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On invitation by the Colombian president as well as the rebel FARC leadership, Art of Living Foundation founder Sri Sri Ravi Shankar will attend the historic signing ceremony of the peace agreement between FARC and the Colombian government in Cartagena de Indias, Colombia, on September 26. Over 15 heads of states from all over the world are expected to attend the event.

Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos acknowledged Sri Sri's efforts in the peace process, declaring: "Sri Sri Ravi Shankar and The Art of Living are heroes of peace."

Her Excellency Monica Lanzetta Mutis, Ambassador of Colombia to India said, "In the framework of the historic peace agreement reached on the 24th August this year by the Government of Colombia and the FARC - EP, Colombia reiterates its appreciation for the valuable contribution of Sri Sri Ravi Shankar to the process."

Source: Economic Times

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Sri Sri: Don't Ignore Traditional Medicines

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There is no need to fear traditional medicines to treat people, Art of Living founder Sri Sri Ravi Shankar said on Saturday.

He was speaking at the inauguration of BRICS Wellness Workshop which aims to highlight the benefits of Indian systems of medicine.

"No need to be prejudiced towards the age-old systems of medicine. They were discovered thousands of years ago and our ancestors have proved their worth centuries back. Now, the entire world is looking at India thanks to yoga and other health-related concepts. Many foreign countries are adopting our traditional medicines as well as yoga. It is time we hightlight them in India too," he said.

"India could share its traditional wisdom in a systematic and scientific manner with the rest of the world. The need of the hour is to marry traditional medicine with modern drugs," Sri Sri pointed out.

Source: TOI

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Sri Sri Teaches Sudarshan Kriya to One Lakh People

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From de-addiction centers in Punjab to remotest corners in Tripura and Assam, from Latur in Maharashtra to Saharanpur in Uttar Pradesh, from Jammu to Kanyakumari, over a lakh people connected virtually to learn secrets for a happy, joyful and stress-free life from the founder of The Art of Living, Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar.

Approximately, 1800 centers across India had organized The Art of Living's signature Happiness programs with Gurudev. This is the first time he is teaching the Sudarshan kriya online, since the inception of The Art of Living.

Touching upon the current issues of youth suicide and depression, Gurudev shared a few practical principles to combat feelings of low-self esteem, interpersonal conflicts and violence. Sharing wisdom with humor, participants learnt the skill to be equanimous under praise or criticism.

"I feel lighter. All the points of wisdom that Gurudev taught are so apt and important for, both, my political and personal life. I would love all the MLAs and District officers in my state to experience this," shares Mahesh Gagda, Forest, Law and Legislative Minister, Chattisgarh. He is part of the thousands who have traveled from different parts of the country to be part of the 3-day program with Gurudev at the scenic Art of Living International Center.

The program, a blend of trend and tradition, offers practical tools for people to sustain their renewed energy, happiness and help face the challenges of today's fast-paced world.

The Sudarshan Kriya is a rhythmic breathing technique which removes deep-seated stressful toxins from the body. Many report feeling calmer, happier and more rested than before.Easy to practice, the techniques taught in the program ensure one takes health and happiness home.

Over the last 35 years, the program has brought together people from various walks of life, backgrounds and religion-farmers, doctors, homemakers, militants, IT professionals, war veterans, youth, businessmen, lawyers and many others, connecting humanity through the power of breath.

Source: AOL Global Website

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Sri Sri Ravi Shankar to Teach ‘Sudarshan Kriya’ Through Webcast

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Art of Living founder Sri Sri Ravi Shankar will teach his unique “Sudarshan Kriya” for the first time through a webcast, in which He aims to reach out to over one lakh people across India from August 19 to 21. Named as “Happiness Program”, it will be a virtual gathering of participants joining in from over 2,000 locations across India – from Shillong to Bombay and Jammu to Chennai, a statement issued by the Mumbai chapter of Art of Living said today.

The Art of Living teachers and volunteers will be available at all web locations, where the program will be conducted, it said, adding that apart from the webcast, about 3,000 participants will travel to the Art of Living International Centre in Bengaluru to learn the techniques directly from Sri Sri. “Stress is when you have too much to do, very little time to do it and no energy to do the task. But what you can do is increase your energy. Pranayama (breathing exercises), meditation and Sudarshan Kriya give you more energy for the day and make you more productive,” the statement quoted Sri Sri Ravi Shankar added.

