On Tour with Sri Sri Ravi Shankar  

Sri Sri meets with Prof. Ivo Josipović, President of the Republic of Croatia.

Their meeting took place at the President’s office while Sri Sri was on a four-day visit to the country. Their conversation focused on reducing corruption and strengthening the human values in society.

Author of photography: Presidents office, Republic of Croatia Tomislav Bušljeta.

A Croatian gathering learn about meditation and some practical wisdom of life at a Health & Happiness program with Sri Sri (not seen in the picture)

Sri Sri joins thousands of people for an evening of music and mass meditation.

Sri Sri Ravi Shankar Wednesday called on Prime Minister Dr. BaburamBhattarai at the latter’s official Baluwatar residence.

Welcoming the spiritual leader, Prime Minister Dr. Bhattarai said that he was extremely happy to welcome Sri Sri in Nepal.

The Prime said that it was matter of pride for all Nepalese that Sri Sri was on a Nepal visit and his visit will be helpful in institutionalize peace in the country.The Prime Minister said that Sri Sri’s  visit has created a spiritual environment in Nepal. Earlier in the day, Sri Sri visited the Pashupatinath temple and offered prayers there. 

Sri Sri with Dr. Ram Baran Yadav, President of Nepal

Sri Sri Ravi Shankar urges Nepali citizens to commit towards social betterment, Kathmandu

Sri Sri  Ravi  Shankar urged the Nepali youths and citizens to work for the fast development of Nepal. Talking to journalists upon his arrival at the Tribhuvan International Airport, Sri Sri said that each individual should set aside an hour a day for the country. Founder of The Art of Living International arrived in Kathmandu this afternoon on a four-day visit to Nepal. Recalling his organization’s work for the progress of society in India recently with Volunteer for a Better India and world wide, Sri Sri urged each and everyone to be the part of Nepal’s development.

Sri Sri calls on President Dr. Yadav

Sri Sri  Ravi  Shankarcalled on President Dr Ram BaranYadav at the latter’s Office. PresidentYadav said that  Sri Sri’s visit to Nepal would further strengthenNepal-India relations. He said wherever Sri Sri went peace prevailed there and expressed that the same would happen in Nepal as well: your visit will b good for Nepal and Nepalese people.

“On behalf of all the people of this country, I welcome you to Nepal,” said the President.

Earlier, Sri Sri  visited  the Youth for Transformation Training Camp and interacted with the participants there. Around 200 youth of different caste and ethnic communities of over 35 districts of Nepal participated in the training.

Smile must lurk on the lips of all people of this country of Lord Buddha, Sri Sri said, adding that peace, prosperity, power, water are in the store oforall Nepali people. 

Interacting with politicians & corporates

A mix of politicians, enterpreneurs and decision makers interacted with Sri Sri on a diverse range of subjects at the ‘Spirituality & Socio-Political Transformational Prosperity’ program.

Stating that Nepal is now passing through the most critical time in its history, Sri Sri said, “Peace and prosperity move together,” adding that spirituality brings compassion and instills a feeling of belongingness.

Comparing Nepal with Switzerland and giving the example of the preservation of Balinese culture in Indonesia, Sri Sriurged the politicians to work for the preservation and promotion of the diverse cultures of Nepal. “With the disappearance of cultures, the identity of the country itself will be lost,” he said, adding that, “Nepal must maintain her identity.”

“Promote tourism and prepare youth for the progress of Nepal. Developing the country is not a single man’s job, the entire population should engage in it,” he said.

The function was attended by  CPN-UML chairman and former Prime Minister JhalanathKhanla; Vice-President of the Nepali Congress Ram Chandra Poudel; CPN-Maoist leader Krishna BahadurMahara among others.

A wave of patriotic exuberance swept across the venue as Sri Sri addressed  a huge gathering of nearly 1,00,000 people  to garner support for Volunteer for a Better India (VBI), his latest social initiative. In a passionate address, Sri Sri said, “A revolution in India is in the offing. Whether you participate or not, India will still progress and prosper to its best. But when you become an instrument for change, it leaves you with a deeper sense of fulfilment. To experience this unique joy, you must become a volunteer for a better India.”

Sri Sri reflected on the times during India’s freedom struggle that claimed millions of human lives and spoke about sacrifices that people made at the time. “Today, I am not asking you to sacrifice your life or belongings. I just want you to give one hour to the nation every day,” he added.

