One Ocean Concert at Bahá’í House of Worship Brings Together Diplomats, Artists, and Delhi’s Cultural Icons
There was a quiet, almost luminous energy at the Bahá’í House of Worship — the Lotus Temple — on Friday evening as it opened its doors for a special edition of the One Ocean Concert Series. Ambassadors from 24 countries, leading writers, and many of Delhi’s cultural voices gathered under its serene marble canopy, creating a rare confluence of art, diplomacy, and spirit.
The Bahá’í House of Worship team set the tone with a warm welcome, reminding everyone of the temple’s role as a steadfast symbol of the oneness of humankind. Rooted in Bahá’í principles, the One Ocean Concert Series celebrates how the arts can unify, heal, and elevate — a vision that felt especially alive in that moment.
Drawing from the Bahá’í writings, the welcome address beautifully compared human diversity to musical notes — distinct on their own, but capable of forming a perfect chord when guided by unity and purpose. Art, it reflected, is “a gift of the Holy Spirit,” one that uplifts individuals and strengthens the fabric of society.
Dr. Kazem Samandari, Co-Founder of the Trajectories of Hope Foundation, echoed this sentiment: “This concert is more than a performance; it is a reminder that culture and music can dissolve boundaries. Today, as ambassadors, artists, and citizens sit together, we witness the real meaning of unity in diversity.”
Adding to this spirit, Dr. Christine Samandari, Co-Founder of the Foundation, shared: “The Lotus Temple welcomes every heart. Through the One Ocean Concert, we hope to reaffirm that humanity is interconnected — many waves, but truly one ocean.”
Justice Deepak Verma, Former Judge of the Supreme Court of India, reflected on the evening’s message with quiet conviction: “This evening’s concert showcased how art can be a carrier of peace. In a world of growing differences, platforms like the One Ocean Concert remind us of our shared humanity.”
Vicki Bedi, direct descendant of Guru Nanak and respected philanthropist, added a deeply personal note: “The Lotus Temple embodies the spirit of universality. Tonight, the music echoed Guru Nanak’s message — that all beings are one, and that harmony is our natural state.”
Ambassador Sanjay Verma, member of UPSC and cultural patron, spoke of the concert’s resonant purpose: “Gatherings like this create a powerful bridge between communities and nations. The language of music speaks to every heart, and tonight, it united us effortlessly.” He also reflected on the visual poetry of the setting, noting that “the performance’s visual dimension was defined by the incredible backdrop of the Lotus Temple.”
What followed was a performance that felt almost meditative. Pandit Shubhendra Rao and Maestro Saskia Rao-de Haas, joined by Zuheb Ahmed and Zaheen Khan on tabla, filled the temple’s iconic marble hall with classical melodies that seemed to float through the space. Organised in collaboration with the Trajectories of Hope Foundation, the concert was a reminder of how art can still the mind and stir the heart.
A protégé of Bharat Ratna Pandit Ravi Shankar, Pandit Shubhendra Rao was celebrated for continually expanding the boundaries of Indian classical music. Saskia Rao-de Haas — creator of the Indian cello — captivated the audience with her innovation and her effortless cross-cultural mastery.
The evening drew an eclectic and distinguished gathering: diplomats, cultural leaders, acclaimed writers, and members of Delhi’s artistic community. Among them was Amit Deshmukh of MMJP Global Wellness, representing the intersection of culture, community upliftment, and holistic well-being.
As the night drew to a close, Ms. Nilakshi Rajkhowa, Director of the Bahá’í Office of Public Affairs, invited Dr. Christine Samandari and Dr. Kazem Samandari to join her in presenting a token of appreciation to the performers — a quiet, graceful ending to an evening rooted in unity, artistry, and shared purpose.
A Glimpse…
