One Light - The journey so far: Sept 2007 – Sikhnet Online Film Festival

Friday, April 4, 2008

Sept 2007 – Sikhnet Online Film Festival – The home of One Light

One Light was created after Ish Kaur, a Sikh filmmaker came to Atlanta for teaching a theater workshop at a youth camp. She encouraged all children to express their creativities for the upcoming Youth Film Festival.

In the following summer Angad went to Duke University’s program for youngsters on International Relations and learned about World conflict. The idea for One Light came then; it would be Angad’s way to do something to bring peace.

With a handheld camera, zero experience in the area, a crashing old computer and only 3 weeks of summer vacations left, he worked unlimited hours to make the deadline for the Sikhnet Film Festival. When he finished, utterly frustrated with his work, he declared that he was done and would never make a video again. He wanted return to the regular activities of a teenager.

Little did he know. The response from visitors around the world was so powerful that it was only the start of his busy schedule.

Thank You, Sikhnet.com, for the vision and platform. None of this would have happened without it. We hope that you will keep inspiring the world for a long time to come.

In partnership with Sikhnet, One Light was also selected to be broadcast by TimeTV a Sikh TV channel in India.

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Letters from the audience

********Letters from Wood River High School***********

I think it is so wonderful that someone is speaking to schools about peace and acceptance and respect for other cultures and religions. I am a victim of ridicule here myself because I am Wiccan. I hope that one day we all can try and make a difference like you.
Rachael

I watched your movie twice. I had thought of making a difference in my town, but never did it. You gave me a push and I want to start by helping people. Ever since your visit I have been standing up for people that need me. Thank You.
Jessica

I truly admire your courage in speaking especially to an older audience. The fact that your are producing movies, speaking and inspiring at your age speaks to me. I hope you continue putting out good message and energy into the universe.
Kenna

I am trying to do what you said in my neighborhood. I am from Peru and I want to educate my neighbors and learn about them.

Thank you for coming to Prof. Bohl’s class. You have showed me how we are all so similar. I hope you inspire more people to action about peace like you have inspired me.
Dylan

Your presentation was so uplifting. Everyone I talked to in school says they enjoyed it and that they were inspired. Thank you for your inspiring words.
Mariah

You spoke at my German class. I want t o t hank you for your deep compassion. It meant a lot to me.
Thomas

Before you came to my school, I had wanted to start my own shirt company and send proceeds to help people in Africa. Meeting you, has finally made me start it. Thank you for inspiring me.
Makayla

You are making this world a better place. It is eye opening to learn that people with different beliefs can have a lot in common.
Bill

Your movie had led me t o change the way I look at others and to always show respect. I envy your self –respect and dedication. I can’t explain my gratitude and hope you will come back with your next movie.
Madora

I would like to thank you for coming. It’s great that you found something you care about and then acted upon it. Not many people do that (especially kids/teens). You strengthened my passion for acting on one’s feelings. I would like to use your video on my upcoming website on “Free Your Mind Movement”. Keep in going, man, what you are doing is a great idea.
Zach

Your visit has inspired me to start small to make a change. Thank you.
Kylie

You have influenced me a lot. Your mother’s story about her house being burnt and her 3 relatives burnt alive opened my eyes to the conflict and racism in the world. It also makes me thankful to live in such a wonderful place and share my blessings. Thank you.
Hanna

What you said made a difference to me because I was bullied when I was younger. I know I couldn’t have talked about the issues like you do, I have trouble speaking about my projects in class. So thank you for speaking for so me.
Andrew

I really appreciate your courage and the will to try to change t he world. I really believe it when you say that “God is within us”. You have really helped me to see life differently.
Luis

Thank you so much for sharing your movie and knowledge. I was able to expand my boundaries and learn about your amazing culture and your work to make this world a better place.
Mal

You made me realize that I should not judge people on how they look. Also, you never know what people have gone through in their lives, so I should always be kind and open to them.
Hannah

You taught me that it doesn’t matter what someone’s race or religion or disability, we are all humans and should be seen in one light.
Vanessa

I was very enlightened and couldn’t agree with you more on all you said. Thank you for sharing.
Sam

Your movie really moved me and I so enjoyed learning about the Sikh religion and culture and your message of making this world a better place.
Dillon

Thank you for coming to us and sharing your wonderful message. I think what you are doing is amazing.
Chris

I liked that you talked to us about what you have experienced for being different. I have experienced t hat too because I am Hispanic and there are times when people treat me different. You really encourage me to not judge if I don’t know people well.
Anna

Your video has changed my views on diversity and helps me to see all people as one.
Shane

It amazed me that you did something like this at such a young age. Makes me want to do something too. What I really liked too was that you don’t care what people think of your religion. You show it with pride. You have the courage to stand in front of teens and adults and talk to them about issues. I admire that. You really made a difference for me.
Juana

I am sorry to say that I disagree with you. The world is a bad place and it will never change. I get pushed around and beat up all the time. Where is the change you talk about ? When will it come ?
Tyler

Your message that anyone can make a difference was really powerful. The dedication you show for creating change has an impact on me. I cannot express the inspiration in words. All I can say is that I hope I can be as courageous as you and make a difference.
Robby

