Index for Volume 9, Issue 3 October - December 1997

In India, a new approach to vocational education

The New Era Development Institute seeks to provide students with skills to earn a living and impart a new vision of community service. "Our product is basically a transformed individual."

Perspective editorial: A litmus test for Iran

PERSPECTIVE— In recent statements, the President of the Islamic Republic of Iran has talked of humanity's entry into a "new century of humanity, understanding, and durable peace."

Landegg Academy inaugurates new graduate studies program

WIENACHT, Switzerland — In ceremonies on 29 September 1997, Landegg Academy formally inaugurated a new program of graduate studies, marking a new phase in the institution's development as an international academic center.

Bahá'í communites worldwide gearing up for human rights education campaign

WASHINGTON - One of the particular features of the United States Constitution is that all international treaties must be ratified by a two-thirds majority of the US Senate - a legislative body composed of two representatives from each of this country's 50 states.

UN General Assembly calls for complete “emancipation” of Iran's Bahá'í community

UNITED NATIONS - For the twelfth time in 13 years, the United Nations General Assembly has passed a resolution expressing concern over the human rights situation in Iran, taking special note of "grave breaches" of the rights of Bahá'ís there.

Bahá'ís of the United States respond to Iranian President

WASHINGTON, DC — Responding to an invitation to the American people by Iranian President Mohammad Khatami for dialogue on the subject of closer ties between the people of Iran and the people of the United States, the Bahá'í community of the United States issued a statement welcoming the overture but suggesting that Iran's Bahá'ís "be granted their full rights as law-abiding citizens."

What is real development? Buses, cars and tractors or cooperation and unity?

PANCHGANI, Maharashtra, India — In striving to illuminate what it means to integrate spiritual principles with economic development, the New Era Development Institute (NEDI) has hit upon a simple but revealing exercise that can be used almost anywhere in the world.

For more than half a century, New Era High School has set the pace for service

PANCHGANI, Maharashtra, India - In some respects, the New Era High School might be considered as the grandfather of modern Bahá'í development efforts.

Family conference in Albania

TIRANA, Albania — More than 200 people attended a conference on the theme of "A Healthy Family for a Healthy Society," held in December 1998 and sponsored by the Albanian Bahá'í community.

A kinder, gentler universe

BOOK REVIEW — "God, Chance and Necessity" By Keith Ward, Oneworld, Oxford.

Ever since Darwin, belief in God has been under a seemingly strong and continuous assault by science and scientists. And most recently, new notions about how the universe may have grown from a quantum singularity and refinements in the theory of evolution have given fuel to those who would argue that creation was an accident and human consciousness a lucky fluke