When the world came together…
February 17, 2006
An estimated one million people from over a 100 countries - from Argentina to Bosnia, Pakistan to Mongolia, to Taiwan, were present on the first day itself, seated in enclosures divided nation-wise and state-wise. National flags of representative countries marked the enclosures. The soul-stirring theme song of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam - One World Family only reiterated the mission.
His Excellency Shri T N Chaturvedi, Governor of Karnataka, said, “The entire world in miniscule is represented here. Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankarji has enabled every man and woman to acquire peace so that he can really contribute to world peace and the welfare of mankind. His is the message of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, message of harmony - peace within and without.”
The language was English and Kannada but they still connected the multitudes at the magnificent inauguration of Art of Living celebrations at Jakkur Airfield, Bangalore. The sheer spectacle of the three acre-stage that hosted eminent dignitaries, spiritual leaders of all faiths and over 3,500 musicians charged the air with renditions of traditional Indian instruments - Nadaswaram, thavils, veenas, tablas, violins, and mridangams.
The President of Slovenia, commending the work of His Holiness and Art of Living’s work in 25 years, said, “You are trying to change the world for the better. I am sure you will continue and all others will join you. There will be a lot of us in the world and if we all do it we can do it together. We all know that striving for money and power will not bring happiness and peace to anybody but we will be happier if we strive to help others to make the world better.
Mr. HD Kumaraswamy, Chief Minister of Karnataka
Mr. Yediyurappa, Deputy Chief Minister of Karnataka
Shri Dharam Singh, leader of opposition, Karnataka
Rabbi Abraham Cooper
Jagadguru Shankaracharya
Dhamma Master Tsin Tao
Baba Ramdev
President of Slovenia
Archbishop of Bangalore
Maulana Jameel Ahmed Ilyasi, President all-India organization of Imams of mosques
Gurudev was awarded the First Grade Peter the Great award by Stephaniv, Alexander V, General-mayor of Security, Professor of Academy of Security, Defense and Law Enforcement, Russia for the commendable work the Art of Living has done in Russia for children, the armed forces and prisoner rehabilitation.
In her acknowledgement of Gurudev’s work, a member of Parliament of Moscow city said, “Guruji, you have tirelessly traveled the world carrying your message of love. Today the world has come to you.”