Source: India.com

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Europe Meditates for Peace with Gurudev Sri Sri

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Take a piece of peace to every corner of the globe!

As the world resounds with the voice of division, the voice of peace needs to ring in louder and stronger. Peace begins with each individual and engulfs those around. And so the circle of peace keeps spreading and it affects families, societies, entire communities and the world at large.

Europe Meditates for Peace is a special online global gathering for peace with Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar on 5th August, 9:30 PM IST.

Source: Join the Peace Meditation

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Sri Sri Efforts Ends 52 Year Old Armed Conflict

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Sri Sri efforts to bring Happiness and Peace are known across the globe.

On June 24th 2016 The Colombian Government and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) signed a historic peace that pact ends a 52-year-old armed conflict. Playing an important role in the peace process was the Art of Living founder and humanitarian – Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar.

Last year, the spiritual leader had travelled to Cuba, Havana and Colombia, talking to both the parties, building trust between them. Last year, Sri Sri travelled to Cuba to meet the representatives of FARC, including the leader of the FARC-EP delegation, Iván Márquez. His efforts resulted in a major breakthrough in June 2015 when the FARC rebels announced a unilateral ceasefire.

The strife had taken the lives of 220,000 people and displaced more than 5 million.

The story of how this came about is quite interesting.

It started when a group of Colombian volunteers came to meet Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar at the Art of Living Montreal ashram in Canada in October, 2014. Very quickly the discussion steered to the 52 year conflict in Colombia that had claimed over 220,000 lives. “We must do something about this”, Gurudev said and sent an Art of Living teacher from Latin America to Cuba to meet the FARC.

On 25th June 2015, Gurudev arrived in Bogota and had an hour long discussion with the President of Colombia about this issue.

During this visit, the Colombian Government conferred their highest civilian award upon Gurudev. In his speech, Gurudev said, “I promise I will do all that is in my capacity to bring peace to all in the conflict in Colombia”. Gurudev lit a peace torch in Colombia before leaving for Havana.

On 26th June, Gurudev and his entourage landed in Havana, Cuba. The meetings with the FARC took place across three consecutive days.The second-in-command of the FARC came to meet Gurudev in the first meeting. Within a few hours the leader himself was there to meet Gurudev. A connection was made. On the second day, one of the FARC leaders had this to say, “I have only heard of saints in wooden and stone figures before, but today I stand before a living saint!”

After the final meeting on the third day, 28th June, 2015, The FARC leaders declared that they will adopt the Gandhian principles of non-violence in a joint press conference with Gurudev.

Sporadic incidents of violence continued even after this declaration.

On 6th July, 2015, from Berlin, Germany, Gurudev had a telephonic conversation with the FARC leader, Ivan Marquez. Gurudev tweeted saying,“Spoke to the FARC Chief Ivan on Monday and gave him a strong message to act on his promise of non-violence and avoid disaster. Am glad he heard me and announced today a unilateral ceasefire from July 20th. I understand he needs a week to get the message out. Let us have patience. This month is a testing time to build confidence on both sides. If handled well, it will be a permanent solution.”

The peace talks and meetings continued. Over 1500 civilians in Cuba experienced the happiness program within six months of Gurudev’s visit.

After this unbelievable turn of events, a journalist asked Art of Living teacher from Colombia what it was that Gurudev said to make this happen. The truth is it was not what was said, but Who said it that made all the difference.

Now, exactly a year later, The FARC has come forward to make a historic peace pact. The seeds for peace were sown in a positive atmosphere in the presence of Gurudev and they have blossomed so beautifully. This is another victory for truth, another instance where Love has moved the world!

President of Colombia H E Juan Manuel Santos said- “I met with Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar in Bogota in June of last year. I had the great joy of speaking with him about the efforts he is making in our country to hopefully very soon end an internal armed conflict that has lasted more than 50 years. Later on, with my consent, he met in Hawana and Cuba with the negotiators of the FARC leaders to encourage them to follow the Gandhian principle of non-violence. Today I want to thank him for this effort.”

