachings called for a purity of heart and manner of deeds that transcend mere words and belief, upheld the importance of science and praised the cultural and scientific developments, so long as they could avoid extreme materialism. He raised the social status of women, powerfully represented by one of His pre-eminent followers, Táhirih, who has been called “the leader of emancipation for women of the Orient.” The Báb set aside animosity between religions, and addressed the coming unity of the human race in a manner that responded to the dreams and ideals of philosophers, poets and previous prophets of God down through the ages.
His teachings which were of progressive nature were widely accepted by the masses. But the fanatical and conservative ruling class considered it to be detrimental to hold on to their inimical power over the masses. The Bab was persecuted, tortured and imprisoned and on 9 July 1850 was executed by assemblage of 750 soldiers. In the two decades that followed, more than 20000 followers of the Bab were inhumanly killed.
Baha’is believe in the essential nobility of the human soul and that every human being must regard himself as a trust of the whole and work towards the betterment of the humankind. They also believe that worship and service to the society, go hand in hand and to achieve this Baha’i communities worldwide are engaged in many grass-root programs aimed at raising the awareness towards value and ethics.
Baha’i writings states that “The well-being of mankind, its peace and security, are unattainable unless and until it unity is established”
Pune community will be celebrating Bicentenary of the Bab on 28th October at Poona Club, Camp, at 6:30 pm. The community has invited all to this event.
