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Wherever there is separation, wherever we see
someone as "other," as enemy, violence is possible. Where there is
connection, there you will find only kindness, love, and compassion. It
is not possible to see the humanity in another person and commit a
violent act against him.
- H. H. Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, Founder of the Art of Living Foundation
Conflict Resolution
Negotiating for peace in Sri Lanka, transforming at-risk youth in
Kashmir, taming the fire of hatred in the Balkans: These are some of
the areas where His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar and his volunteers
are actively building bridges between conflicting groups. Through the
Art of Living programs and personal interventions, many groups and
individuals have turned to non-violent means for resolving conflicts.
His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar has brought peace to people who have
never experienced it in their lives by shifting the focus from simply
establishing an outer atmosphere of peace to creating inner peace.
Following the Gandhian principles of non-violence, The Art of Living
Foundation works on developing practical and long-lasting solutions to
achieve peace.
Afghanistan: Breathing New Life into Afghanistan
More than two decades of war and strife has almost completely
destroyed Afghanistan. Art of Living programs are being conducted in
the country on a regular basis. The participants are taught effective
and powerful breathing techniques and sound meditations, which have a
profound effect on reducing trauma levels and stress caused by scenes
of war.
Kosovo: Cooperation with the Ministry of Health
The Art of Living Program in Kosovo has been so helpful to Kosovars -
where 80% of the general population suffers from post traumatic stress
disorder and where there is a high rate of depression and suicide- that
the Kosovo Ministry of Health has given a contract to the Art of Living
to continue with the work. More than 100 nurses, doctors,
psychologists, psychiatrists, psycho-social advisors and social workers
employed in mental health centers in Kosovo have participated in Art of
Living Workshops. Based on their positive experiences, the Ministry of
Health wants all the health care workers to be given the workshops so
they may also deal with their own stress
More Details On Kosovo
Sri Sri’s Art of Living Foundation has been involved in bringing aid to post-war Kosovo, delivering relief materials and supplies soon after the end of the conflict and since working for conflict resolution, assisting victims of post-traumatic stress disorder and teaching them the Stress Management Program.
Over 500 nurses, doctors, psychologists, psychiatrists, psycho-social advisors and social workers employed in 7 Mental Health Centers all over Kosovo have taken the Art of Living Workshops. Based on their positive experiences, the Ministry of Health has requested that all the Mental Health Workers in Kosovo participate in the worksops and learn to deal with their own stress and prevent burnout. The Ministry has also requested that several of these healthworkers be trained to teach the Breath, Water, Sound Program to reach out to larger numbers of Kosovars.
Since May 2003, the Foundation's volunteers have:
- Provided food and clothing to the needy
- Cleared areas damaged by strife in conjunction with UN Civil administrators
- Conducted trauma relief courses for 700 people that included UN peacekeepers, torture victims, massacre witnesses and disabled KLA veterans in cooperation with the ministry of Health
- Conducted Trauma relief programs for 120 officers of the the Indian Special Police unit in Kosovo
For more information on our program in Kosovo please read "Rebuilding War Torn Kosovo"
Iraq: Relieving Stress in Times of War
At a time when most other NGOs are evacuating their volunteers from
Iraq in the wake of heightened unrest, kidnappings, and violence, the
Art of Living Foundation is determined to stay. Art of Living
volunteers have set up trauma relief camps in various parts of Iraq,
especially in Baghdad. The foundation has provided medicines, food,
clothes, breathing and meditation exercises for the mind and soul. For
the first time, people who had not been able to sleep for days together
because of constant bombing and killings were able to sleep thanks to
the techniques. Many people felt relief from depression, anxiety, blood
pressure, migraine and other psychosomatic disorders. The combined
approach to the well being of body and mind has given spectacular
results.
More Details on Iraq
Since September 2003, more than 2,300 Iraqis have learned the Art of Living trauma-relief techniques. Many people who were not able to sleep for days because of constant bombing and killing have experienced deep sleep after these programs. Others have reported relief from depression, anxiety, and other disorders resulting from war-related stress.
