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In large businesses, it is important that we take on more ownership so we can bring human values back into corporate culture.
Mr. Günter Conrad
CEO, CON-First – Strategy through Leadership
German
We need leadership and we need to empower women. The Art of Living leads with an open mind to education, and that education leads to choice. It opened my eyes to how development could or would occur in the future. |
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Dr. Myron Scholes
Nobel Prize Laureate for Economics
USA
Not only do we have rights, but we also have duties. We have inherited seeds and roots, but we must irrigate them to make them blossom. To do this, we must realize the innate dignity of life. |
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When basic needs have been met, human development is about ‘being’ more rather than ‘having’ more.
Rabbi Awraham Soetendrop
Liberal Jewish Community International
Netherlands |
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Not only do we have rights, but we also have duties. We have inherited seeds and roots, but we must irrigate them to make them blossom. To do this, we must realize the innate dignity of life.
Mr. S.V. Faugoo
Honourable Minister for Health & Quality of Life
Mauritius |
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Views may change but values must remain eternal. The real purpose of education is to attain knowledge and culture, and not just to gather information.
Shri Therambil Ramakrishnan
Honourable Speaker, Kerala State Legislative Assembly
India |
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When you talk about values and social responsibility, you have to implement those values into the daily life of your company. You cannot just talk about it; you have to live it too.
Dr. Gerhard Braun
CEO, Karl Georg Braun Company
Germany |
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Life is a unique gift that we should gratefully accept and use, protect and celebrate.
Prof. Kurt Weis
Professor of Sociology, Institute of Sociology
Technical University, Munich
Germany |
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In the frantic struggle to meet deadlines, accumulate wealth and meet all the demands of the modern world, we often forget to stop and make contact with our inner selves. Any type of growth that benefits a few and excludes the majority is bound to collapse. Equality, peace and democracy are fundamental to our efforts to attain and sustain human values.
Dr. Manto Tshabalala Msimang
Honourable Minister for Health
South Africa |
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We are all connected by the desire to make this world better. We need peace, and here in India, you have a great tradition of peace. There is a lot to do, and we can do it together.
His Excellency Dr. Janez Drnovsek
President
Republic of Slovenia |
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H.H. Sri Sri Ravi Shankar’s message, while rooted in the spiritual heritage of this country, distills the essence of various religions which always aspire for the good of each individual and mankind as a whole. Let spirituality pervade our thinking. Let human values be at play in our lives, hearts and actions.
His Excellency Shri T. N. Chaturvedi
Governor of Karnataka
India |
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H.H. Sri Sri Ravi Shankar is a great binding force. People from different countries and religions have been brought together by a common thread.
Shri H. D. Deve Gowda
Former Prime Minister
India |
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It’s time for us to start addressing what I call the negative ‘isms’ – sexism, racism, tribalism – and start looking at the core foundation of human rights. We need to bring people on board by acknowledging that we are diverse, different but equal, by addressing the irrational fears that we seem to have among our different religions, races and sexes; by agreeing to share the quality of life and by embracing the Art of Living.
Ms. Njoki Ndungu
Member of Parliament
Kenya
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It is an age of anxiety. The world is in chaos, probing in the darkness for light. In such a world, His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar brings peace, harmony, equality, patience and happiness to society.
Shri B. S. Yediyurappa
Honourable Deputy Chief Minister of Karnataka
India |
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1500 people have come from Russia to celebrate the Art of Living’s Silver Jubilee – we have brought to you the whole ocean of love! You [H.H. Sri Sri Ravi Shankar]+ have visited so many countries worldwide, but today, the world has come to you.
Ms. Rukina Irina Michailivna
Member of Parliament, Moscow City
Russia |
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In this age of unrest and fear, we have been ignoring human values. In such a time, Guruji has been propagating human values and the message of peace throughout the world. This is a matter of honour for us.