Hon. Hildebrando Tapia Samaniego Vice-President Andean Parliament said about Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, “Take my gratitude for the work you do all over the world. Latin America was a witness to your presence, for negotiating peace with the FARC guerillas in Cuba and having great results for peace. A historical agreement that ended years of death, killing & problems, whether material or human. Thanks to you peace is now seen because peace in Colombia, means peace for Latin America”.

Source: News n Views

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Sri Sri Ravi Shankar Hails Colombia Peace Pact

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Spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar on Friday hailed the peace pact between the Colombian government and the country's main rebel group which he had been persuading to give up violence.

The Colombian government and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) signed a historic pact on Thursday to end a 52-year-old armed conflict.

Ravi Shankar's Art of Living said he had played "an important role" in the peace process.

Last year, the spiritual leader travelled to Cuba and Colombia, talking to both the parties and building trust between them, an Art of Living statement said.

"His efforts resulted in a major breakthrough in June 2015 when the FARC rebels announced a unilateral ceasefire," it said.

The strife had taken the lives of 220,000 people and displaced more than five million.

Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos was quoted as saying that with his consent, Ravi Shankar spoke to both parties, urging the FARC leaders to follow the Gandhian principle of non-violence.

Source: Business Standard

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Sri Sri Opens International Yoga Day in EU, Calls It 'Rhythm in Life'

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Inaugurating the second edition of the International Yoga Day at the European Parliament in Brussels on Tuesday, Art of Living Foundation founder Sri Sri Ravi Shankar thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for making an "extra effort to bring Yoga to the mainstream population."

"I would like to thank UN for declaring last year June 21st, the longest day as World Yoga Day. Especially the PM of India who has made extra effort to bring Yoga to the mainstream population. I would also like to acknowledge the Yoga teachers and Yoga schools which have been striving so hard to make people understand the benefits of Yoga, Though Yoga was born in the Indian subcontinent, it belongs to the world," said Sri Sri Ravi Shankar.

"I’m so glad that today here in the European Parliament, the heart of Europe, where 48 countries sit and do their deliberations and lead their countries, they are taking up this beautiful mission of wellness and bringing happiness to people," he said. Explaining the benefits of Yoga, he sought to differentiate it from exercise.

"Yoga is bringing the rhythm in life. Yoga is feeling the connection with oneself. And with everyone around. Yoga is aspiring for the highest goal of the world as one family. And unity with the infinity. It brings harmony in one’s environment. A disease free body, it establishes a quiver free breath which is a sign of strength, confusion free mind, inhibition free intellect, trauma free memory and sorrow free soul," Sri Sri said.

Source: First Post

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#YogainEU: Sri Sri Ravi Shankar to Inaugurate the International Day of Yoga at the European Parliament

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Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, world’s most renowned ambassador of yoga and founder of The Art of Living will inaugurate the International Day of Yoga at the European Parliament on 21 Jun​e​ 2016. He will be the Chief Guest and lead MEPs and staff through a guided meditation when for the first time the Parliament’s Yehudi Menuhin Hall will turn into a big yoga space.

The session will be available via live webcast to the public on artofliving.org/webcast.

"Yoga takes you close to your true nature. Yoga, with its techniques, helps you to harmonize with nature. Peace is our very nature, and yoga takes you to inner peace" says Sri Sri.

Highlighting the benefits and universality of Yoga, the session will take place from 12.15 – 1.30 pm EST and 3.45 - 5 PM IST and is expected to see participation of several Members and officials of the European Parliament, officials of the European Council and Commission and media personnel.

“Yoga has today become synonymous with relaxation, well being, or a creative mind. It is more than just an exercise. The world is embracing it as a skill to enhance the quality of life. We want to showcase this on the International Day of Yoga celebrations at the European Parliament” says MEP Geoffrey van Orden.

The first International Yoga Day was observed in 2015. The European Parliament on this occasion had organized the curtain raiser on April 21, 2015 when Sri Sri Ravi Shankar had spoken on Yoga and led a Yoga cum meditation session at the Parliament premises in Brussels.

“India and the European Union, being the two largest democracies and therefore natural partners and the European Parliament being the largest global trans-national democratic electorate, it is but appropriate that a Yoga related event at the European Parliament is being undertaken by one of the most popular and internationally acclaimed Yoga exponent from India - Sri Sri Ravi Shankar”, says the Ambassador of India to the EU, His Excellency Mr. Manjeev Singh Puri.