The rising levels of widowhood are placing increasing numbers of women in the dual role of breadwinners and homemakers, and Iraqi women are not generally equipped with the personal or social infrastructure for this. The Foundation’s Women’s Empowerment Project is providing women with the leadership and entrepreneurial skills to become effectively involved in the economic reconstruction of Iraq, and decision-making at the local and national levels.
In addition to dealing with immediate trauma needs, awareness programs provided by the Art of Living women leaders in Iraq offer local women the skills and social fabric they require to build an enduring presence in Iraqi society. On a daily basis, these women multiply the impact of their human values education and vocational training by reaching out as trained community leaders. They organize trauma-relief workshops and provide skill sets local women need, including programs in entrepreneurship, women’s education, computer literacy, tailoring, and health.
In 2006, 34 Iraqi women and 10 men from Baghdad, Basra, Karbala, and Suleimania traveled to Bangalore, India, and were trained to teach trauma-relief programs. The Art of Living now has centers in Baghdad and Suleimania, and others are being planned.
On May 22, 2007, international spiritual and humanitarian leader His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar embarked on a three-day visit to conflict-ravaged Iraq. Marking the first time that the country has officially hosted a spiritual leader from India, the visit comprised of meetings with several Iraqi political and religious leaders, and addressed the issue of how to bring solace to the trauma-struck nation. Apart from holding discussions with political and religious leaders, Sri Sri also interacted with women, youth, soldiers and representatives of other service
organizations in Iraq.
Please click here to download a report on Sri Sri's visit to Iraq
Israel - Palestine: Transcending Walls
In yet another example of unrelenting commitment to build bridges
between estranged communities and help people overcome trauma of
conflict, Art of Living Programs have commenced in places along the
wall that separates between Israel and the Palestinians territories.
The first course was held in June 2004 in the big neighborhood of
Mevaseret Zion, located on the border of Jerusalem. Since then, regular
courses are being organized in different parts around the wall. People
in these areas live under constant fear of becoming victims of missile
attacks and are finding the stress elimination techniques taught by Art
of Living very effective in combating stress.
More Details on Israel - Palestine
More Details on Israel - Palestine
The Israeli-Palestinian conflict has brought suffering to so many people, on both sides. People are longing for a true peace that will bring end to this suffering. Many of them feel that The Art of Living brings new hope to their country. They experience inner peace through the techniques and the knowledge of the Art of Living and are in a position to spread it in their surroundings.
Many programs have been conducted along the separation wall between the Israeli side and the Palestinian territories. Art of Living volunteers are working in places along the border with Gaza strip, and along the boarder in Jerusalem and Ramallah. On both sides of the border, people have been using the powerful breathing techniques that eliminate stress, fear and anxiety. Many of these people have been living under constant threat to their life. Lots of them develop post trauma syndromes; extreme stress, anxiety and sleeping problems. After the course, many experience deep rest and relief and can cope with the stressful situation they are living in. The Art of Living programs have helped people feel more connected, and shown them that they share a mutual interest for peace.
During the war with Lebanon, Art of Living provided materials and trauma relief courses in the city of Haifa close to the northern border of Israel. The programs were made available to both the Jewish and Arab populations. Participants in the program reported experiences of calmness, relief from the trauma of war and anxiety.
The Art of Living program in Jerusalem brings together various kinds of people; Secular and religious Jews, Israeli Arabs and Palestinians. Along with the experience of inner peace and renewal of energy, the participants are amazed to feel the harmony and love that have been developed in the group in such a short time. The Art of Living in Israel is working to bring harmony in diversity.
Sri Lanka
The program has renewed our conviction to work for peace. Peace has to
begin from within. We feel after coming [to Bangalore], our vision has
become broader, and we realize the value of peace, love, compassion,
and non-violence. This will make us better equipped to face the
challenges we face as leaders in our country.
— Dr. Jayalath Jayawardana
Head of United National Party (UNP) relief and humanitarian rights committee, Sri Lanka
Sri Sri has been actively engaged in efforts to bring peace in Sri Lanka, holding talks with the government, Parliamentarians and the LTTE. In September 2006, His Holiness took the bold step of venturing into Kilinochchi for peace talks with LTTE leaders. His earlier visit in April was welcomed by the government of Sri Lanka, the Opposition and the people of Jaffna.
