Sri Sri Spreads the Message
of Peace in Iraq

With an aim to bring respite to a nation disillusioned by years of bloodshed, Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar visited Iraq from May 21- 24, 2007. It was the first time that an Indian spiritual leader was officially invited by the Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki. On arriving at the Baghdad airport, Gurudev was transported to the Green Zone, under the protection of US and Iraqi troops, and immediately met with the PM.

The Iraqi Prime Minister emphasized the key role of humanitarian organisations like the Art of Living in rebuilding Iraq. He stated, “There are big powers who have big might, but they are not able to unite the hearts and minds of people. This work can be done only by a spiritual leader.” Al-Maliki invited Gurudev's foundation to undertake its prison rehabilitation program in jails in Iraq. Gurudev replied that he would like to extend The Art of Living's programs to all sections of Iraq's society, thereby benefitting a wider cross-section of citizens.

In his bid to bridge different factions, Gurudev met with senior political and religious officials, including 80 leaders belonging to Shia, Sunni as well as Kurdish parties. “Give the non-violence philosophy of Mahatma Gandhi a trial; give peace a chance,” he appealed them. The leaders lauded the work done by the Art of Living in Iraq and urged him to adopt Iraq as his second home. They felt that his initiatives would go a long way in improving the situation in the country.

Gurudev consoled a group of grieving Iraqi women widowed by the unending conflict. He expressed his pain over the violence and struggle of the Iraqi people, saying, "The people of Iraq don't deserve the violence and the pain. My heart bleeds for them." He also interacted with Red Crescent officials, who praised him for bringing into Iraqi lives the ‘art of living’. “Till now we have known only the ‘art of dying'”, an official said.

Gurudev had a meeting with the ministers of youth and human rights and four members of parliament. On their request, he conducted a meditation session. Impressed by the activities of the Art of Living, Minister of Sports and Youth, Jasin Mohammed Jaffer declared to send three youth from each province of Iraq to the art of Living’s International centre in Bangalore to undergo the Youth Leadership Training Programme (YLTP).

A visit to the Art of Living centre in Baghdad was made by Gurudev where he reviewed the humanitarian work carried out by international NGOs with local Art of Living teachers and volunteers. He also interacted with the beneficiaries of the Art of Living’s women empowerment project.

Despite serious concerns for his safety, Gurudev travelled through the Red Zone to visit the holy Shiite city of Najaf. Upon his arrival, he was welcomed by the Hon. Governor of Najaf, Mr. Azad Sultan and met many key religious leaders, who sought his co-operation in bringing peace to Iraq. "We welcome your delegation with open arms and hearts. We welcome you as our brother and we are ready to work hand in hand with you," said Shia leader Ayatollah Mohammad Ali Aqaadi.

Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar’s visit to the holy shrines of Karbala marked a historical moment. It is probably the first time since Guru Nanak's visit that an Indian spiritual leader has visited these shrines. Gurudev visited Imam Hussein and Imam Ali shrines and advised all to offer prayers for healing Iraq. He appreciated that weapons were not allowed into the sacred city. Gurudev requested the Iraqi Government to rebuild the 500 year old war damaged Gurudwara which had been built after Guru Nanak’s visit to the country.