After attending the 60^th Annual UN Department of Public Information (UNDPI) Conference from 5-7 September 2007 about the Climate Change, Anand Krishna (click here for more on him) visited Ojai in the state of California, where he was very warmly received by the people of the beautiful city.

The meetings at Ojai were organized by a long time friend Marilyn Salas (click here for more on her), who is a full time Energy Worker/Healer. Anand Krishna’s first meeting in Ojai was with the Council of Grandmothers, where he was received by Jill Thompson, ex Hollywood Model/Artist and several of the council’s members.

At the same venue, Soul Centered’s Dome, later he gave his first public speech in California. The date was 9^th of September 2007 (9 + 9 + 2 + 7 = 27; 2+7 = 9). The meeting was attended by more than 80 people, some of them coming from Los Angeles, Santa Barbara and other cities around Ojai. In the meeting opened by Soul Centered’s Director/Owner, Diane Silvester, an ex Hollywood Artist too, Anand Krishna emphasized on the need to translate spirituality into action in the daily life. He also talked in great length on the climate change caused by global warming and especially on its impact on the Indonesian Archipelago and the beautiful island of Bali.

The participants were very much receptive to his thoughts, and it was there and then that a petition (click to read the contents) was made to the Government of Indonesia to pay special attention to the environment and preserve the culture and traditions of the country, Bali in particular, by stopping the construction works and the commercial ventures which are not eco-friendly and could endanger the beauty of Bali.

The petition which was signed by most of the participants was later submitted to the Consul General of Indonesia in Los Angeles.

Anand Krishna’s next meeting was at Santa Barbara where he was hosted by the well known philanthropist of the city, Patricia  Friedel, Director of The Center for Integrative Life Healing & Enlightened Environments. There too he spoke at great length on the hottest global issue of climate change.

During the visit, Anand Krishna was interviewed by the University of California Radio at Santa Barbara Campus, also by the Soul Centered Radio at Ojai (Soul Centered Radio - Conversation with Krishna: Part 1, Part2)

Following the petition, on the 18^th of September 2007 (1 + 8 + 9 + 2 + 7 = 27; 2+7 = 9), about nine residents of California and Bali signed the Declaration of California-Bali Friendship Association. This Association shall promote cultural and spiritual tourism and other exchanges. The Association shall also submit a petition to US Government to lift the travel warning for Indonesia.

On the 27th of September, 2007 (2 + 7 + 9 + 2 + 7 = 27; 2+7 = 9) a press conference was held at the office of Bali’s Governor. The Conference attended by more than 20 print and electronic media, was convened by the National Integration Movement’s Bali Coordinator, Dr. Sayoga. The Deputy Governor of Bali, Mr. Kesuma Kalakan, prominent environment activists represented by Mr. Agung, US Community in Bali, represented by businessman Mr. John – all supported the formation of California Bali Association and appreciated the contributions of Anand Krishna and various groups founded and inspired by him for the preservation of Bali’s cultural heritage. Amongst the supporters of the Petition to the Government of Indonesia to preserve Bali and the Declaration of California Bali Friendship Association, are names of prominent citizens like Frank Kelly (Vice President of Nuclear Disarmament Peace Foundation, and once the Speech Writer for President Truman of United States of America), CBS Executive, several Hollywood Artists, Professionals, Educationists and many others.

From left to right: Liny, Anand Krishna, Frank Kelly, and Maya

Related information:
60^th Annual DPI/NGO Conference Declaration: Climate Change Threats - An NGO Framework for Action. Final declaration ...