In early 2005 he sent emissaries to negotiate with the Sri Lankan President and Tamil leaders. At a time of escalating tension, on the request of the Sri Lankan President, Sri Sri sent experts to conduct special programmes for decision makers, president and army personnel and also for the youth in north-east Sri Lanka. After undergoing these programmes and meeting Sri Sri, hundreds of Tamil youth in Jaffna have shunned the path of violence and working hand in hand with Art of Living volunteers to bring comfort to the people of north-eastern Sri Lanka including Jaffna, Trincomalee and Batticaola.
In recent times, two separate delegations of Members of Parliament from Sri Lanka visited the Art of Living International Centre in Bangalore and sought Sri Sri's help to resolve the conflict in the country. In June 2005, opposition leader Ranil Wickramasinghe visited the Art of Living International Centre in Bangalore and held discussion with Sri Sri.
His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar has been actively involved in Sri Lanka, helping to broker peace between the government, civilians, and the LTTE separatists (the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam). Invited to Sri Lanka by opposition leader/former prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and current president Mahinda Rajapakse, Sri Sri was said to be the first spiritual leader from India to visit the country officially in 22 years.
The two leaders called on Sri Sri to discuss the escalating conflict. Speaking to the press afterward, the former prime minister said that, over the previous months, Sri Sri had been working to build an atmosphere of trust so the peace process could continue. Asked if the people of Sri Lanka would accept an Indian to mediate in the conflict, he answered, “Though an Indian, Sri Sri is seen as an international figure, and he has been spreading the message of
peace and harmony throughout the world.”
Sri Sri met with 80,000 Sri Lankans, including Sinhalese, Tamil, political leaders, Buddhist monks, and diplomats to discuss peace. As a result of such talks and ongoing Art of Living programs, hundreds of Tamil youth in Jaffna have given up violence and are working with volunteers to bring relief to the people of Northeastern Sri Lanka, who have been traumatized by more than two decades of ethnic violence.
A delegation of MPs (members of Parliament) from Sri Lanka expressed confidence that Sri Sri’s participation would take the peace process forward in spite of setbacks at the Geneva peace talks. They were taking part in a special Art of Living program called “Peace and Reconciliation” at the International Center in Bangalore.
The Art of Living has also done significant trauma relief in Sri Lanka since the tsunami disaster.
Pakistan: Historic Visit
His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar was the first spiritual master
from India to visit Pakistan on a goodwill mission of unity in
diversity and to promote the globalization of wisdom. During his visit,
His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar held meetings with political and
business leaders, religious heads and social activists in Karachi and
Islamabad. He said that his interaction with people of Pakistan had
been one of heart-to-heart and not intellectual. He emphasized the need
to "build mutual trust for lasting peace." His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi
Shankar has extended an invitation for them to visit India in near
future.
More Details on Pakistan
Since 1947, India and Pakistan have been locked in a political battle that has sparked three wars. In 2004, in cooperation with the Art of Living Foundation, His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar was invited to Pakistan by Helpline Trust, Gharib Nawaz Foundation, and the Daily Times newspaper on a historic four-day peace mission, “Unity in Diversity and Globalizing Wisdom.” He was the first spiritual master from India to officially visit Pakistan on such a mission.
During his visit, Sri Sri held informal meetings with political and business leaders, social activists, religious heads, and Islamic clerics in Karachi and Islamabad, during which he emphasized the need to “build mutual trust for lasting peace.” His message helped bridge a spiritual and cultural divide, and conveyed his vision of a united and prosperous Southeast Asia. His message reached millions of Pakistanis through TV interviews shown in prime time on several channels, and through a well-attended press conference.
The Art of Living Foundation has been offering its Art of Living courses to people in all major cities. More than 2,000 people have attended these programs, as well as regular programs of music and meditation conducted for the public.
India: Combating Terrorism
Inspired by His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar's message of peace and
compassion, hundreds of militants have laid down their arms and pledged
to reintegrate into the mainstream of society through service in Andhra
Pradesh, Bihar, Jammu and Kashmir, India.