The session would be followed by Yoga “Asanas” under the guidance of Yoga expert Mr. Samir Khan from the European Yoga Institute of Brussels.

The Art of Living will also celebrate the Yoga Day in 100 countries around the globe.

In India, free yoga camps have been conducted across 61 districts in partnership with CCRYN. Over 20,000 people are expected in the IYD program on June 21st to be held in Delhi, while every state is reaching out to people to encourage participation in the yoga routine. As a prelude, the organization initiated 'Sun Never Sets on Yoga' – a campaign which had the Surya Namaskar traveling around the world for 24 hours as groups of people from different geographies came together to practice this ancient yogic technique. This magnificent event spanning five continents witnessed the world literally waking up to yoga.

Participants performed sun salutations in front of prominent landmarks including India Gate, Art of Living International Center in Bangalore, Bandra-Worli Sea link, Chittorgarh fort, Zahran palace (Jordan), Patan Durbar Square (Nepal), Lion City (Singapore), Victoria Harbor (Hong Kong) and other locations in Beirut (Lebanon), Belarus, Russia, New Zealand, Bhutan, Taiwan, Kazakhstan; thus hallmarking the comprehensiveness of this ancient technique.

50 million people across 132 countries participated in The Art of Living celebrations on the 1st International Day of Yoga celebrations in 2015.

Source: Economic Times

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Sri Sri Holds Meditation Session for Disabled Soldiers

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Ahead of International Yoga Day, an inaugural meditation session was held today at Paraplegic Rehabilitation Centre (PRC), Mohali, under the guidance of the Art of Living founder, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar. He was in the city in connection with the yoga day preparations.

During his brief stay at the centre, which caters to rehabilitation of 100 percent disabled soldiers who have lost the use of their lower limbs, he interacted with the inmates and gave them some tips to remain happy and content.

Two specially designed Art of Living courses, including chair yoga, have been conducted in the recent past for the inmates of the PRC under the aegis of Western Command HQ.

On the occasion, Lt Gen KJ Singh, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Command, said a sports complex would shortly be inaugurated on the PRC complex for the fitness of the inmates.

Source: The Tribune

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Yoga - The True Dimension

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An invitation to an unique event - 'Yoga - The True Dimension' | Curtain Raiser to 2nd International Day of Yoga with Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar.

Date: 9th June 2016 | Time: 7 PM IST onwards

Venue: Parade Ground, Sector 17, Chandigarh

For details call: +91 9888853525, +91 9815732720

You may watch the event LIVE on: www.artofliving.org/webcast

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Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar on World Environment Day 2016

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The urban society has a lot to learn from tribals who have protected the environment for ages. Honoring rivers, mountains, trees and animals has been part of ancient civilizations. The world has just woken up to this. Let's not put clothes, bangles and other non-biodegradable items in the rivers under the pretext of worship.

In India The Art of Living has initiated revival and rejuvenation projects for 19 rivers, 46 streams, 2 lakes and 1 dam so far.

Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar's Message for Environment Day 2016

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Sri Sri Offers to Help with Reconciliation in Sri Lanka

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Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, founder of Art of Living, has offered to help with reconciliation between Sinhalas and Tamils in Sri Lanka. On a two-day goodwill visit to the island nation, Sri Sri met President Maithripala Sirisena, Prime Minister Ranil Wickramasinghe and former president Mahinda Rajapaksa.

"For reconciliation, you need to drop the past and move ahead. For that, you need inner strength and spirituality can give you that strength. That's what we promise to do," Sri Sri said when asked about repatriation of Tamils at a press conference in Colombo. "Bring the much-needed healing touch to the population, re-instil confidence among each other and among the community. I am ready to do whatever is necessary to achieve this goal," he added.

There was a discussion on the lessons learnt from his peace facilitation efforts between the Colombian government and FARC rebels. Emphasizing on the importance of harmony among people, Sri Sri said, "Everybody must come together - in all ethnic, religious backgrounds. People must see that in unity there is strength, progress and prosperity. No community can grow in isolation and be happy."

In a statement, Art of Living said during the conflict with the LTTE, Art of Living had conducted trauma relief workshops in Sri Lanka, including in Nallur, Manipay, Velanai, Point Pedro, Invunil and Chavakacheri. The foundation, it said "continued to deliver its life-supporting programmes to several hundred ex-LTTE combatants placed at the Boosa Prison and the rehabilitation centres in Omanthai and Maradamadu".

