Silver Jubilee Celebrations

One World Family

February 17th - 19th 2006, Bangalore – the world witnessed the Silver Jubilee celebrations of the Art of Living – the largest spiritual gathering ever. Borders faded as millions came together from over 150 countries to experience and celebrate H.H. Sri Sri Ravi Shankar’s message of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam”– a One World Family.

It was an event, which saw people arrive on foot, bullock carts, buses trains, jets and private helicopters! The first of its kind, it did not differentiate between the rich and the poor - bridging the gap between rural and urban populace. Dignitaries, saints, musicians and guests, all mingled in one celebration, reinforcing human values and renewing their commitment to service.

From erecting the world’s largest stage of 3.5 acres to managing the 243 acre ground, a team of 20,000 volunteers put together a sensational three day event. The stage was a stunning structure designed along the lines of Hampi’s beautiful temple architecture.

For the first time in the history of Indian music, a gathering of more than 3800 musicians from all over South India , was brought together for the Silver Jubilee Celebrations. Musicians playing 782 violins,770 veenas, 10 vichitra veenas, 60 tamburas, 10 mandolins, 138 nadaswarams, 750 flutes, 650 mridangams, 100 ghatams, 100 kanjiras, 138 tavils, 30 morsingas, 20 keyboards, 150 guitars and 92 saxophones enthralled all present with soul stirring symphonies!

Making history, more than 3 million people meditated in absolute silence for global upliftment and harmony. No one was left untouched by this colossal event.

Peter the Great, First Grade Award, Russian Federation - February 17th “By the decision of the Russian Federation and the Department of Security, you have been elected as an academician of law enforcement in society for your contribution to the Russian Federation. For reintegrating prisoners back into society, for improving the conditions of military service, healthcare, education and human values, you have been awarded the Peter the Great First Grade Award.”
Felicitation by the Government of Mongolia Prime Minister’s Award - February 18th Ms. Tugsjaral Gandi, The Honourable Minister of Health, honored H.H. Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, on behalf of the Government of Mongolia for his contribution to humanity, and for his work in the area of social upliftment. He was presented with the Mongolian Prime Minister’s award and an award from the Governmental Implementing Agency.
Felicitation by H.E. Shri A.R. Kohli, Governor of Mizoram, India - February 18th His Excellency Shri A R Kohli, Governor of Mizoram, felicitated His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar on behalf of the Government of Mizoram, for “completing 25 years of promoting peace, harmony, love and affection, in all sections of society.” Felicitation by Secretary General, New Jersey, USA - February 19th In appreciation of H.H. Sri Sri Ravi Shankar’s selfless work.

Behind the Scenes – the Real Story

Beyond the bliss experienced by the millions present at the Celebrations, lay the chaotic experiences of 20,000 volunteers. Despite working round the clock for months, everything still ended up having to be taken care of at the eleventh hour. As one volunteer shared, “From invitations to passes, accommodation to transportation, there was not a single department where there wasn’t chaos!”

For instance, in order to ensure that arrangements for accommodation were in place, people attending the Celebrations were asked to register six months in advance. However, until a few days before the event, very few registrations had actually been confirmed. This had the housing team in a panic since they had booked every available room and hotel in Bangalore. On the 15th, a dramatically opposite challenge presented itself, as masses of people, demanding accommodation, poured in from every direction! Taking the idea of a one world family and sense of belonging to another level, some of them even conveniently made themselves at home in rooms allotted to other people! Yet, at the end of the day, inspite of all the unexpected arrivals, everyone still had a bed to sleep in.

More confusion reigned where invitations were concerned. Every time they were ready to be sent out, something new would need to be put in or pulled out. Constantly changing “Yes”, “No” and “Maybe” responses from the invitees, meant beautifully designed VIP invites being constantly reprinted, not once, not twice, but numerous times – even as late as a week before the event. 24

As far as entry was concerned, special passes for dignitaries were created and distributed, to ensure their access to relevant seating areas. However, the first day suddenly saw a lot more VIPs than the ones in the actual guest list. While self-proclaimed VIPs occupied front row seats, some dignitaries were initially even denied entry into the venue by bewildered policemen on duty.