In Hyderabad, India, the police commissioner's task force has conducted
a pilot self-development program. The result is a complete
transformation and people are now engaged in organizing health camps
and tree plantation camps. In Bihar, a group of several terrorists from
two rival groups have undergone Art of Living Programs. They have given
up the path of violence and have been instrumental in the
transformation of several of their group members. They are now engaged
in service in their villages.
I realized that my colleagues and I had wasted our lives in this useless war.
- Militant youth, Bihar
Bihar, India
The Indian state of Bihar has been ravaged by class violence and horrible massacres for 40 years. Since Art of Living programs and Sri Sri's peace initiatives were implemented three years ago, it is reported that no incidents of class-violence have taken place in the formerly bloody central region.
After what appears to have been the final incidence of such violence, Sri Sri asked to meet with the leader responsible. The militant leader, a communist, traveled at great risk and met with Sri Sri. The leader emerged from the meeting in tears and turned himself in. Though imprisoned, he has recommended the Art of Living courses to many people since then. Leaders from these warring factions were initially approached by a volunteer, and some members of their groups went to Rishikesh, India (fully armed), to try out the Art of Living Course. These people returned to Bihar, gave up their arms, and many more began taking the programs.
Curfews started lifting, and life began returning to normal. Currently, the Art of Living is building schools in Bihar, and addressing the region’s economic, ideological, and hygienic crises. Twenty-seven schools are in operation, providing uniforms, paper, and midday meals to 1,500 children. The schools serve as adult-education and community-gathering centers during after-school hours. Youth volunteers are also trained to organize human values and social welfare programs within their communities.
Kashmir, India
Sri Sri has been working to bring together all sections of Kashmiris and find a peaceful solution to the vexed conflict in the border state of India. In large part due to the pan-Kashmir approach, the Art of Living has been able to build a sense of trust among representative groups in the state.
In 2006, a day-long visit of Sri Sri to the Kashmir Valley culminated in a rare gathering of leaders representing different shades of opinions. For the first time, leaders of several Kashmiri groups, including both factions of the All Party Hurriyat Conference and representatives of Kashmiri Pandits came face to face in the presence of the renowned spiritual humanitarian leader.
Around 1,500 youth have shun the ways of terrorism and transformed into catalysts of social change after undergoing the Youth Leadership Training Program (YLTP). Education and inculcation of human values have ensured that these youth are no longer soft targets for recruitment by militant groups.
The Art of Living runs an orphanage in Srinagar for the victims of the 2006 earthquake and has also adopted a government-run school in the Kashmir Valley.
Ivory Coast, Africa
The universal qualities of love, compassion, selfless service and
the determination to make the world a better place conquer boundaries
of the mind. The warm reception given to the Art of Living Foundation’s
representatives in the Ivory Coast are testament to this. But the
indisputable evidence comes from the unprecedented experiences of the
Foundation’s programs that are slowly transforming the spirit of life.
Reiterating
the benefits of the program, some members of two tribes in the Ivory
Coast say they have discovered brotherhood again. The Dioula and Guerč
are two warring tribes in Deukoué. Differences over land and economic
issues have caused such disharmony that one cannot walk in the other’s
village without being attacked. But miraculously 15 youth from each
warring faction came together for the Youth Leadership Training
Program. The eight days they spent in the program changed them. "We
lived together and discovered our ways were so similar. There is no
fear. We're brothers," said Adama, a member of the Dioula tribe. As a
peace initiative, the members of a tribe are handing over a village,
which they had forcibly taken over. It is incredible that these youth
are helping rebuild homes that had been destroyed during the
hostilities.
Remarking on the success of the
program, both tribes remarked that Sri Sri’s Art of Living Foundation
was playing a peace-keeper’s role. In addition to inter-community
harmony, the youth were also inspired to take responsibility for their
villages and are engaged in cleanliness campaigns and repairing roads.
The
locals were pleased with the results and themselves arranged another
course in Bouaké, a town where the rebels are headquartered. Both
victims and perpetrators of violence say they found peace and are now
committed towards building a harmonious community.