Shri H. D. Kumaraswamy
Honourable Chief Minister of Karnataka
India |
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‘Ravi’ means ‘the sun’; the sun moves from the east to the west, giving light. Similarly, Ravi Shankarji has taken wisdom from the east to the west. Even though religions may have multiple faces, in the end, they have only one heart.
Poojya Sri Sri Jagadguru Vishweshwara Teertha Sri Padangalu
Sri Pejawar Math
India |
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‘Shiv’ means – the one who resides within the many. All those who work towards ‘uncovering’ this are my friends.
Poojya Sant Sri Asaram Bapuji Maharaj
India
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“In this age of stress, Sri Sri Ravi Shankarji has brought smiles to faces. He has touched the lives of millions of people through his love and celebration.”
Poojya Shri Ramdevji Maharaj
India
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This is a historic and unprecedented event. Sri Sri Ravi Shankarji has made the whole world a school, engaged in the task of imparting spiritual strength.
Poojya Jagadguru Sri Shivrathri Deshikendra Mahaswamiji
Sri Suttur Mutt
India |
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All human values are divine and they are the heritage of all religions.Through various programmes, Sri Sri Ravi Shankarji has been making a significant contribution to raising the standard of society’s moral fabric. May he continue to be a blessing to this nation.
Most Rev. Father Bernard Moras
Archbishop, Bangalore City
India |
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Life itself is a celebration! You have to look at the world in such a way as to enjoy it. When you discover love for your own self, it doesn’t require any effort to love and embrace others. This is Sri Sri Ravi Shankarji’s simple, profound message, and it is because of this that he has been able to touch the hearts of millions.
Poojya Sri Swami Dayananda Saraswatiji
India
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It is good to see how Sri Sri Ravi Shankarji has managed to bring confused youth to the space of spirituality.
Poojya Sri Balagangadhara Natha Maha Swamiji
Adi Chunchunagiri Mutt
India |
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People have begun to live without knowing how to live. Many people only exist; they don’t live. What we want are people who live, respond to situations around them, use possibilities, and work for the benefit of the community.
Most Rev. Dr. Philipose Mar Chrysostom
Marthoma Metropolitan, Kerala
India |
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We may speak different languages, think differently, wear different skins, come from different faiths and traditions, but we are all one.
Swami Chidanda Saraswatiji
India
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We have to take the message of peace to the world.
Shri Dharam Singh
Former Chief Minister of Karnataka
India |
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Congratulations for the wonderful work you have been doing!
Most Rev. Vincent Michael Concessao
Archbishop of Delhi
India |
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We have made a lot of technological progress. However, it is also important to uphold the values of love, brotherhood, tolerance and peace. Wherever there are programmes that work towards this, the Akali community will support them
Shri Joginder Singh Vedanti
Jathedar of Akal Takht
India
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Sri Sri Ravi Shankarji teaches the principles of love and compassion. Hence, so many religious representatives are here. He is an inspiration, not just for India, but for the whole world.
Moulana Jameel Ahmed Ilyasi
President, All India Organization of Imams of Mosques
India |
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This is the first opportunity for so many religious leaders to get together on the same platform and unite in harmony.
Maulana Haseeb Siddiqui
India |
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Peace cannot be defined through language as it means different things to different people. If you are looking for global peace, then you have to first define a global law, a global dharma. Until there is a global dharma, there will be conflict.
His Excellency Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Ajai Singh
Governor of Assam
India |
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Problems arise when there is a lack of respect for self-determination, not just in an individual, but also in a community.
Mr. Philip Claeys
Member of the European Parliament
Belgium |
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The Buddhist, Hindu, Muslim and Catholic leaders are now getting together to support the peace process in Sri Lanka. We have to learn to respect each and every religion and religious leader. If we cannot do this, we cannot achieve peace.