Source: TOI

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Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar Visits Sri Lanka

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"For reconciliation, you need to drop the past and move ahead. For that, you need inner strength and spirituality can give you that strength. That’s what we promise to do," said Art of Living founder and humanitarian leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar when asked about the repatriation of Tamilians in Sri Lanka at a press conference here. "Bring the much-needed healing touch to the population, re-instill the confidence among each other and among the community. I am ready to do whatever is necessary to achieve this goal."

Gurudev also spoke about working with youth to increase their potential, developing their skills and encouraging the indigenous system of medicine. Gurudev's peace facilitation between the Colombian government and FARC rebels was also discussed, particularly in light of bringing two conflicting parties together. Emphasizing on the importance of harmony amongst people, Gurudev said: "Everybody must come together - in all ethnic, religious backgrounds. People must see that in unity there is strength, progress and prosperity. No community can grow in isolation and be happy.”

Later, the President, His Excellency, Maithripala Sirisena and the former President, Mahinda Rajapaksa called upon Gurudev. He will also be meeting Prime Minister Ranil Wickramasinghe this evening.

He also interacted with children from two orphanages run by The Art of Living.

On a two-day visit to Sri Lanka, Gurudev inaugurated the Seetha Eliya Amman Temple in Nuweralia on May 18.

Gurudev has visited the island nation on numerous occasions - including during the war and visited refugees in the camps. He had called for peace and reconciliation in Sri Lanka and had urged the LTTE to give up violence and engage in dialogue with the Sri Lankan government. During this conflict, Art of Living volunteers have organized relief materials for victims of the conflict. Thousands of refugees and victims have benefited from trauma relief workshops conducted in Sri Lanka, including Nallur, Manipay, Velanai, Point Pedro, Invunil, Chavakacheri.

Inspired by Sri Sri Ravi Shankar’s creative peace-building initiatives for healing and reconciliation, The Art of Living Foundation Sri Lanka continued to deliver its life-supporting programs to several hundred ex-LTTE combatants placed at the Boosa Prison and the rehabilitation centers in Omanthai and Maradamadu.

Sri Sri’s knowledge and the Sudarshan Kriya breathing technique has helped more than 1800 ex-LTTE combatants to meaningfully reintegrate with the mainstream society.

The Art of Living has been conducting stress-elimination programs on the island nation since 2005.

Below are few photographs from the visit:




Source: AOL Global Website

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35 Years of Service | 60 Years of Inspiration!

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Dear one,

Celebrate Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar's 60th Birthday at the Art of Living International Center on 13th May 2016.

Program details:

• 11:30 AM - Devi Puja at Yagnashala
• 04:30 PM - Long Kriya followup
• 06:00 PM - Satsang and Celebrations

Not able to join in physically? Catch the LIVE Webcast from 6 PM onwards on www.artofliving.org/webcast

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Rejuvenate Yourself with Ancient Hymns LIVE from Bengaluru Ashram

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Jai Gurudev Dear Ones,

Immerse yourself in chants from one of the oldest known scriptures to mankind - the Rigveda. Join Vedic pandits as they invoke ancient hymns and pray for a more peaceful, wiser and harmonious world.

As part of Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar's sixtieth birthday celebrations, these homas will be streamed LIVE from 10th - 16th May 2016.

Time: 8 AM - 1 PM IST & 5 - 6:30 PM IST on www.artofliving.org/webcast

The Rig Veda Mahayagnya is open to all and is free of cost.

You may choose to be a part of the ceremony, by contributing in the following ways:

1. Offering: I would like to simply make an offering
2. Sankalpa: I would like to take a sankalpa and physically participate in the ceremony
3. Veda Samvardhana (Upholding the Vedas): I would like to pledge my support to upholding the vedas and help with building a corpus that sets up veda schools and promotes veda education.

Know more about the Mahayagnyas and how you can participate in them.

Hope you enjoy the yagnyas. Wishing you joy, good health and prosperity.

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Download Sri Sri Sri Calendar for May 2016

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Dear ones,

Download the all new Calendar for May 2016 with beautiful picture of Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, by visiting the Art of Living Universe website: www.aoluniverse.org/SriSriCalendars. Available in 3 different screen resolution size.