The
Youth Leadership Training Program empowers youth by helping them
de-clutter their thoughts. There is a strong focus on personal and
societal improvement and the importance of responsible leadership.
Recognizing
the Foundation’s projects, the Minister of Reconciliation in the Ivory
Coast has personally lent his support to the work. At a meeting between
the Administration and 60 non-governmental organizations, participants
hailed the good work of the Foundation and expressed their enthusiasm
to work together to develop a strong society in the Ivory Coast.
In 2003, to bolster peace efforts, Sri Sri visited Lebanon and met with His Beatitude the Patriarch, the Mufti of the Republic. Sri Sri then led a meditation for peace which was attended by over a thousand Lebanese. Many reported to have felt a deep sense of peace and contentment, something that they had not experienced in a long time.
The Art of Living Foundation offered its support to the refugees of the 2006 Lebanon-Israel war. Volunteers assisted refugees from both Shi'a and Druze communities in Lebanon. The Foundation began its activities in a school that had been converted into a refugee shelter in the village of Baysour, offering relief materials as well as trauma counseling during the time of war.
The ART Excel program was offered to children while adults were offered the Trauma Relief Program. The programs helped the participants to reduce anxiety and stress caused by the war. The participants reported that the quality of their sleep improved along with clarity of thought.
Interfaith Harmony
Bridging Diverse Cultures and Traditions
An icon of non-violence, human values and universal brotherhood, His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar is continuously engaged in bridging the existing religious divides in the world. He has always stood up strongly against any design that could polarise the world along religious lines.
As a child, he would spend a lot of time observing the rituals in churches, mosques and temples. Embracing all faiths came naturally to him even at a young age. When once asked what he wanted from the Divine, he promptly said, “I want everyone to be happy. I don’t want people to quarrel.”
Sri Sri has played a strong role in various inter-faith conferences across the globe exhorting people of all faiths to celebrate their differences and work towards a peaceful society where human values, rather than religious dogmas, flourish.
In February 2006, Sri Sri brought together 1,000 leaders from all the ten main religious traditions of the world as well as 750 political key figures from around the world to embrace non-violence, human values and brotherhood at the International Conference on Human Values held to mark the Silver Jubilee of the Art of Living. Over 3 million people from all backgrounds and traditions attended the celebrations held in Bangalore.
The three-day confluence witnessed perhaps the largest-ever mass meditation for global peace. It was a heartening sight to see all boundaries, all differences dissolve as Hindus and Muslims, Christian and Jews, Indians and Pakistanis, Chinese and Taiwanese, Bosnians and Serbians, Iranians and Iraqis stood side-by-side, bringing alive the ancient Indian ideal of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (One World Family). Going beyond the identities of religion, caste, country, Sri Sri brought together various traditions of the world, inspiring humanity to identify oneself as a member of a One World Family.
“A sense of belongingness to the whole world is the need of the hour. We need to celebrate diversity, by honouring all cultures and religious traditions, rather than letting it become the cause of strife or violence,” says Sri Sri.
Sri Sri has been articulating this vision in several global fora and inter-faith conferences. In January 2005, he addressed the First World Congress of Imams and Rabbis for Peace held in Brussels. Organised under the patronage of King Albert II of Belgium and King Mohammed VI of Morocco, the congress was attended by over 100 religious scholars and experts representing Islam and Judaism. In a heartfelt speech, Sri Sri called for brotherhood amongst the religions. Stressing the need for a multicultural and multi-religious education for the younger generation, Sri Sri said, "We need to broaden the vision of our people. If we fail to broaden the vision of our people, we will bring disgrace to our own religion.”
Sri Sri has been propagating the doctrine that globalisation of wisdom alone can promote inter-faith harmony in the world. Addressing the “Religions and Peace: From Terrorism to Global Ethics,” conference held at the historical Kremlin Palace in June 2005, he urged all the leaders present to sow the seeds of love and harmony in every corner of the world. “Even if a small place is left without wisdom, the world is not going to be a safe place,” he said.