Your video made a big impact on how I look at my neighbors. I was moved by your mother’s story on the genocide and made me realize how hard it is to stand for your beliefs. Your insights on life are so unique for your age. I am two years older than you and still don’t look at the world like you do. I admire your courage.
Haley

I was lucky enough to hear you speak 1st and end period. You have inspired me to make a difference in my community. Thank you.
Ally

Thank you so much for opening our eyes to your message. Your movie was very intense and inspirational. You brought new ideas and thoughts to our valley and inspired a lot of people to make a difference. You make me want to make a difference like you do.
Jessie

I am a special education teacher at the Wood River High School. I teach students with severe disabilities in the Life Skills program. Our class had t he honor to see you speak. I want to thank you for showing our students that positive messages can be spread by kids. We live in a “bubble” here in Sun Valley and it was great for our students to see that there are more cultures in our wonderful country than what we see here. My students wanted to write you a thank you letter. Keep up the good work. I am proud to know that Georgia has such a remarkable young man representing their state.
J. Ellison.

Thank you for coming to Wood River. I hope you would stop anger in this world. I want to be a movie director one day too. I really like the idea of going to your neighbor’s house talk to them about anger.
Sincerely,
Tadd

I saw you speak at my school. I am just learning to speak and write so I use a special writing program with pictures. I want to speak like you one day.
Christian

Thank you for coming to our school and making your movie. You are very brave to speak t o us. I wish I could have seen your hair. I have never seen a boy with hair to his knee. I think you are cool.
Sincerely,
Keith

***********Letters from around the world**************

The world needs more people like Angad to help others open their hearts and minds.
-Carol M.

I watched your video with my daughter as she has the same belief and proud supporter of social work. At your age your are doing fantastic job. I am sure with people like you and my kids, this world will be a better place.
Keep up with your good work!
-Clarity

I loved watching your video. I am positive that people like you will instill a change in human-human relationship and focus on EKnur rather than race and creed. Good Work mate. Suhail Dawoodani from Dubai, UAE

Loved your One Light video - love the message - In fact, we run a free class for children reflecting this very idea, and love for you to come and join the other kids - I think you will enjoy it!
Neeta

Hi my name is Olivier and I'm 10 years old. I was inspired by your video clip. I live in Canada and I will respect my neighbors.

What an inspiring message you portrayed in this film. As one who embraces all of humanity, I have always found separation among people to be puzzling and ridiculous. Thank you for sharing your message so beautifully.
Carolyn

I was so touched by your heart. Your message needs to reach all the youth in this country. Hopefully bringing us back to a peaceful and tolerant state. Thank you for taking the time to do some good in this world full of selfishness.
Michaela

Hello dear Angad,
Watched the video that you made. it is really amazing and inspiring. many great things about. your thoughts and words and your inspiration to do this is great. one thing that i noticed is that, just around your neighborhood you found such amazing people who have thoughts that are deep and spiritual and universal. i am sure such purity exists among a large majority of the people in the world. only very minority of people keep hatred and feelings of division among them. but alas, it is creating so much problem in the world. each of us have a big role to play. good luck in your studies and your future endeavors. be great!!! lots of love...your brother in N California ... Saril

I am a 60 year old American and Israeli citizen living on a kibbutz in Israel for 37 years. I have 5 grown children and have been a widow for the last 12 years. Your movie moved me so much and gave me hope that the world can be a better place with you in it. I am a very spiritual person and do not consider myself religious. It hurts me some times to see what goes on in this world and this area of the world is one of the difficult places to live in with the conflicts we face all the time. Why can't people understand who they really are and that we are all one? Keep up the good work and I know you will be influencing others who will listen and begin realizing that it is possible to change the world one person at a time. I was told once by my spiritual guides that love is the food of the soul. It's true and without unconditional love life can be very difficult. Be well and continue your good work and maybe one day you will come to Israel and see what a beautiful country this is and you will spread your beautiful words and deeds here also.
Carol

Such a nice and wonderful job you've done Angad. Great to see such a noble thought from such a young kid. Awesome.
Ravi

We enjoyed your video!Maybe you will be the leader of a troubled world one day and bring peace, unity, and love....
Natalie, Marissa and Siena

Very inspiring and an excellent production from a thoughtful and intelligent young person. I hope you continue to
develop into the sensitive and caring adult for our world. Yesterday, at the end of our service I spoke to our small congregation and mentioned the good wishes that you sent and told everyone about the Angad's video. I also sent it to our NLPJC thread and so members and friends have got the details to access Karmatube and the video.
Jackie
London, England
Co-ordinator of North London Progressive Jewish Community.

Thanks for reaching out. I find that in our busy lives it is hard to sit and listen to others and find what we all share. No matter what our backgrounds are.
It's the little things that can mean so much.
In good health. Peace and Love.
~Kristie

What a great job you did! You are a remarkable young man and I am very happy I discovered your message on the internet.
Greetings from Belgium!
Anne

Thank you for your ideas and actions. I think it is so much more than a baby step. I hope you continue your work..
Fran

Your video was very sensitive and educational. Make more of them, stressing our likeness not our differences, the things we all have in common. Thank you!
Elizabeth

To read letters from Sikhnet Online Film Festival viewers, please click here.

One Light - The journey so far

Friday, April 4, 2008

Sept 2007 – Sikhnet Online Film Festival – The home of One Light

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