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Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar Visited Latur, Maharashtra on 30th April 2016

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Art of Living founder Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar visited Latur in Maharashtra, India on 30th April 2016 to oversee and inspire the volunteers who are working on the rejuvenation of Manjara River in Latur, Maharashtra. Manjara River is the 6th water body to be revived by Art of Living in the drought-affected area of Latur and 17th such water body to be revived in India. For decades these rivers had not been flowing and now after the rejuvenation farmers are saying they have never seen so much water in their wells before. Abandoned farmlands have been reclaimed and green cover has increased substantially. The rejuvenation work is progressing at a rapid pace with a stretch of 3 km completed in just 20 days.

Below are few photographs from the visit:

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Art of Living's Jal Jagruti Abhiyaan has benefited over 2 lakh people: Sri Sri

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Social organisation Art of Living Foundation today [1st May 2016] claimed it's project 'Jal Jagruti Abhiyaan' has benefited over two lakh people in the drought-affected districts of Maharashtra since it's launch in 2013.

The project aims to rejuvenate water sources that have dried up due to erratic monsoons and overuse of groundwater. The major work includes removal of silt on dried up water bodies.

"Over two lakh people have been benefited in the state since launch of the project in 2013. About 28.5 lakh cubic meters of silt have been removed from six rivers in Latur, one of the worst drought-hit districts, due to which 10,150 acres of land have been irrigated," Foundation's founder Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, told PTI.

Sri Sri visited Latur yesterday [30th April 2016] and took a stock of Manjra river site.

"In the wake of severe drought conditions in several districts of Maharashtra, Art of Living volunteers under the project have been actively working towards reviving, cleaning and rejuvenating water bodies in Latur, Jalgaon, Osmanabad, Jalna, Nagpur, Kolhapur, Sangli, Nashik, Satara," He said.

Under the river rejuvenation project, the foundation has identified 17 rivers in the country, out of which 13 are in Maharashtra.

The project also include revival of 75 canals, 18 lakes and ponds and one dam in Nashik district in the state.

"We have plan to spend Rs 105 crore under the project in Maharashtra and out of which Rs 28 crore have already been spent," he said.

Sri Sri apprised that four water rivers in Latur - Gharni, Tawarja, Rena, Jana - have been deepened, widened and cleaned.

"Rejuvenating Gharni river would ensure water percolation of 180 crore litres of water in the river basin. It will hold 45 lakh litres in the river after rainfall. River Tawarja revival work over stretch of 4500 mtr has happened, benefiting 2,300 people. Work on Rena and Jana rivers has benefited 24,000 people," He added.

Source: Business Standard

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Politicising All Issues in India Undesirable, Says Sri Sri

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Spiritual guru and Art of Living (AoL) founder Sri Sri Ravi Shankar has said that he is concerned over every issue in India being politicized, and added that this trend is undesirable.

Interacting with media here, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar said, "There are many issues we are facing in this country and all that I would appeal to people is please do not politicise everything. Issues should be taken up on facts. Let us not mix, every day you are seeing incidents of terrorism and all being politicized. What is happening is shocking. So, our people need to know the truth. People of this country have a great sense of patience, resilience and intelligence. They should not be fooled by anybody."

Asked if the Rs.5 crore fine imposed by the National Green Tribunal (NGT) on the Art of Living Foundation for allegedly damaging the Yamuna flood plain during the recently held World Cultural Festival was politically motivated, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar said, "It is obvious, whatever issue is raised in Parliament is obvious."

He said that he was visiting various parts of Tripura and other north eastern states to promote total literacy, employment and peace.

He added that there is huge scope for development in the region through skill development initiatives, organic cultivation and Ayurveda.

The 59-year-old spiritual guru said his aim was to unite all cultures, religions, faiths and ideologies.

Source: Business Standard

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Download Sri Sri Sri Calendar for April 2016

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Dear ones,

Download the all new Calendar for April 2016 with beautiful picture of Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, by visiting the Art of Living Universe website: www.aoluniverse.org/SriSriCalendars. Available in 3 different screen resolution size.

