Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan on Friday, 29 May launched five major national initiatives at the Art of Living International Centre in Bengaluru, marking the organisation's 45th anniversary of humanitarian service and global outreach. The event also celebrated the 70th birthday of Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, whose lifelong work in peace-building and human values was at the centre of the occasion.

Five Initiatives Launched

The five programmes unveiled by the Vice President are: the Youth Career Excellence Programme, the Faculty of Eastern Knowledge Systems, the Art of Living Innovation and Entrepreneurship Incubation, the Centre of Excellence on Consciousness Studies and Human Potential, and Eco Shanti. Together, the initiatives span youth development, entrepreneurship, sustainability, consciousness studies, education, and innovation.

Alongside the launches, Vice President Radhakrishnan unveiled a commemorative postal stamp honouring the organisation's four-and-a-half decades of contribution to individual well-being, social transformation, and global peace.

What the Vice President Said

Addressing the gathering, Radhakrishnan praised the Art of Living's global footprint, noting its presence in 182 countries. “Today is a celebration of a great vision that has touched millions of lives across continents. I was astonished to learn that the Art of Living is present in 182 countries. Almost the entire civilisation of mankind is getting linked through this movement,” he said.

He also reflected on the organisation's founding philosophy: “Forty-five years ago, a movement began with a simple yet profound idea: that inner peace is the foundation of outer harmony. In a world marked by conflict and uncertainty, Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar continues to inspire humanity with the values of wisdom, awareness, peace, and harmony.”

Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar's Address

Welcoming the Vice President, Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar highlighted the growing global recognition of meditation, pointing to 192 countries coming together to declare a World Meditation Day. “Meditation is no longer a luxury… there is a growing understanding that meditation is a basic necessity for a healthy, happy, and stress-free life,” he said.

Gurudev also articulated his vision for holistic development: “Three things must always accompany us through life: knowledge, meditation, and music.” He called for a Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam — a one-world family “free from fear, tension, and hatred.”

Karnataka Governor and Other Dignitaries

Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot said the state took pride in being home to the movement's roots. “For more than four decades, The Art of Living has been promoting peace and well-being at the individual, community, and global levels through a variety of programmes,” he said, adding that the organisation's work had received global recognition for promoting a violence-free and stress-free society.

The launch ceremony marked the culmination of a month-long celebration attended by 678 distinguished guests, including political leaders, business figures, sportspersons, diplomats, faith leaders, and artists from India and abroad. Among those who participated over the course of the month were Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Ministers Nitin Gadkari and Sarbananda Sonowal, Chief Ministers Devendra Fadnavis, N. Chandrababu Naidu, and Pramod Sawant, industrialists Mukesh Ambani, Anant Ambani, and Niranjan Hiranandani, and actors Rajinikanth and Vikrant Massey.

Highlights From the Ashram Visit

During his visit, Vice President Radhakrishnan toured several facilities, including Sri Sri Gurukulam, the Prathap Ganpati Temple, the sacred relics of Shri Somnath Jyotirlingam, and the Sri Sri Gaushala, which houses nearly 1,600 indigenous cows. A special demonstration by children in the Art of Living's Intuition Programme showcased intuitive abilities developed through systematic training.

The month-long celebrations also featured global meditations at the newly inaugurated Dhyan Mandir, cultural performances, and discussions on mental well-being and consciousness. The event concluded with a renewed emphasis on Gurudev's vision of a stress-free and violence-free society rooted in inner peace, service, and human values.