While people at Jakkur were awestruck by the grandeur of the largest stage ever, little did they know that its construction was only completed hours before the event. Once the festivities began, everyone who got on stage didn’t want to leave. This meant that several dignitaries, who were ushered to their “reserved” seats, invariably found someone else already “rightfully” sitting there!The stage had been designed to hold 5,000 people; it was eventually forced to seat more than 8,000.

While the crowd had their eyes shut, captivated by the impressive South Indian orchestra, Swami Sadyojathah, responsible for coordinating the thousands of artistes, had his eyes shut for an entirely different reason – he was in prayer as the musicians’ first performance on stage was actually their first rehearsal together.

Adding to the drama, were hundreds of journalists and photographers running around on stage. In their enthusiasm and determined search for the perfect shot, they didn’t realize they were constantly in the way of the TV cameras, broadcasting the event to the millions at home.

With 5000 buses and inumerable cars the greatest fear was of traffic getting jammed for 3 to 4 hours as it had happened with the previous function on the same venue. However to everyone’s surprise there was no traffic jam at all.

Despite all this and more, the celebrations were a treasured experience for each – whether panicked volunteers or complaining guests. Everything seemed to be going haywire, yet there was not a face without a smile; even though there was chaos on the outside, there was serenity within. This is the uniqueness of the Art of Living.

Things fell into place and everything worked out perfectly. As Prasana Prabhu, one of the lead organizers, aptly summed up, “Everything was in a mess, but the programme was simply mesmerizing!”

Awe and amazement at the success of this magnificent event was not just confined to the spectators. Those working behind the scenes were even more overwhelmed as they witnessed miracle after miracle setting things right at exactly the right moment. The realisation that “this was not my own doing,” reinforced faith in God in one and all. Everything happened in accordance with the Divine order. As Khurshed, one of the coordinators, says “ We don’t just believe in miracles, we rely on them”. Many marvelled, “Is this heaven or earth?” The Silver Jubilee celebrations will indeed remain the best ever memory for those who were part of it.

“Knowledge has organising power” - Sri Sri

The Way Forward

“My vision is a world that is violence-free, crime-free and stress-free. This vision for progress will be achieved through Temples of Knowledge, to be built in each district across the globe. These will give solace and comfort to people, while counselling those in need. They will take care of the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health of society by being centres for holistic development. This includes development through the establishment of tribal schools, advocating organic farming, re-addressing environmental issues, reviving Ayurveda, bridging the rural-urban divide that exists all over the world, ensuring equality and justice for all and continuing to make life a celebration.”

H.H. Sri Sri Ravi Shankar

	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.
	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.
	When basic needs have been met, human development is about ‘being’ more rather than ‘having’ more. Rabbi Awraham Soetendrop Liberal Jewish Community International Netherlands
	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
	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
	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
	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
	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
	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
	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
	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
	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
	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
	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
	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
	‘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
	‘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
	“In this age of stress, Sri Sri Ravi Shankarji has brought smiles to faces. He has touched the lives of crores of people through his love and celebration.” Poojya Shri Ramdevji Maharaj India
	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
	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
	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
	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
	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
	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
	We have to take the message of peace to the world. Shri Dharam Singh Former Chief Minister of Karnataka India
	Congratulations for the wonderful work you have been doing! Most Rev. Vincent Michael Concessao Archbishop of Delhi India
	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
	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
	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
	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
	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
	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
	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
	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
	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
	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
	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
	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
	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
	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
	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
	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
	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
	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
	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
	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
	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
	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
	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
	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
	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
	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
	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
	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
	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
	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
	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
	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
	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
	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
	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
	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
	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
	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
	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
	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
	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
	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
	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
	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
	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
	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
	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
	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
	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
	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