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Join the Maha Shivaratri 2016 Celebrations LIVE from Bangalore Ashram

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'Shivaratri is the night on which we pray to the divine for us to be free from all types of misery: mental, physical, emotional, social and natural calamities, and we pray for the divine to bestow peace on everyone.'

Join the auspicious Maha Shivaratri celebrations in the presence of Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar LIVE from Bangalore Ashram!

LIVE Webcast begins at 5:30 PM IST on March 7th, 2016.

CLICK HERE TO JOIN

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Download Sri Sri Sri Calendar for March 2016

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Dear ones,

Download the all new Calendar for March 2016 with beautiful picture of Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, by visiting the Art of Living Universe website: www.aoluniverse.org/SriSriCalendars. Available in 3 different screen resolution size.

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‘We will not harm the Yamuna’: Sri Sri Ravi Shankar on NGT Row

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The 35th anniversary celebrations of the Art of Living course is being held on the Yamuna floodplains amid controversy. The event, expected to attract over 30 lakh people, is scheduled from March 11-13. A petition has been moved against the organisers on the grounds that the event would damage the floodplains. Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, founder of Art of Living, dismissed these allegations in an interaction with Hindustan Times.

Preparation for the three-day event has not been without controversy, especially with environmentalists moving the National Green Tribunal.
Sri Sri: The first thing that we wanted to do was to approach the NGT and take permission. But NGT has no such system. Only when a petition was filed did the NGT have a say at all. We applied for the location as it was well connected and it was willingly allotted.
We would not harm the Yamuna. Nobody associated with the event will stay there. They will come at 5pm and leave by 10pm. The hue and cry that we are destroying the Yamuna floodplain is nonsense.

Is it true that flora has been destroyed?
Sri Sri: First of all, there was nothing there but weeds at the location. Secondly, the land is cultivated. If it was virgin land with flora and fauna, I would have been the first one to say ‘let’s not do anything here, we don’t want to destroy anything’. We have not cut any trees. We pruned the branches of four trees because they were obstructing the view.

What of the allegation of dumping debris?
Sri Sri: It is incorrect. We have only levelled the land and shifted the mud to the side. How can we use the land if it is not levelled? We only redistributed mud.

Does your holding this event set a precedent for the use of the floodplain for activities?
Sri Sri: If that is the case, the government should not give the opportunity to anyone. They say there will be damage because of high footfall. I don’t agree. Festivals have been held for centuries on the banks of the Ganga.
To take the international community to a venue where there is only a gutter is a challenge in itself. This festival will also put pressure on the authorities to at least stop the 17 drains from emptying here.
No one protests when sewage is dumped but there are protests when we want to hold a festival.

What is the scale of the event?
Sri Sri: The stage for the event is the largest to be built — at 7 acres, equivalent to 6 football grounds. 8,500 musicians will play 50 instruments. People from 155 countries are participating in the event, much higher than participation in Commonwealth Games.

Is there a traffic management plan in place?
Sri Sri: We have been in regular touch with the police and 10,000 volunteers are working to make sure the routes are in place.

Any apprehensions about the NGT hearing?
Sri Sri: No, we are completely relaxed.

Source: Hindustan Times

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Can’t Tolerate Sedition | Government Could Have Been Compassionate

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IT’S IMPORTANT that freedom of speech be honoured at all costs. Everyone has freedom of expression. But sedition and saying things like ‘Bharat ko barbaad karke rahenge’ will not be tolerated by any democracy and any civilised society,” said spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar at the Express Adda in Delhi on Monday.

A Padma Vibushan awardee, Sri Sri spoke on a range of subjects, from freedom of speech to gay rights, and moderating in times of conflict to the arrest of JNU students’ union president Kanhaiya Kumar’s arrest on sedition charges.

“We can’t leave such seeds further unattended, which will further grow and criminalise the whole atmosphere. We need to nip criminal tendencies in the very beginning. It’s not done with vengeance, it is only done with more compassion. If a child is going with a criminal tendency, what will the parent do?” he asked.

“Action needs to be taken and we cannot tolerate such provocative things,” said Sri Sri. However, he added that the government could have handled the situation “with compassion”.

“They (government) could have done much more. They could have included some mediators, people who can give them some sense,” he said.

Source: Economic Times

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Spiritual Leaders Alone Can Ensure Harmony

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Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, founder of the Art of Living movement, on Thursday claimed that spiritual leaders alone can put an end to caste and communal clashes in the country.

