28-04-2026:Address of the Hon’ble Governor at the program held at the Art of Living International Center
Jai Hind!
Auspicious Greetings and Divine Experience
Most revered Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, distinguished guests from India and abroad, and dedicated volunteers of the Art of Living family—my warm greetings to all of you.
I feel truly blessed and honored to be present on this sacred land. The spiritual energy, peace, and positivity here deeply touch the heart. This is not merely an ashram, but a center of awakened consciousness, from where peace, love, and compassion are spreading across the world.
A Sacred Confluence of Spiritual Traditions
I come from the holy land of Uttarakhand, often called the “Land of the Gods,” where every particle reflects divine presence, and where the Himalayas echo with meditation, discipline, and spirituality.
Being here in Karnataka today feels like a sacred meeting of northern and southern India—beyond geography—representing the unity of India’s spiritual consciousness. It reminds us that our real strength lies in unity within diversity.
45 Years of an Inspiring Journey
Today, we celebrate 45 glorious years of the Art of Living. A small initiative started in 1981 by Gurudev has grown into a vast global movement, reaching more than 180 countries and spreading the message of peace and balance.
Millions of people have experienced mental, physical, and spiritual well-being through its programs. This is not just the journey of an organization, but a journey of the evolution of human consciousness. The idea that “the world is one family” is becoming a living reality.
The Inspiring Life of Gurudev
On 13 May 2026, we will celebrate the 70th birthday of Gurudev with gratitude and respect. His entire life has been dedicated to the service of humanity, the promotion of global peace, and spiritual awakening.
He introduced the powerful breathing technique known as Sudarshan Kriya, which has helped people overcome stress and anxiety in modern life. His life teaches us that true spirituality is not limited to personal growth but finds fulfillment in serving society.
Meditation Hall: A Center of Collective Consciousness
It is a matter of great pride that a grand meditation hall with a capacity of 20,000 people will soon be inaugurated here. This will not just be a building, but a powerful center for collective meditation and awareness.
When thousands meditate together, the positive energy generated will extend beyond this place and contribute to global peace and harmony.
Service: The Core Value of Our Culture
The essence of our ancient culture is selfless service. Service is not just about giving, but about dedicating oneself to the welfare of others without expectation.
Service removes ego, dedication connects us with the divine, and compassion makes us responsible toward society. These values form the foundation of a strong and harmonious nation.
The Art of Living has made service a large-scale movement through efforts in disaster relief, environmental protection, education, rural development, youth empowerment, and rehabilitation.
Inner Peace: The Foundation of Life
During my service as a Colonel in the Army, I had the opportunity to attend an Art of Living course, which deeply influenced my perspective. It taught me that life is not only about struggle, but also about balance, awareness, and inner peace.
The “Art of Living” truly teaches how to remain calm, positive, and joyful in all circumstances.
Yoga and Meditation: A Path to Higher Awareness
Yoga and meditation are not merely physical practices, but powerful means to connect the individual self with universal consciousness.
When the mind becomes calm and focused, inner awareness arises, leading to deeper understanding and realization.
Symbolism in Spiritual Traditions
Ancient teachings often use symbols to convey deep wisdom. For example, the idea of ten chariots represents control over the ten senses. Similarly, the ten forms of the Divine Mother symbolize strength, compassion, and balance in different aspects of life.
Understanding these symbols helps us apply spiritual wisdom in daily life.
Inner Awareness and Higher Vision
In today’s world, it is important to look within. Spiritual philosophy speaks of three levels of vision:
One that sees the physical world
One that represents knowledge and wisdom
One that realizes ultimate truth
Through this awareness, we gain deeper understanding of nature and existence.
The Guru Tradition and Spiritual Knowledge
Our spiritual tradition emphasizes learning through enlightened teachers.
The Sikh Gurus provide a powerful example:
Guru Nanak Dev Ji taught unity of all existence
Guru Tegh Bahadur demonstrated sacrifice for righteousness
Guru Gobind Singh inspired courage and commitment to truth
They showed that true spirituality includes both inner growth and the protection of humanity.
The Nation as an Expression of Our Values
For us, the nation is not just a geographical entity—it is an extension of our identity. Our culture, values, and consciousness naturally include dedication to the nation.
India’s strength lies in its tradition of spirituality, service, and sacrifice.
Lessons from the Pandemic
The global pandemic COVID-19 reminded us of the importance of compassion, resilience, and inner strength.
It encouraged us to reflect, slow down, and restore balance in life.
Youth: The Strength of the Nation
The youth are the greatest strength of our country. Along with technical skills, they must develop character, values, and awareness.
When young people embrace discipline, service, and positivity, they become true builders of the nation. They will shape the future of India.
Conclusion: From Inner Light to Global Good
The timeless message of Gautama Buddha—“Be a light unto yourself”—inspires us to awaken inner wisdom and compassion.
When individuals become enlightened, society progresses, and the nation becomes stronger.
I extend my heartfelt greetings to Gurudev on his upcoming 70th birthday and congratulate everyone on the 45-year journey of the Art of Living.
Let us work together to build a stress-free, violence-free, and compassionate world, where peace and humanity prevail.
May everyone be blessed with health, happiness, and prosperity. May the divine bring well-being to the entire world.
Vande Mataram! Victory to Mother India! Jai Hind!