RIGHT NOTES: Artistes of the South Indian Music Symphony performing at the silver jubilee celebrations of the Art of Living Foundation at Jakkur Airfield in Bangalore on Friday. — Photo: K. Murali Kumar

BANGALORE: Sri Sri Ravishankar, founder of Art of Living (AoL) Foundation, on Friday felt that the world could be united through peace and non-violence originating from secular spirituality and he was confident of achieving the mission.

Interacting with presspersons just before the inauguration of the silver jubilee celebrations of the foundation and his 50th birthday celebrations at the Media Centre at Jakkur Airfield here, Sri Sri Ravishankar said Indian spirituality was very strong.

To a question on honest politicians, he said it was possible to have such persons as the nation had honest politicians at the time of Independence.

Sri Sri Ravishankar said over 25,000 villages had been adopted by the foundation so far and there was a plan to adopt one lakh villages within five years for their overall development.

Mission

His mission was to ensure chemical-free farming and achieving complete literacy, initially in Karnataka and later the rest of the world.

Sri Sri Ravishankar said he was the same person as he was 25 years ago, but a lot had been done in the field of social and spiritual fields.

People should practise non-violence, and India, which had been following the principle, would reach greater heights, he noted.

To a question, Sri Sri Ravishankar said he would not say religions had failed to bring solace to people. Spirituality for corporate entity was a good concept as it ensured honesty and sustainable development.

He stressed that `Sudarshan Kriya Yoga' was the best way to achieve perfection in one's personality and life.

It was a sea of humanity at Jakkur Airfield with chanting of "Jai Gurudev." All roads in Bangalore led to the Jakkur Airfield where the three-day celebrations are being held from Friday.

Followers from across the world made it a point to be at the celebrations and get the message of peace.

While the morning sessions witnessed `Ganapathi Homa' and meditation sessions, the inauguration of the event was slated for the evening. A number of heads of maths participated in the homa.

People thronged the stalls selling religious and spiritual books. There was elaborate security at the venue. Over 1,000 volunteers helped in guiding the followers to the venue. Entry to the venue was restricted to pass-holders and those who did not have one had to watch the programmes from a distance. Followers of Sri Sri Ravishankar sang songs, "Laavanis" and bhajans praising him.

Interacting with presspersons, Monica Gmieldhu, member of the German Parliament, shared her experience with AoL. Ms. Gmieldhu said she had come here to examine how best she could establish a dialogue of cultures across Europe.

Speaking about Sri Sri Ravishankar, she said he inspired people to achieve something. India, she said, did not have a single culture, but a mix of cultures.

There were over one hundred presspersons from across the world covering the mega celebrations. President of the Republic of Slovania Janez Drnovsek said India had a great tradition of peace and had the potential to lead the world towards a peaceful existence.

He was speaking at the inaugural function of the celebrations. If Mahatma Gandhi could free India from British rule through non-violence, why could not the world be brought together through non-violence and peace, he asked.

Earlier, Governor T.N. Chaturvedi inaugurated the celebrations along with other dignitaries. Mr. Chaturvedi said Sri Sri Ravishankar's teachings were more relevant in the present day world affected by terrorism and other evils.

Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy said Sri Sri Ravishankar's teachings could unite the world.

Deputy Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa and former Chief Minister N. Dharam Singh spoke.

A host of religious leaders attended the celebrations.

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