Speaking after inaugurating a three-day All India Sanyasin conference at Govindapuram near here, to coincide with Mahamaham, Ravi Shankar said political leaders cannot end caste and communal tensions in the country but spiritual leaders could.

Appealing to Sanyasis to guide the nation in the right direction, Ravishankar lamented that people are straying from the path of ethical living and it is the duty of spiritual leaders to set this right. Though the heart of a Sanyasi should be filled with happiness, there should be also a tinge of sorrow, which will push them to work towards making people come back to ethical ways of life, Ravi Shankar added.

Further, he said a mere dip in the Mahamaham tank is not enough to cleanse one of his or her sins. Instead people should take a holy dip in the pond of wisdom. Quoting from Srimad Bhagavatam, the spiritual leader said Bhakti movement was born in Tamil Nadu, nurtured in Karnataka and attained old age in Gujarat.

Earlier, Ambalavana Desiga Paramacharya Swamigal, head of the Tiruvavaduthurai Mutt, hoisted the flag and presided over the conference. Addressing the gathering, he claimed that the present name of the town, Kumbakonam, was a Sanskrit word and said Devaram and Tiruvasagam referred to the place as “Kudamukku”, later Kudanthai, which is a Tamil word. He further added in the beginning there was no religion and it is manmade. He added that one can take a holy dip in the Mahamaham tank in any day and said Kumbakonam is holier than Kasi.

Kundrakkudi Ponnambala Adigalar said Saivite saint Manivasagar preceded Darwin in outlining the evolution theory. He said faith is the only anti-dote for sorrow and added that the real Sanyasi is one who takes the risks and gives security to others.

Speaking at the meeting Ramagopalan of Hindu Munnani criticised the district administration for not allowing Annadanam inside the town during Mahamaham. He also claimed there is a need to create a “Hindu Vote bank”. Marudachala Adigal of Perur Mutt, Coimbatore, and V Ramasubramanian, High Court judge, were present.

Source: The New Indian Express

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Take the Lead if You Have Passion for People & Society

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Spiritual guru Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, who mastered the Art of Living, urged Gen Y to enter into the country’s political scene and ‘make the change’ in a conference on Wednesday.

Present in The New Indian Express ThinkEdu Conclave, the spiritual guru said, “Politicians are not some special class or species who have come from another planet. They are one among you, among us. So, one of you must take the lead. If you have the passion for people and service to society, you must come.”

Discussing among the gathering of curious students and academics on the wrong way politicians view their ‘jobs’ in today’s time, he said, “Unfortunately in this country and everywhere else in the world, politics is no longer a service, it has lost its sheen and respect, which it had during the time of Kamaraj and Mahatma Gandhi and a few generations before us. That needs to be set right.” He exhorted the youth to make that change, en masse. “Not one or two persons can do it, but all of you collectively can. Youth of this country have the power to bring change. So you need to ask politicians whether they’re here for service or business.”

He also spoke on the country’s ever burning issue of Corruption. Calling it a debilitating factor that took a toll not only on politics but also impacted several spheres, he held corruption responsible for obstructing a nation’s progress.

“Corruption has entered every field. One of the biggest reasons is the lack of education. It should create a sense of belonging. The sense of belonging is the only way to combat corruption. Corruption begins where this sense of belonging ends and to create this, education must be attuned to human values,” he said and added, “Whether religion should be taught in schools or not is secondary. Students should be taught ethics and values first. That is essential.”

Claiming ‘yoga’ and ‘ayurveda’ of being mediums to imbibing ethics necessary for an education with sound knowledge, Ravi Shankar said yoga should be mandatory in schools and colleges and imparted as an art.

The guru was further interrogated upon whether these practices, innately related with ‘Hindu’, give it a political colour, seeing the political repercussions on Yoga Day. He replied, “Just because Yoga or Ayurveda are part of Hinduism, it doesn’t mean that it won’t work for a non-Hindu. We are global citizens today and education has no boundaries.”

He emphasised that one should choose values and ethics without thinking twice, adding that many of the ethical and value-centric practices have their roots in Hindu culture. Despite that, they follow a scientific trajectory which proves the fact that religion and science could co-exist peacefully.

Source: News Gram

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