Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi participates in the 45th Anniversary Celebrations of The Art of Living in Bengaluru, Karnataka

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, today participated in the 45th Anniversary Celebrations of The Art of Living in Bengaluru, Karnataka. Reflecting on the auspiciousness of the occasion, the Prime Minister described the uniqueness of the morning enriched by the welcome through Vedic mantras by children, the darshan of Lord Ganesha, Shri Shri Ravi Shankar Ji’s 70th year, and Art of Living’s 45th anniversary celebrations. “These are moments that will always remain in my memories,” remarked Shri Modi.

Marking the inauguration of the divine and grand Meditation Temple, the Prime Minister affirmed the importance of such dedicated institutions and extended best wishes to the  Art of Living family for their newest sanctuary. “When resolve is clear and work is done with the spirit of service, then every effort yields pleasant results,” Shri Modi asserted.

Appreciating the distinct ambience of Bengaluru, the Prime Minister highlighted how the city is globally recognized not only for software and services but also for elevating India’s cultural identity and spiritual consciousness. “Spirituality and spiritual consciousness too have been given new heights by this city,” observed Shri Modi.

Tracing the deep roots of yoga, meditation, and pranayama as integral parts of India’s values, the Prime Minister noted the global influence of India’s spiritual heritage and its role in inspiring numerous institutions. “Today people across the world are influenced by India’s spiritual values, and from these ancient values many institutions of India too have been drawing inspiration,” affirmed Shri Modi.

Drawing inspiration from these ancient spiritual values, the Prime Minister recalled how Shri Shri Ravi Shankar Ji sowed the seed of Art of Living 45 years ago, which has now grown into a huge banyan tree. “Today it stands before us as a huge banyan tree whose thousands of branches are touching the lives of countless people across the world,” remarked Shri Modi.

Highlighting India’s rich tapestry of diversity encompassing languages, traditions, customs, and worship practices, the Prime Minister posed the fundamental question about what binds these beautiful diversities together. “The answer is living not for oneself but for others,” asserted Shri Modi.

Quoting the ancient wisdom from the Puranas, the Prime Minister emphasized that serving others is virtue while causing pain is sin, underscoring that service is the natural character of Indian society. “Seva Paramo Dharma is the natural character of our society,” affirmed Shri Modi.

Noting that India’s many spiritual movements have ultimately expressed themselves through service to humanity, the Prime Minister expressed happiness at witnessing the same spirit reflected in every effort of Art of Living. Extending heartfelt wishes to every volunteer associated with Art of Living’s journey, the Prime Minister commended their dedication and service orientation.

Stressing that societal engagement is essential for any mission’s success, the Prime Minister emphasized that awakening social strength is fundamental to achieving important goals. He underscored his longstanding conviction that society possesses greater power than political systems and governments, and that no administration can truly succeed unless communities actively participate in nation-building. He cited the Swachh Bharat Mission as exemplary, noting that what began as a government initiative has become woven into the natural fabric of people’s lives, now advancing through society’s own momentum.Emphasizing that any campaign becomes successful when the power of society joins it, Shri Modi stressed, “Awakening the power of society for every such important mission is very necessary.”

Observing that active societal engagement enables collective solutions to the nation’s greatest challenges, the Prime Minister commended Art of Living for consistently channeling society’s strength in its initiatives. He praised the organisation’s social approach across development programs, whether through tree-planting campaigns, rural smart village centers, women’s and tribal empowerment initiatives, or mental health programs for incarcerated individuals. “These efforts contribute significantly to the country’s and society’s development journey,” Shri Modi noted.

Commending every individual present for prioritising youth empowerment, the Prime Minister emphasized the urgency of this focus given today’s rapid global transformations driven by scientific advancement and innovation. He observed that India is not merely participating in these changes but leading in numerous sectors, with particular achievements in digital payments, infrastructure expansion, and startup ecosystems. He highlighted that India’s youth are pioneering space technology and contributing to all such national successes. “India is not just participating in this change, it is also leading in many areas,” asserted Shri Modi .Crediting India’s youth for these achievements, the Prime Minister acknowledged Art of Living’s role in helping youth find solutions to modern-era challenges.

Acknowledging technology’s power to instantly connect distant individuals, the Prime Minister stressed the parallel necessity of strengthening people’s ability to connect with themselves. He asserted that India’s developed future depends on cultivating youth who are mentally peaceful, socially responsible, and sensitive to societal needs. He emphasized the critical role of institutions working on spiritual wellbeing, mental health, yoga, and meditation in fostering connection, belongingness, and collective responsibility, while simultaneously providing opportunities for cultural understanding. “A Viksit Bharat will be built through such youth,mentally peaceful, socially responsible, and sensitive toward society,” Shri Modi asserted.

Expressing confidence that the newly inaugurated meditation temple will serve as a sanctuary of peace and healing for thousands, the Prime Minister acknowledged that while society is already fulfilling its duties toward the nation admirably, he wished to place before them several important appeals for holistic national development.

Highlighting the crucial role organisations like Art of Living must play in advancing India’s comprehensive development, the Prime Minister urged particular attention to connecting farmers with natural farming practices. He framed sustainable agriculture as an expression of the Art of Living itself, emphasizing that preserving Mother Earth from chemicals constitutes both spiritual practice and environmental stewardship. “Adopting natural farming and saving Mother Earth from chemicals,this too is Art of Living,” Shri Modi affirmed.

Encouraging broader expansion of the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” campaign, the Prime Minister linked environmental protection directly to the philosophy of living well. “Protecting the environment is also Art of Living,” he asserted, calling for renewed commitment to this mission.

Advocating for improved water management practices among farming communities through the “Per Drop, More Crop” initiative, the Prime Minister emphasized that societal cooperation would enhance outcomes. He stressed the urgency of this work given the approaching monsoon season, making it the ideal moment for widespread water conservation awareness. “Saving every drop of water is also Art of Living,” Shri Modi affirmed.

Expanding this vision of responsible living to encompass electricity conservation, elimination of single-use plastics, and promotion of locally-produced goods, the Prime Minister connected all these practices to the Art of Living philosophy. He highlighted the government’s Mission LiFE initiative, which promotes living with greater responsibility and awareness while maintaining harmony with nature. “This lifestyle that balances with nature is also Art of Living,” asserted Shri Modi.

The Prime Minister concluded by expressing confidence that the organisation will increasingly prioritise such critical issues in the coming days.