BENGALURU, May 29: Vice President C P Radhakrishnan on Thursday said India’s spiritual heritage and civilisational wisdom were inspiring a more compassionate and conscious world, while lauding the efforts of Sri Sri Ravi Shankar to spread the message of peace, harmony and human values across the globe.
He launched five initiatives on youth development, entrepreneurship, sustainability and education at The Art of Living International Center as the organisation marked 45 years of service.
Addressing the event, he said the Art of Living movement had emerged as a global humanitarian and spiritual force promoting compassion, resilience, clarity and joy.
“Living should become an art. You should enjoy your living every day in a world marked by conflict and uncertainty,” he said, adding that Sri Sri Ravi Shankar continues to inspire humanity with the values of wisdom, awareness, peace and harmony, and brings calmness to people in diverse situations.
The vice-president also unveiled a commemorative postal stamp marking 45 years of The Art of Living’s contribution to individual well-being, social transformation, and global peace.
Reflecting on the meaning of devotion, he said that Bhakti is not just worshiping the god alone, it is the path where self-realisation is being attained. “Bhakti is a devotion. Bhakti is a dedication. We have to dedicate towards ourself, we have to dedicate to our family, we have to dedicate to our society, the nation, and the mankind,” Radhakrishnan said.
The Vice-president said that he was astonished to learn that the Art of Living has its centers operational in 181 countries, saying that the movement had inspired millions of lives across continents, cultures, languages and generations.
“45 years ago, a movement began with the simple yet profound idea that inner peace is the foundation of outer harmony,” he said.
Highlighting the organisation’s work, he said the Art of Living Foundation had contributed through meditation, service, education, rural development, environmental initiatives and interfaith dialogue.
“The art of living has shown that spirituality has a great role in uplifting the society,” he said.
According to him, India today stands at a unique moment in history, marked by confident aspirations and an increasingly prominent role on the global stage. He said Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s focus on civilisational wisdom, yoga, wellness and sustainability reflects this direction.
Referring to India’s growing global role, Radhakrishnan said the country’s spiritual heritage and modern leadership were together inspiring a more compassionate world.
“It is heartening to see India’s spiritual heritage and modern global leadership coming together to inspire a more compassionate and conscious world across villages and cities, conflict zones, classrooms, disaster-hit communities and centres of learning,” he said.
The VP cited the concept of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam”, saying it was an ancient Indian idea that viewed the whole world as one family. “That is a great thinking that the Gurudev ji and the Art of Living Foundation is taking not only across the nation but across the whole world,” he said.
Radhakrishnan stressed the importance of remaining connected to one’s roots and traditions saying that “No one should forget their roots. No one should forget their own village. No one should forget their own kula devata (family deity),” he said.
The Vice President also stressed on the importance of meditation and concentration, referring to mathematician Srinivasa Ramanujan. “How hard he fought. How much he have achieved… what is important is his concentration,” he said.
Radhakrishnan said the Art of Living Foundation had demonstrated that modernity and ancient heritage were complementary and not contradictory. “If you need modern development, that means you have to throw away all your traditional values. No changes are must. Change is the only constant word in the world but we have to accept all the changes which are good. We should never leave anything which is good traditionally also,” he said.
He praised the organisation’s efforts in promoting Ayurveda, natural farming, river rejuvenation, tree plantation and a drug-free India campaign. “Your mind should be controlled by yourself. Your mind should not be controlled by anything else,” he said while urging youngsters to stay away from drugs.
The Vice President also lauded the volunteers of the movement, calling them “the silent architects of service”.
“When you are bringing transformation in the life of even one single individual, that means we are empowering at least one family,” he said, adding that empowered families ultimately strengthen society, states, nations and the globe. (AGENCIES)
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