Dr. Jayalath Jayawardana
Member of Parliament
Sri Lanka |
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After studying the Vedas, I realized that there is One God for the whole of creation, the whole of the universe – not a separate God for Hindus and a separate God for Muslims. God is universal, and the way to relate to this universal God is to relate to its creation. Come together and usher in a new world of spirituality and spirituality alone.
Swami Agnivesh
India |
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Our vision under the guidance of His Holiness is to spread the message of peace, progress and prosperity, with one voice and one mission.
Shri K. K. Jajodia
Chairman, Assam Tea Company
India |
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When Guruji attended the Bruxelles meeting of Imams and Rabbis …He brought with him a spirit that none of the Imams and Rabbis there had. All the Imams and Rabbis came from the head, Guruji was able to come from the heart.Of all the people who were there, he was the only one to open with a prayer and meditation.
Rabbi Alon Goshen-Gottstein
Director of the Elijah Interfaith Institute
Israel |
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Those responsible for action in international fields have to be trained in a way that leads them to develop human values and ethics as the base for action and life. Globalizing wisdom is possible, and it will come from education and training.
Dr. Adamou Ndam Njoya
President, International Conference for Peace
Former Minister for Education
Cameroon |
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We all have to make important decisions daily. Meditation and the study of the Self can take us to decisions and options, which are beneficial for ourselves and for society. We must leave our personal interests aside and ask ourselves, ‘How do I want to relate to and participate in society as a whole?’ We cannot live in this world alone. Everything and everyone is related to the other.
Dr. Jorge Giandomenni
Secretary, Supreme Court
Argentina |
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Thank you, Param Poojya Guruji for continuing in the long tradition of the sages and seers of India, allowing us to seek answers to urgent questions which are of deep value and hope to all mankind.
His Excellency Shri Sudershan Agarwal
Governor of Uttaranchal
India |
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What concerns me most in the developed world is cultural poverty. The purpose of both law and politics ought to be to safeguard and promote human values. The purpose of religion is to instill respect for human values.
Mr. Michael Stephen
Former Member of the European Union Parliament
United Kingdom |
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The dividing line isn’t between states, but between people open to dialogue and people who would like to see the issues escalate. We must be actively committed to cultural dialogue. We must all go out and spread the message that we all met, listened to each other, and learned from one another.
Ms. Monika Griefahn
Member of Parliament
Germany |
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Wisdom is intelligence shaped by experience, information softened by understanding. It is an awareness of wholeness. It is the union of logic, poetry and sensation. Wisdom is complexity understood and relationships accepted.
Prof. Alexander Sanchez Gavito de Faesler
Professor, School of International Affairs, Ibero Americana
Mexico |
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It takes one man’s idea, one person’s dream, to transform the lives of millions of people. It also takes the collective effort of all of us to make that transformation a reality. All over the world people are
aware of the tremendous work of the Art of Living and the spirit of volunteerism you foster within communities.
His Majesty Osagyefuo Amotia Ofori Panin
King of Akem Abuakwa
Ghana |
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It is seldom that so many people from so many countries, cultures and civilisations gather to reflect on the future of the world, its community and harmony.
Mr. Philippe Dewinters
Member of Parliament
Belgium |
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Thank you for sending us your teachers who have been doing an excellent job. They have made us feel that life is about celebrating differences and sustaining relationships.
H.E. Shri Shyamal Datta
Governor of Nagaland
India |
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I really appreciate Guruji; he has worked wonders! I have total confidence that under his leadership, the world will become a global family with peace and prosperity.
Shri Chandrababu Naidu
Former Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh
India |
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The revival of human values is the greatest challenge and the Art of Living has shown the way .
His Excellency Shri Vishnu Sadashiv Kokje
Governor of Himachal Pradesh
India |
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It is very gratifying to watch a vision unfold and become reality. The vision of one man with noble thoughts transcends narrow divisions and boundaries, hatred and jealousy, selfishness and fundamentalism.
