BENGALURU, India, May 10 - In a historic convergence of visionary leadership and spiritual wisdom, Hon’able Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi joined Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar at The Art of Living International Centre to mark the 45th anniversary of The Art of Living and the 70th birthday of its founder. The landmark celebration brought together one of the world's most diverse gatherings of global citizens, united by a shared vision of peace, holistic well-being, and selfless humanitarian service.
The month-long international gathering at The Art of Living International Centre has drawn participants from 182 countries. The celebrations convened a remarkable cross-section of global society — global leaders, delegates, diplomats, policymakers, educators, entrepreneurs, civil servants and civil society leaders — alongside farmers and prison inmates rehabilitated through The Art of Living's transformative program. Lord Uday Nagaraju, who attended the celebrations, said: “I have immense admiration for the transformative work The Art of Living has undertaken over the decades. The ashram itself reflects a powerful spirit of peace and service to humanity.”
Prime Minister Modi inaugurated the grand Dhyan Mandir, a new international centre for meditation, peace and healing, envisioned as a permanent space for collective well-being.
Referring to the newly inaugurated meditation space, Prime Minister Modi said, "Dhyan Mandir will become a centre of peace and solace for thousands of people in the coming generations."
Alongside the inauguration, Prime Minister Modi launched nine nationwide service initiatives led by The Art of Living for the year ahead: Rural smart village centres for integrated village development; the next phase of Mission Green Earth, a major expansion of the organisation's afforestation work; a Tribal Welfare Mission focused on healthcare, education and livelihoods; Rural Digital Literacy and Child Development program; free education for underserved communities; Youth Empowerment for Self and Society; Women's Empowerment and Entrepreneurship; an expansion of prison reform program to benefit 60,000 inmates; and nine telemedicine centres extending quality healthcare into remote areas.
Welcoming Prime Minister Modi, Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, founder of The Art of Living, spoke warmly about the transformation India has witnessed in recent years and the spirit of confidence that has emerged across the nation. "You have taken steps towards bringing peace in the country and abroad. Today, Mother India and the people of India walk with pride because you have taken India to a new level," Gurudev said.