The Ink of Light Baha’i Writers Festival was ‘soul stirring’, ‘uplifting’ ‘surprising’, and immensely attractive to readers and people who do not write and creatives from music, and art, as well as being full of participants of all ages. So brilliant to see a contingent of youth from the Gold Coast there.
Volunteers and task force preparing for the festival
Thanks to all those participants who travelled from, Moreton Bay Shire, Gold Coast, Toowomba, Macau, Gladstone, Sunshine Coast, Redland Shire, New Zealand and Solomon Islands, as well as from around Brisbane, they made this event truly memorable with their warm response to our presenters.
Grant Hindin Miller performed throughout the Festival and ran a workshop. Also opened the festival with a devotional
I was so thrilled, with the outcomes and process of the Powers of Poetry workshop. To have people say they once…
I am delighted to feature a last minute addition to the interview series for Ink of Light with Naysan Naraqi. Naysan, as well as his other media work and serving as editor for Baha’i Blog, is one of the Ink of Light organising Task Forcemembers. He will be chairing the discussion panels during the Festival as well as presenting a talk on, Online writing.
What is your favourite book?
I like an enormous numbers of book, so limiting it to just one is impossible. I am usually reading three books at the same time. A deep Baha’i book, alongside a book like Malcolm Gladwell’s Tipping Point and also books on topics I am covering on Baha’i blog. Like at the moment I am reading several children’s books.
Who is your favourite hero?
Malcolm X, as for me he represents the epitome of a sincere searcher. His transformation processes throughout his life, from criminal, to a Follower of the Nation of Islam, to just a follower of Islam after pilgrimage to Mecca when realising some of the the things the Nation of Islam leaders were doing weren’t ethical.
What is your main motivation in life?
There is a limited time to make an impact in this life, and so much we can do. Baha’u’llah says, ‘this world is fleeting.’ I want to be in the ‘arena,’ doing things that make a difference.
Your favourite quote?
“It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs; who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.” Theodore Roosevelt
Ian is the last in this series of interviews with Ink of Light Presenters.
He is the founder of the Ink of Light, Baha’i Writer’s Festival.
His enthusiasm for this event providing opportunities for both established and up and coming Baha’i writers in many genres is both brilliant and generous.Ian will be presenting on the Sunday May 19th and begins this interview by telling us about his topic.
What is your presentation at Ink of Light?
This year my presentation titled ‘Instruments of Philosophy’, looks at the harmony of science and religion through the works of two of the 19th century’s great minds; the polymath Sir David Brewster; inventor of the kaleidoscope. And the esteemed physicist James Clerk Maxwell.
What is your favourite book?
A favourite book was the Arthurian legends and the Grail Story by the late 12th century writer Robert de Boron. I even more so liked the movie version; Monty Python and the Holy Grail, which firmly cemented my sense of humour.
Who is your Hero?
When I was young my hero was TinTin. I enjoyed the cartoon books and the daring exploits and adventures of TinTin.
What is your main motivation?
I’ll have to think about that one. Does procrastinating count.
Share your favourite quote
A favourite quote is from Leonardo da Vinci. ‘Learning is the only thing the mind never exhausts, never fears, and never regrets.’
To find out more about Ian and the festival visit Ink of Light.
The Far Side by Gary Larson – anthropomorphism at its best.
Who is your hero and why?
The martyrs – for their steadfastness
What is your motivation?
Beauty and simplicity.
Share your favourite quote:
“Not everything that a man knoweth can be disclosed, nor can everything that he can disclose be regarded as timely, nor can every timely utterance be considered as suited to the capacity of those who hear it.”
Bahá’u’lláh
Michael’s worldview is that true science and true religion are necessarily in harmony. His writing seeks to promote understanding of this liberating concept and to contribute to a civilization that is ever advancing materially and spiritually.
Michael Cohen currently serves on the Distribution and Publication Board which manages Baha’i Distribution Services and Baha’i Publications Australia.
Linda has been guided by the social justice and human rights dimensions of the Baha’i Faith leading her to work in areas providing support to those who are most disadvantaged in terms of their lack of access to employment, education, and services. She is one of our Workshop Presenters at Ink of Light May 18-19. She is presenting on Saturday.
My favourite book of all time would have to be The Prophet by Khalil Gibran. This book was the first to open my mind to the concepts later extended by Abdul-Baha’s Paris Talks and I was delighted to learn that Khalil Gibran was inspired by ‘Abdu’l-Baha.
Who is your hero and why?
Apart from each of the holy and sacred messengers of God, Gandhi, Nelson Mandela, and others, my hero is Jane Addams who was was the founder of Hull House in Chicago. She was the first US woman to receive the Nobel Peace Prize and she found the Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom. Her work was helping the poor and immigrants in particular. ‘Abdu’l- Baha visited Hull House and gave a presentation on racial inequality.
What is your main motivation?
In addition to my grandchildren and family, and the privilege of being able to advocate for justice and fairness through my work.
Share your favourite quote:
“Have ye forgotten that true and radiant morn, when in those hallowed and blessed surroundings we were all gathered in My presence beneath the shade of the tree of life”
RainyReviews is aimed at writing Self-published and Wattpad book reviews. I will be writing my own poetry and short stories. I will also be creating aesthetics.
Ink of Light Taskforce Planning Team 2019 
Volunteers and task force preparing for the festival 
Grant Hindin Miller performed throughout the Festival and ran a workshop. Also opened the festival with a devotional 