Shri Sushilkumar Shinde
Union Minister for Power
India |
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We are here today to celebrate and to say thanks – thanks for opening our hearts, thanks for the silence, for the prayers, for our faith, for the love we share, for the services given, and for the peace you, Guruji,have brought. In saying thanks, we are not expressing our separateness, but our oneness.
Mr. Nirj Joseph Deva
Member of the European Parliament
United Kingdom |
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Remember, your mindset is more powerful than any minefield; your helping hand is more powerful than any striking blow. I extend my best wishes and my grateful thanks to Guruji for his message of compassion, commitment to society, global peace and development by invoking individual commitment to joyful living and selfless service.
Mr. Vijay Amritraj
United Nations Messenger of Peace |
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The need of the hour is stronger emotional bonds, where individuals live for others. This is what human culture is all about, and you have one example right here – H.H. Sri Sri Ravi Shankar.
His Excellency Shri A.R. Kohli
Governor of Mizoram
India |
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Women play a vital role in society. We must ensure that they are given equal acceptance and opportunity in political and public life. Conferences like this one serve as an ideal platform to strengthen gender peace talks and gender equality.
Mr. Yusuf Supiandi
Honourable Deputy Minister for Women’s Empowerment
Indonesia |
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The Art of Living’s message of peace, love and willingness to help, creates a new dawn for humanity, based not on violence and weaponry,but on human values. It constitutes a new spiritual dimension for the 21st century.
Mr. Hugo Coveliers
Senator & Member of the Flemish Parliament
Belgium |
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Words and speeches, however beautiful, are not enough in themselves; they must be followed by concrete actions, by substantial efforts, to educate and to motivate a change in people’s attitudes and behaviour. We owe this to the world. We need more simpler and bolder actions.
Dr. Michael Nobel
Chairman, Nobel Family Society
Sweden |
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Peace and happiness are by-products of a life based on human values. H.H. Sri Sri Ravi Shankar’s life is his message and there are not many in the world who can be compared to him.
Shri Narendra Modi
Honourable Chief Minister of Gujarat
India |
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The question is, can global peace really be accomplished? Is it a fantasy? No! It is not a fantasy; it is reality. With courage, passion and conviction deep in our hearts, we can achieve it. We just have to take the bull by the horns and get it done.
Ms. Paxina Kalulu-Parirenyatwa
Management Consultant & Spouse of the Minister of Health,
Zimbabwe |
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For the creation of the atmosphere that is essential for world peace, we should have peace in our minds. Unless there is individual peace, we can’t expect to have collective peace.
Mr. W. J. M. Lokubandara
Honourable Speaker of the Parliament
Sri Lanka |
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We live in a world of big risks, big threats and big chances… We all want to be treated as people who share dignity and this may be the immediate common value.
Prof. Dr. Gesine Schwan
President, Europa-University Viadrina, Frankfurt-Oder
Germany |
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The values which we hold essential for a civilized life, such as cleanliness of mind, solidarity with all living creatures, supporting life, justice, and above all, love and brotherhood towards every human being, have been taught andrepeated through the ages by all great moral leaders.
Lic. Julio Faesler Carlisle
Under Secretary, Ministry of Labour & Social Provisions
Mexico |
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Greater than our deeds, is the power of our intentions and the power we are willing to put behind them.
Mr. Noah Samara
CEO, Worldspace
USA |
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Every newborn represents a new opportunity for our world, and we must never allow these pure souls to be abused or treated as mere tools. If we all contribute our energy, creativity and connectivity, and focus these on children, then we can succeed.
Mr. Peter Maffay
Musician & Peace Activist
Germany |
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Religions are meant to refine and enable people. They are for uniting and not dividing people. At the level of spirituality, all religions preach the same values of love, compassion, service and sacrifice.
Message from Shri. R. Venkataraman
Former President, India |
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To me, Sri Sri is like the second sun – a sun with a difference; one that never sets, and always throws light on all!
