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People from all walks of life gathered tonight at the John F. Kennedy Center for Performing Arts in Washington, D.C., to celebrate 25 years of service to society
by the Art of Living Foundation and its founder His Holiness Sri Sri
Ravi Shankar, world-renowned spiritual leader. The theme of this gala event was "Creating a Stress-Free, Violence-Free America."
His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, center, is joined by (from left) U.S. Congressman Joe Wilson, U.S. Congressman Jim Gerlach, U.S. Congressman Luis Gutierrez and Natwar Gandhi, the chief financial officer for the District of Columbia, before the event.
The
illustrious gathering included many prominent members of Congress,
senators, educators, professionals, scientists and business leaders,
who came to acknowledge and honor the work of the Foundation and its
founder.
A number of prominent members of Congress addressed the gathering,
praising the work of the Foundation and its founder, including Sen.
Joseph R. Biden, Jr., D-Delaware; Rep. Jan Schakowsky, D-Illinois;
Rep. Joe Wilson, R-South Carolina; Rep. Danny Davis, D-Illinois; Sen.
Joseph Crowley, D-New York; and Rep. Luis Gutierrez, D-Illinois. Also
on stage with Sri Sri were a number of ambassadors, judges and
prominent business leaders.
Senator Biden stated, "The Art of Living Foundation is one of India's
stars. It has an incredible following that cuts through all
religions, cultures and background – a very, very difficult thing to
do in today's world. If there's anything we need more of today, it's
tolerance." Senator Biden praised the Foundation in particular for
its important work promoting peace, combating drug addiction, and
empowering youth.
A highlight of the evening was the formal unveiling of Sri Sri's proposed Universal Declaration of Human Values. This Declaration
provides a pragmatic vision for the world community, representing a
roadmap to foster understanding and harmonious coexistence among
different peoples and cultures. Drafted in the form of a proposed
resolution of the United Nations General Assembly, this Declaration
emphasizes the urgent need to rekindle human values in society in
order to resolve the serious challenges facing the world today.
In reflecting on the achievements of the past 25 years, Sri Sri also
indicated a direction for the future. "We all can work toward a dual
goal," he stated. "One is to protect our environment; the second is
to protect human values – compassion, friendliness, cooperation, and a
sense of belonging to each other. This will protect our minds, our
hearts – the soul of the planet. These human values need to be
nurtured so we can have a stress-free, violence-free society."
Two special proclamations were made in honor of this event: March 28,
2007, was proclaimed "Sri Sri Ravi Shankar Day in Washington, D.C.;"
and March 25-30, 2007, was proclaimed "Human Values Week in
Washington, D.C."
Over 72 schools in the United States have participated in Sri Sri's
programs for youth, including the YES! program (Youth Empowerment
Seminar). A number of students who participated in these programs
addressed the evening's gathering, sharing their inspiring
experiences. One youth stated, "The YES! course was powerful for me.
I started to see my life in a new way, and I began to see the world
around me in a completely new perspective."
Sri Sri concluded the program with a powerful guided meditation,
followed by both Indian and Western music.
More than one thousand dignitaries and prominent leaders in
government, business, science, and education also attended a private
reception with Sri Sri at the Kennedy Center just prior to the event.
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