Shri Shri Ravi Shankar and His Institution’s Philanthropy and Welfare Work for Humanity Will Never Be Forgotten: CM Sai
Raipur, March 11
Chief Minister Vishnu Dev Sai attended Shri Shri Ravi Shankar’s Shankhnad Maha Satsang at the Science College Ground in Raipur today. He received blessings from Shri Shri Ravi Shankar for the prosperity, happiness, and well-being of the state.
On this occasion, the Chief Minister stated that Shri Shri Ravi Shankar is engaged in selfless service and humanitarian work that can never be forgotten. He welcomed Shri Shri Ravi Shankar on behalf of the people of Chhattisgarh and praised his institution for its contributions to yoga, meditation, and the welfare of humanity. He highlighted how Sudarshan Kriya has brought positive change to millions of people across the world, alleviating despair and improving lives.
He emphasized that meditation and mindfulness were being forgotten, but the Art of Living has revived them. He also announced that a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) had been signed between the Chhattisgarh government and the Art of Living, under which the organization will work in villages across the state on water conservation, agricultural development, education, employment, women’s empowerment, and de-addiction programs. A site has been identified in Naya Raipur for an Art of Living Center, and both Shri Shri Ravi Shankar and the Chief Minister laid the foundation stone for the Art of Living Center of Excellence. This center will be dedicated to yoga, meditation, skill development, self-improvement, and community welfare. The Maha Satsang was a unique confluence of wisdom, meditation, and Sanatan culture.
Spiritual guru Shri Shri Ravi Shankar shared the core principles of the Art of Living in his address and led the audience in meditation. During the meditation, the Science College Ground in Raipur resonated with the powerful chanting of ‘Om’ by thousands of devotees.
Call to Naxal-Affected Youth to Join the Mainstream
Shri Shri Ravi Shankar urged youth influenced by Naxalism to return to the path of development, assuring them of his support. “Let us all come together to make Chhattisgarh better and India greater, where health, education, employment, and basic facilities are available to all, and where the upliftment of the poor is prioritized,” he said. He emphasized the need for peace and prosperity, stating that peace leads to development. “When you join us, you will also find equality, prosperity, and justice. Nothing can be achieved through violence,” he added.
Speaking about Chhattisgarh, he highlighted its natural beauty, rich biodiversity, and abundant resources, stating that the state has the potential to become a global attraction. “Now is the time for us to work together to make Chhattisgarh better and India the best,” he remarked.
Regarding the Art of Living, he stated that life should embody strength, devotion, wisdom, and liberation. He encouraged people to maintain equanimity in both favorable and adverse situations, accept things as they are, draw inspiration from others’ ideas without being entirely influenced by them, and live in the present. “Our lives should be filled with love, and true love means that no one is a stranger to us,” he said.
He requested Guru Dakshina (a traditional offering to the guru) from the audience, asking them to leave their worries and sorrows behind at the satsang. “This is my Guru Dakshina—trust in God,” he concluded.
Towards the end of the program, the entire ground swayed to the melodies of devotional songs. Shri Shri Ravi Shankar walked across the stage, blessing the attendees.
Among those present were Vice President of the Surguja Development Authority, Sushri Lata Usendi, MLA Kiran Singhdeo, former minister Mahesh Gagda, along with numerous public representatives and a large gathering of devotees.