Vice President CP Radhakrishnan inaugurated five major national initiatives and unveiled a commemorative postal stamp at the Art of Living International Center in Bengaluru, marking 45 years of humanitarian service by the organization and celebrating the 70th birthday of Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar.
The event brought together national leaders, dignitaries, and global guests as the organization highlighted its long-standing focus on spiritual growth, education, and social transformation. The Vice President, alongside Karnataka Governor Thawar Chand Gehlot and other distinguished attendees, participated in the ceremonial launch and addressed the gathering.
The five initiatives introduced during the event span multiple areas of development, including youth empowerment, entrepreneurship, sustainability, education, and consciousness studies. These include the Youth Career Excellence Program, designed to prepare young individuals for civil services and industry-oriented careers, and the Faculty of Eastern Knowledge Systems, which aims to integrate traditional wisdom with modern academic research.
Another initiative, the Art of Living Innovation and Entrepreneurship Incubation program, focuses on supporting startups through mentorship, infrastructure, and early-stage funding, with a goal of nurturing hundreds of new enterprises. The Centre of Excellence on Consciousness Studies and Human Potential will explore research in mental well-being, cognition, and human development. Additionally, Eco Shanti aims to promote environmental sustainability by reducing single-use plastics and encouraging eco-friendly alternatives at scale.
During the ceremony, a commemorative postal stamp was also unveiled to mark the organization’s 45-year journey of service and global outreach. The event formed the conclusion of month-long celebrations attended by hundreds of guests, including political leaders, business figures, artists, diplomats, and academics from across India and abroad.
Addressing the gathering, the Vice President praised the global reach of the movement founded by Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, noting its presence in nearly 180 countries. He highlighted the importance of inner peace as a foundation for external harmony and acknowledged the organization’s contribution to promoting values such as mindfulness, compassion, and human unity.
Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, in his address, emphasized the growing global recognition of meditation and inner development as essential aspects of modern life. He spoke about the importance of combining knowledge, meditation, and music as guiding forces in human life and called for a peaceful world rooted in unity and shared humanity.
Karnataka Governor Thawar Chand Gehlot also praised the organization’s long-standing contribution to peacebuilding and social welfare, stating that its efforts have positively impacted individuals and communities over several decades.
The celebrations included cultural events, global meditation sessions, discussions on mental health, and exhibitions showcasing the organization’s humanitarian work. The gathering reflected a broader vision of building a stress-free and violence-free society through education, spirituality, and service-oriented initiatives.
