New York, Dec 21 (NationPress) Meditation serves as a validated solution to the escalating mental health issues that societies across the globe are currently facing, stated Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, the founder of the Art of Living, on Sunday. He emphasized that achieving inner tranquility and fostering enhanced communication are vital for addressing both individual suffering and widespread global disputes.

In an interaction with IANS, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar expressed, “Our world is confronting numerous challenges today, and mental health stands out as a critical one.”

After leading a meditation gathering with hundreds in New York City on World Meditation Day, he stated, “Meditation is the key to overcoming mental health challenges.”

He highlighted the prevalent anxiety, loneliness, and various social pressures that modern societies endure. “Anxiety, loneliness, and a range of social issues are present in our society today,” he noted, asserting that “meditation has unequivocally demonstrated itself as a remedy.”

While contemplating the years ahead, particularly 2025 into 2026, Sri Sri called upon collective action and empowerment. “Now is the moment for us to unite and collaboratively tackle challenges while feeling empowered,” he articulated.

“It is crucial to empower women and uplift the marginalized sections of society.”

He accentuated the significance of values in determining future trajectories, stating that “compassion, commitment, and context to life must be activated.”

When addressing global conflicts, the spiritual leader remarked that the roots of wars and disputes lie in the human psyche rather than battlefields. “Conflicts begin in the minds of individuals,” he asserted. He suggested that when decision-makers embody calmness and clarity, pathways to peace become apparent.

“When minds are peaceful, especially those of decision-makers, they will discover improved means of communication,” he added.

He cautioned that failures in dialogue can directly escalate to violence. “Conflicts arise when communication falters,” he noted.

Gurudev shared that volunteers from the Art of Living are actively engaged in conflict zones, including Ukraine and Russia, focusing on enhancing psychological resilience rather than political solutions.

“We are present in Ukraine, within the war zones. Our volunteers are instructing soldiers on how to meditate,” he mentioned.

He shared that the initiative has benefitted thousands of soldiers. “To date, around 8,000 Ukrainian soldiers have learned meditation, and Russian soldiers are also participating,” he revealed.

Describing the positive effects, Gurudev said many soldiers had been grappling with hopelessness and sleeplessness. “These soldiers in Ukraine felt engulfed in despair, believing their futures were bleak,” he stated, adding that meditation has provided them with “immense inner strength.”

He reported noticeable enhancements in their well-being. “Many soldiers who struggled to sleep for extended periods found their energy levels improved and sleep quality enhanced after meditation,” he mentioned, noting that several such initiatives are ongoing and have garnered media attention.

When asked about India’s potential role in fostering peace in Ukraine, Sri Sri indicated a shared global responsibility. “Every nation plays a role. Certainly, India has its part to play. Each country has responsibilities toward global peace,” he affirmed.

On a recent partnership with Gallup, Sri Sri stressed the importance of data in informing policy decisions. He indicated that Gallup’s global surveys equip decision-makers to confront unavoidable realities.

“When statistics are unavoidable, they compel you to face and address them,” he explained, emphasizing the necessity of statistical data for grasping challenges across different regions.

Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, founder of the Art of Living Foundation based in Bengaluru, is committed to promoting stress reduction, mental wellness, and conflict resolution through meditation and breathing techniques. The foundation operates in over 180 countries and has been involved in humanitarian, educational, and peace-building projects for decades.

In recent years, he has also engaged with global leaders and international organizations on dialogue, reconciliation, and mental health, positioning inner well-being as a critical component of diplomatic and political efforts to address global crises.