Sri Sri has also initiated several programmes across the globe to reawaken tolerance, reconciliation and acceptance among people from different faiths. Building bridges between people polarised along the religious lines, the Art of Living has been conducting special programmes in places along the wall that separates Israel and the Palestinian territories. In Kosovo, Bosnia and Macedonia, Sri Sri carried out programmes to promote dialogue between Albanians and Macedonians by increasing the circle of belonging from the narrow identity defined by ethnic or religious boundaries.
In India, Sri Sri has been working to foster religious harmony by making religious leaders from different faiths come face to face. In January 2003, he hosted a five-day world conference on spiritual regeneration and human values, bringing together religious leaders from different faiths on one platform. He has also offered to mediate between the Hindus and Muslim to resolve the vexed Ayodhya temple dispute.
From time to time, Sri Sri invites religious leaders from different faiths to the Art of Living’s headquarters in Bangalore where people from all faiths mingle in the spirit of service and celebration.
Time and again, Sri Sri reiterates his message to the world to move from tolerance to love, self-centred success to selfless service and from exclusive to being all inclusive.
Caste discrimination can be solved only through reforms and by educating people in human values, not by creating hatred between the communities. Hatred will only polarise the society and create civil wars.
- His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar
Dalit Conference
Sri Sri has initiated a process to bring about reconciliation between the Dalits and upper caste Hindus in collaboration with the other non government organizations. A large number of Dalit and caste Hindu leaders vowed to end untouchability in India on March 9, 2007. They adopted a seven-point action plan to this effect at the ‘Truth & Reconciliation Conference’ hosted by Sri Sri. The action plan, which is aimed at spreading the spirit of reconciliation to every corner of India, focuses on ensuring temple entry for Dalits, organising collective celebrations including community feasts, abolition of the practice of keeping separate utensils for Dalits, empowerment of women from economically weaker sections, providing educational facilities especially to weaker sections, providing spiritual and religious education to Dalit children and ensuring equality and justice for all.
As a symbolic implementation of the plan, the leaders partook in a community feast or samuhik priti bhoj. Addressing the conference, which was attended by over 5,000 people including leaders of about 25 communities, Sri Sri said, “We need to make people realise that discrimination is not sanctioned by religion. Every Hindu should be educated to the fact that many of the sacred texts he or she reads were written by Dalits. It is time to move forward and not to reel in past mistakes. The anger of the past should not engulf us and divide the country. Fear and communication gap between communities are what is keeping us apart. We must accept the reality and reconcile the differences."
Stating that many organisations which don’t see eye-to-eye have come together for the first time at the conference he said, “What we have started today will resonate across the country and unite the people. When leaders come together and take a vow, the people will follow them. My main concern is how to bring people together. This is not about one religion only. I want to bring all communities together on one platform.” Regretting that despite several legislations, caste discrimination still prevails in rural India, the spiritual guru said that only a change of heart and mind and a better understanding among communities can bring about social equity. “The spirit of co-operation and reconciliation should percolate to the grassroots,” he said. “It’s not only Dalits who are fighting for their rights; there are thousands of committed soldiers of justice and equality from the upper caste who are working for the betterment of the Dalits,” he added.
Several leaders from the participating communities lauded Sri Sri for his endeavour to bring the communities together through the historic conference. “I have been working for several years in this direction. Now I have full confidence that with Sri Sri's blessings and leadership, my efforts will get new vigour and inspiration,” said Dr Bindeshwar Pathak, founder of Sulabh International Social Service Organisation. Dalit leader and president of Indian Justice Party Udit Raj welcomed the initiatives taken by Sri Sri and added that leaders of other communities must contribute to the cause of Dalit upliftment. “If caste discrimination has to be eliminated, Dalits have to be integrated in all streams of society. The posts of the head of maths, especially the maths of Shankaracharyas should be filled by priests from every caste on a rotation basis,” he said. Other leaders who attended the conference included Dalit leader Sanjay Paswan; Bijendra Singh of the Jat Samaj; Ms Sabina Srivastav of All India Kayasta Samaj; Bal Kishan Mahaar of Valmiki Samaj; president of Akhil Bharatiya Bhumihar Brahman Ram Nagina Singh; Fateh Singh of Koli Samaj; Ram Babu Arya of the the Akhil Bharatiya Naayee Mahasabha, Presidnet of the Kshatriya Samaj V S Chauhan and Veer Kunwar Singh of Akhil Bhartiya Gujjar Sanskriti Shodh Sansthan. The conference also featured a special exhibition to highlight the contributions of the Dalit Maharishis in Hindu literature. Notable examples would be of two epics that are revered by all - the Mahabharata and the Ramayana, which were written by the Dalit Maharishis Vyas and Valmiki respectively.
