New documentary explores paths toward social progress

ASTANA, Kazakhstan — A new documentary titled For the Betterment of Society explores how Bahá’í initiatives in Kazakhstan are fostering spiritual and material progress. The film is part of the Bahá’í community’s contribution to growing conversations in society about overcoming prejudices and fostering unity.  

The 23-minute film produced by the Bahá’ís of Kazakhstan examines how bonds of unity within extended families from diverse faith traditions are being strengthened through consultation and gatherings for prayer, nurturing new patters of support and enhancing collective purpose throughout neighborhoods.  

“Our entire extended family—parents, uncles, aunts, cousins, and other relatives—unite through meetings where we pray together by turning to our creator,” explains one participant. “These gatherings bring special joy to my heart.”  

The film looks at how this growing consciousness of human interconnectedness is cultivated through Bahá’í moral educational initiatives that welcome people from all backgrounds. These programs assist participants to develop capabilities for service to their fellow citizens while exploring profound concepts such as the oneness of humanity.  

“We are all one and are expressing a desire to find values that will lead to greater unity,” said a participant of these initiatives.  

The documentary highlights how young people are developing their capacity to contribute to social progress. In youth groups, adolescents engage in meaningful discussions about their purpose in life.  

One facilitator of these youth groups explains that their conversations are inspiring participants to envision their future where professional achievement and service to society are naturally interwoven aspects of a coherent life. “They begin to think about how they can be useful to their society and engage in a profession that they really like,” she says.  

Throughout the film, a distinctive pattern is evident in which spiritual principles—such as the elimination of prejudice, the equality of women and men, and justice—harmonize with and enhance cultural traditions. As one person described, their initiatives are “creating a unique pattern of social relations that are expressions of the diversity of one human family.” 

Article sourced from Bahai World News Service.