On Tour with Sri Sri Ravi Shankar  

Sri Sri Ravi Shankar received an honorary doctorate from the Gujarat Technological University in Ahmedabad, India on January 19, 2013. Dr. Kamla Beniwal, Her Excellency, Governor of Gujarat, presented the degree. This marks Sri Sri's 13th doctorate.

I congratulate all scientists who have assembled here, to see beyond traditional methods for more scope for research.

It was blogger's day out at The 1st International Bloggers' Conference where 837 youth delegates and enthusiastic bloggers came together to deliberate on the power of ‘Social Media for Social Good’. The conference, titled “Make a Global Connection - Just Connect”, also saw the launch of Sri Sri Ravi Shankar's blog (www.srisrispeaks.org). Addressing youth delegates, Sri Sri said, “We are in a new era where we don’t depend on a group of people, journalists or newspapers. Everyone is playing the role of an informer and everyone has the right to express their vision to the whole world. This is such a great opportunity but it should not be misused. Blogs can really bring conflict between communities, friends, nations and families, while on the other hand, they can also unite them. We should work with the intention of bridging the gap and inculcating human values.” The conference boasted of an interesting line-up of themes. Many bloggers came together to form communities for writing on varied subjects impacting social transformation, such as arts for a cause, everyday spirituality, sports, travel, and vegetarian food.

"A journey to the beauty of the Self" was the motto of big course events that took place in the presence of Sri Sri Ravi Shankar from 1 – 5 January, 2013. The New Year started with a serene boat trip on River Spree for the course attendees in the morning, continuing with a public talk by Sri Sri Ravi Shankar in the evening and cumulating into various Art of Living courses. Sri Sri inspired several attendees to work towards a stress-free and violence-free society and to share the inner peace found in the courses. The public talk on the evening of January 1 was completely sold out to more than 500 participants, with people standing and queuing up to listen to Sri Sri's words.

It was a one-of a kind experience when hundreds of guests from more than 50 countries in the world enthusiastically gathered for the New Year’s Celebration in the city of Berlin.

The evening was highlighted by a guided mediation by Sri Sri, who made participants reflect on the old year 2012 and look forward to the year 2013.

During the celebration, Sri Sri called on the audience to sign petitions for violence in movies to be banned. According to Sri Sri, violence in movies serves as a wrong and negative inspiration for reality and people should take the initiative to request the movie industry to stop showcasing such scenes.

Sri Sri spoke about the vision of a stress-free, violence-free world, encouraging each one to commit time for seva. Inspiring the gathering to serve society (seva), he said: When it comes to doing, say, 'How can I do some more? How can contribute more to make this world a better place?' This should be our line of thinking.”

The Mayor of Oppenau, Mr. Thomas Grieser visits Sri Sri at the European Center in Bad Antogast, which is located in the city of Oppenau. The center has become a melting pot for cultural exchange and education and every year welcomes thousands of visitors from all over the world to the Black Forest area.

Whether for stress management training, relaxation weekends, beauty treatments, yoga andmeditation, or for ayurvedic treatments by highly qualified professionals, The Art of Living’s academy is regularly a hive of activity.
According to Mayor Thomas Grieser, a quarter of Oppenau’s annual guesthouse capacity is used by guests from Bad Antogast. He also observed that the center mainly buys their food and household products from local suppliers and thus contributes to the region’s economy.

As a token of appreciation and a Christmas gift, Sri Sri was presented with typical German bread from the region.

It was a fully packed European Art of Living Center when the Christmas celebration kicked off with a special musical evening with Sri Sri Ravi Shankar.

Guests from allover the world had come to spend the holidays together with Sri Sri. On the occasion, Sri Srisaid by looking at the Christmas tree in the big hall, ‘‘This Christmas tree here it is telling you, Be like me, evergreen, full of light, and full of gifts.' So each one of you is a Christmas tree with lots of lights, with shining gifts and evergreen!’

Sri Sri Ravi Shankar was the chief guest at a special SudarshanHoma that was dedicated to world peace. The occasion celebrated the culmination of a unique chanting event that went on for 24 hours.

Sri Sri Ravi Shankar asked a large gathering to pledge two hours a week in the service of the nation. Speaking at the Vijay Diwas commemorations, Sri Sri encouraged all to have a vision for the country and work towards the same. 

Chief Minister JagadishShettar and many other noted dignitaries were part of the event. 

The Vijay Diwas celebrated the contribution of the army, navy and air force that led the country to a victory in the Indo-Pakistan 1971 war. 

Sri Sri Ravi Shankar inaugurated the new campus of Sri Sri School Of Media Studies along with  PadmaVibhushan Sri M.N. Venkatachaliah, Former Chief Justice of India and former Chairman of the National Human Rights Commission

Speaking at the occasion, Sri Sri emphasized the importance of fair and free media. He said, "Fair press can play a role to check fanaticism of any kind. Press should be free thinkers and not aligned with political parties or ideologies." The audience was given an inspirational talk by Sri. M.N Venkatachaliah in which he said, "Press is the most vital stimulant for a vibrant democracy. In history, journalists have always played a role in fighting against injustice."

The event was attended by other dignitaries including Ms. Vani Murthy, social activist, Mr. PrakashBelawadi, filmmaker, Ms. Mamta, Department of Information, Karnataka Government, singer Ajay Warrier and Kannada author Anusuya Devi.