Several leaders from the participating communities lauded Sri Sri for his endeavour to bring the communities together through the historic conference. “I have been working for several years in this direction. Now I have full confidence that with Sri Sri's blessings and leadership, my efforts will get new vigour and inspiration,” said Dr Bindeshwar Pathak, founder of Sulabh International Social Service Organisation. Dalit leader and president of Indian Justice Party Udit Raj welcomed the initiatives taken by Sri Sri and added that leaders of other communities must contribute to the cause of Dalit upliftment. “If caste discrimination has to be eliminated, Dalits have to be integrated in all streams of society. The posts of the head of maths, especially the maths of Shankaracharyas should be filled by priests from every caste on a rotation basis,” he said.
Other leaders who attended the conference included Dalit leader Sanjay Paswan; Bijendra Singh of the Jat Samaj; Ms Sabina Srivastav of All India Kayasta Samaj; Bal Kishan Mahaar of Valmiki Samaj; president of Akhil Bharatiya Bhumihar Brahman Ram Nagina Singh; Fateh Singh of Koli Samaj; Ram Babu Arya of the the Akhil Bharatiya Naayee Mahasabha, Presidnet of the Kshatriya Samaj V S Chauhan and Veer Kunwar Singh of Akhil Bhartiya Gujjar Sanskriti Shodh Sansthan.
The conference also featured a special exhibition to highlight the contributions of the Dalit Maharishis in Hindu literature. Notable examples would be of two epics that are revered by all - the Mahabharata and the Ramayana, which were written by the Dalit Maharishis Vyas and Valmiki respectively.
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Peace Conferences
The Art of Living Foundation is committed to maintaining an open dialogue with the world community to address today's issues.
Selection of Symposiums
- Indian National Commission for Cooperation with UNESCO- Bangalore (June, 2006)
- International Conference on Human Values- Bangalore (February, 2006)
- International Women's Conference- Bangalore (June, 2005)
- Uplifting Spirit Through Education - University of California, Berkeley (May, 2003)
- World Youth Peace Summit - Bangalore (2003)
- Living Human Values: A Call to Action- Amsterdam, Netherlands (November, 2000)
- Living Human Values - National Press Club - Washington DC (May, 1999)
- International Conference for Human Values- IAHV (May, 1998)
Selection of Conferences
- Parliament of South Africa (May, 2006)
- European Parliament - Brussels, Belgium (May, 2006 & December, 2004)
- Strasbourg, France: "Human Values in the 21st Century" (June, 2001)
- Parliament of Germany/Deutscher Bundestag (May, 2006)
- Parliament of Krasnoyarsk, Russia (August, 2005)
- International Court of Justice - The Hague (December, 2004)
- Orissa Legislative Assembly - India (November, 2004)
- Indus Valley School of Art & Architecture- Pakistan (July, 2004)
- Scottish Parliament (June, 2004)
- Federal Senate - Brazil (May, 2004)
- Institute of International Affairs/CARI- Argentina (May, 2004)
- Panama Chamber of Commerce- Panama (May, 2004)
- Indian Institute of Public Administration - New Delhi, India (March, 2003)
- Inter Pacific Bar Association - New Delhi, India (February, 2003)
- World Economic Forum- Davos, Switzerland - "Love and Trust" (January, 2003)
- "Where are the Peacemakers?" (February, 2001)
- United Nations- New York, U.S.A. - Millennium World Peace Summit of Religious and Spiritual Leaders (August, 2000)
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