On the sunny day of 10 July 2011, more than 15,000 visitors and 2,000 performers and working personnel made the GO! Carnival held at the People’s Association (PA) Headquarters a roaring good time!
The carnival was organised by SSA in partnership with the PA, and supported by OnePeople.Sg, the Ba’alwi Mosque, Northland Secondary School and NorthLight School. The highlights of the carnival included the launch of a 24-panel racial harmony exhibition entitled “Celebrating Harmony in Diversity”, the collection and display of 10,000 Peace Pledges, stage performances by various cultural groups, a children Art competition, carnival food, games and flea stalls, lucky draws, as well as workshops and talks.
The event’s theme “Peace Begins with Me” is based upon Soka Gakkai International President Ikeda’s peace philosophy that one individual has the potential and power to effect a positive transformation in one’s family, and rippling out into one’s community, society and the world. The theme is also aligned with the commemoration of “Racial-harmony Month” in July.
Guest-of-Honour Mr Yam Ah Mee, Chief Executive Director of PA, shared his thoughts about our event as follows, “It’s wonderful to see so many people come together to celebrate racial harmony. I’m really touched by the exhibition. What impressed me most was the fact that the students shared with their hearts and the stories were very touching. The exhibition showcased the kind of love that exists in the society cutting across all race and religion. Therefore, it’s very good that SSA organised this carnival especially in July, the month of racial harmony. SSA youth division is celebrating its 60th anniversary and we are celebrating PA Youth Movement’s (PAYM) 40th. So this exhibition is a great way to involve youth and showcase racial harmony. I really want to commend SSA. Youth are full of ideas, vibrance, creativity and innovation. They will be our future torch bearers. I really want to commend SSA on how it has involved youth. SSA has done very well. It has evolved as well as stayed relevant to all in the society—the elderly, the adult, the youth and other communities.”