The launch of VBI was attended by several dignitaries who offered to support VBI. However it was the presence of youths that was more palpable, especially when they sung patriotic songs and cheered for the nation. Sri Sri urged them to come together on a common platform and fight injustice. “Don’t lose heart. Empower yourself and use your skill in the best possible way to tackle corruption.”

The event culminated in a pledge taken by lakhs of people:

• to remove ignorance and bring literacy,

• to not take or accept bribes,

• honor women and not allow female foeticide,

• wipe away addictions to alcohol and drugs,

• care for the environment,

• vote without fail.

• work together in harmony towards building a stress-free, violent-free India by giving one hour everyday to the nation.

Speaking knowledge

The knowledge session was packed with light banter answered the volley of questions with witty one-liners.

Sri Sri emphasised on how important it is to enhance our receptivity, to be able to receive knowledge. “The grace of the Divine is unlimited.  Prayer and sadhana(spiritual practices) will help you open up to higher knowledge.” 

After a meditation began an intensive question and answer session. In between Sri Sri highlighted the need to promote organic farming and also do away with white sugar. 

He also encouraged the youth to keep up the enthusiasm. “Sky is the limit for you. Life is a combination of the nutan and puratan. Take the essence of both and move towards your goal.”

Interaction with the media

Sri Sri Ravi Shankar addressed the media at a special event organized by the Maharashtra PatrakarSangh for editors and senior journalists.

Speaking on the occasion, he emphasized the importance of fair and free media. He said, “The media and the spiritual Guru share the same responsibility. Their job is to remain unbiased, uphold the truth and bring hope to society. They cannot be aligned with political parties or ideologies. Moreover, it is necessary for the media to give a positive direction to people. Highlighting only incidences of crime and other ills in society can give rise to negativity and cynicism and lead people into depression.  It is required to combine with information that will give people a reason to smile.”

Sri Sri elaborated on his recent meeting with 3000 sarpanch leaders and gram sevaks from Maharashtra to combat the challenge of water scarcity across the Vidarbha region in Maharashtra.  He further stated that the media, the government and other social organizations in the country need to come together to bring about an effective change in society

The Maharashtra Rajya Marathi PatrakarSangh (MRMPS) honored Sri Sri with aMaanpatra (Letter of Honor) for awakening human values in society and spreading the message of brotherhood and peace. Well-known and senior media persons attended this event organized by the MRMPS.

Complimenting the media for unearthing big scams in a short period of time, Sri Sri said, “I am proud of the press in the country, especially the journalists of vernacular newspapers, who do not stop at anything to bring the truth to light. When you look beyond sensationalism and adhere to the noble values of journalism, you not only uplift society but also inspire people to fight injustice and corruption.”

Spreading social awareness, Mumbai

It was an evening of music, meditationand knowledge. Sri Sri inspired people to awaken their inner strength and confidence and come together in a spirit of love to uplift the nation.

Citing an example from history, he explained how once the Maratha ruler, ChhatrapatiShivaji was going through moments of despair. He had absolutely lost faith in himself and had no hopes of fighting or winning a war. When he met his Guru, Samarth Ramdas and expressed his desire to renounce his responsibilities, Ramdas consoled him, “I will do all the work for you. Just become my sevak and serve humanity.” It is said that the master’s words had great impact on Shivaji and he resumed his work with renewed vigor.

While underlining the significance of seva, Sri Sri further reiterated, “Service rewards you with tremendous strength and empowerment; you do not have to bank on black money to accomplish your goals. Today, political operatives are using alcohol and money to lure people to the polls, simply because they do not know any other way to strike a chord with the masses. They are not into meaningful service. It’s high time we start educating people on these malpractices, encourage them to develop a sense of responsibility for their nation and more importantly, involve them in social service. Give one hour to your nation everyday.”

Sri Sri also voiced his concern about the rising incidences of female foticide and opined that the government must take the initiative of banning sex determination tests. He added that women have always enjoyed a position of respect and stature in Vedic India. Like men, they have equal right to do Gayatrijapa and even perform kanyadaan and pitripaksh rituals. “Nowhere is it mentioned in the shastras, that women cannot do such rituals. We need to raise the awareness level in society.”

The session ended with an engaging Q&A.

Honoring the tradition as thousands attend the Rudra Puja.

The ‘Corporate Culture and Spirituality’ (CCS) Conference was inaugurated by a distinguished panel of dignitaries including The Art of Living founder, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar. “Ethics is the foundation of any business” was the sentiment echoed by eminent business leaders.

Sri Sri addressing the Citizens at Ramlila Maidan, during the launch of Volunteer for a Better India