“What a great world we live in!”

“What a great world we live in, we speak different languages, we look different, we may eat different food but His Holiness Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar has brought all of us together,” said King Otumfuo Osei TutuII, His Royal Highness, the King of Ghana. “All over the world, people are aware of the tremendous work of the Art of Living Foundation and the spirit of volunteerism, how it fosters these connections. It takes one man’s ideas, one person’s dreams to transform the lives of millions but it takes collective effort of all of us to touch the lives of millions. His Holiness, who is the symbol of selfless humanity, has told us that we can live together in peace and love.”

A speaker who particularly touched everyone’s heart was Hashmi. “I am very happy to be here on this occasion and it’s a great honour for me to share my humble experience with you. My name is Hashmi but it does not matter any more. I am from Saudi Arabia. It doesn’t matter anymore. I have been wondering why I’m here. The answer is two parts: one, I don’t know and second, which is more important, is I don’t want to know. What I do know now is that we don’t have to find reasons to love each other.”

Stressing on His Holiness’ achievement, Vishnu Sadashiv Kopje, Governor of Himachal Pradesh, said, “It is no mean achievement that the message of caring, sharing and service has reached 146 countries covering 20 million people in the last 25 years. It speaks volumes of the spirit behind the movement His Holiness Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar. Human values are the greatest challenge and Art of Living has shown the way.”

Shyamal Dutta, Governor of Nagaland, said, “I come from a land where my Naga brothers, sisters and children have been enjoying the tryst for peace process for over the past 8 ½ years on behalf of them and on my own behalf I extend to Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar our warmest greetings on this momentous occasion and good wishes for many many more jubilees of their dedicated service to mankind.