Mr. Yasuhiro Matsuda
President, World Children Fund
Japan |
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If all people meditate for even 5 minutes a day, peace will dawn.
Mr. M.C.W. Pinto
Secretary General, Iran-USA Claims Tribunal, The Hague
The Netherlands |
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It is often said that all the world’s religions can be found in India. Probably, what is common to all of them is the sacredness of human life. Individuals also need laws. Discipline is perhaps the best name for this. A discipline that includes deep breathing and relaxation, such as the one developed by the Art of Living, seems to me, a healthy and a real contribution to personal and social peace.
Mr. Colin Archer
Secretary General, International Peace Office
Switzerland |
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H.H. Sri Sri Ravi Shankar’s mission of a beautiful, safe, happy and peaceful world for planet earth’s whole society is a great vision. This ‘enlightened society’ has three components – education with a value system, religion that transforms into spirituality and economic development for social transformation.
His Excellency Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam
President of India |
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The teachings of His Holiness provide the world with a road-map for love, justice and harmony. His spiritual and humanitarian actions are worthy of praise since it is rare to find people so dedicated to the human cause. His legendary charisma, knowledge, service and unwavering commitment to peace, drive thousands of volunteers towards community service.
His Excellency Sir Anerood Jugnauth
President
Mauritius |
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There are events which one can witness only once in a life time and this Silver Jubilee Celebration of the Art of Living Foundation has presented to the country and to the world one such unique event and spectacle.
Shri L.K. Advani
Former Deputy Prime Minister
India |
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I have met many NGOs - representatives of indigenous people - and they have made it clear that economic development alone does not suffice. The common future of our one world family is rooted in the awareness tha t we have only borrowed mother earth from the generations to come. The Art of Living is not the end, but it is the beginning for everybody and everything. It is the way to harmony.
Mr. Ruud Lubbers
Former Prime Minister
The Netherlands |
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Guruji, you have taught us the distance between life and death – and that is one breath! Let the whole world receive the peace, harmony, love and compassion that we all desire.
Smt. Suryakanta Patil
Honourable Minister of State for Rural Development &
Parliamentary Affairs
India |
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My NGO, Transparency International, is fighting corruption all over the world, and it has been energized, inspired, and strengthened by H.H. Sri Sri Ravi Shankar.
Prof. Dr. Peter Eigen
Founder & Chairman of Advisory Board,
Transparency International
Germany |
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25 years is a very short period, but the Art of Living has crossed 5 continents and 146 countries, touching millions of people. A modern d ay miracle of love under the guidance of Gurudev!
Shri Ananth Kumar
Member of Parliament
India |
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The ideals of the Art of Living describe the fundamentals of ethical leadership. They show how, culturing the inner mind and the magic of the cultivated breath and consciousness, shape and reshape our relations to the outer world and to our fellow men.
Justice Venkatachaliah
Former Chief Justice
India |
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The Art of Living is the way that India, with her experience and courage, has found to show the path to the future, to understand the links between what we see and what is not visible to our eyes. It is the way to show that technology and science require spirituality because it is the way to make real progress.
Ms. Edith Cresson
Former Prime Minister
France |
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This event represents the desire of peace amidst the nations of the world, and we hope this will reach more and more people.
Mr. Peter Jaszberenyi
Representative of Government Delegation
Hungary |
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H.H. Sri Sri Ravi Shankar and you, who are part of the Art of Living projects that are being implemented in prisons in a far away country – my country – Croatia, are making life a little easier for our people there. You and your Guru have made a mark, made a difference, and that is the greatest thing a human being can contribute in his lifetime.
Her Excellency Dr. Vesna Pusic
Vice-President
Republic of Croatia |
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We belong to various cultures, we speak different languages, we have different modes of dress, but this does not mean that we should fight with each other. We need to appreciate this diversity, and live in unity and peace.
Sant Sri Nirankari Babaji
Nirankari Sant Samagam, India
Major J.D. Sharma read out message on his behalf
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