Kashmir

The Indian border state has been perpetually caught in a web of tension, violence and instability ever since the partition of India in 1947. Today, Kashmir is counted among the world's most volatile hotspots. The Art of Living has been pursuing a multi-pronged approach to bring peace in troubled Jammu and Kashmir.

For the last five years, The Art of Living has launched several initiatives aimed not only at restoring peace, but also at alleviating the suffering of people. Its intervention spans four broad areas: trauma relief courses for all sections of society, bringing a sense of harmony by opening avenues for dialogue between people of diverse viewpoints, working to alleviate the plight of people in migrant camps, schools and child-care centers for children affected by the trauma and initiating programs for the youth.

To wean away youth from violence and isolate them from the web of uncertainty, The Art of Living has been conducting its Youth Leadership Training Program (YLTP) since 2003. The program has been so popular with youth of the state that the participants of the first program which was held in Doda in 2003 with about 70 youths in attendance generated over 10 such program within a very short time. The program has been extremely successful in turning misguided youth into physically strong, mentally alert and morally responsible individuals who are ready to cross all their comfort zones and become role models for others. About 2200 youths from 12 districts in the region have been trained through the YLTP program. These youth take up rehabilitation work of the valley under the umbrella of the welfare programs undertaken by The Art of Living organization. They perform diverse activities like:

Cleaning camps
Medical camps - Patients treated
Toilets constructed
SHG
Schools
Tree plantation

Testimonials

M.,
age 26
“I had decided to go back to my anti-depressants before this (The Art of Living) course, but now I don’t need them. I will practice these techniques every single day for the rest of my life. I only hope other people are lucky enough to take this course. It has given me more help than I could have ever imagined possible. Thank you.”

Course participant

“I’ve been suffering from a loss of concentration, weak memory and extreme anger. Now I feel as if something heavy has been lifted from my back.”

Course Participant

“I found that this training of breathing is so useful and its benefit shows when I do it. I feel that my heart is stronger and younger. When I can’t sleep I just do the breathing and I feel energy in all parts of my body.”

Dr. Venus

“I feel peace with myself and have less stress. I think if I continue with the practice, this feeling of peace will continue to grow.”

M. Ali Bankat

"Before this experience, I was sad, depressed and starting to lose hope because of the situation here in Iraq. Now, after only four days, I feel confident in myself – happier, have hopes and dreams again and I feel that life is so beautiful. I have started to love everyone and physically I have much more energy and am able to do more things. I want to thank you very much for helping all of us feel better.”