H.E. Michael A.S. Adhin
Vice-President of Suriname

A member of the National Democratic Party, H.E. Mr. Michael Adhin has been the Vice President of Suriname since 2015, the youngest ever Vice President of the country. A former education minister, Adhin holds a degree in information technology and was a professor at the Anton de Kom University of Suriname. He enjoys music and yoga.

Hon. Mr. Ryszard Czarnecki
Vice President of the European Parliament, European Parliament

Hon. Mr Ryszard Czarnecki is the Vice-President of the European Parliament responsible for Eastern Policy and the Eastern Partnership. He has held multiple ministerial portfolios and has been a Member of the European Parliament since 2004.

Hon. Dr. Oyunkhorol Dulamsuren
Minister of Environment, Green Development and Tourism of Mongolia

HRH Sheikh Nahyan Bin
Mubarak Al Nahyan
Minister of Culture, Youth and Community Development, U.A.E.

H.E. Sheikh Nahyan bin Mabarak Al Nahyan is the UAE Minister of Culture, Youth, and Community Development. He is the Chancellor of the UAE University, of the Higher Colleges of Technology, and of Zayed University. H.E. Sheikh Nahyan Bin Mabarak Al Nahyan has significant business and investment interests and supports many charitable institutions. He has received many honors, awards at local, regional and international level. H.E. Sheikh Nahyan completed his High School studies at the Millfield School, UK, and thereafter attended Magdalen College, Oxford University.
 

H.E. Mr. Jigmi Yoser Thinley
Former Prime Minister of Bhutan

Mr. Jigmi Y Thinley was the Prime Minister of the first democratically elected government of Bhutan during the period 2008 – 2013. Earlier, he served as his country’s minister of culture, foreign minister and as ambassador to the UN and several European countries.

H.E. Dominique de Villepin
Former Prime Minister of France

Mr. de Villepin was Prime Minister of France from 2005 to 2007. Since 2008, he has set up a firm to accompany the strategies for transnational investments and activities particularly in Asia, the Middle East and Africa. He has written numerous books of poetry and fiction a well as essays on history, international relations and art, in particular about Napoleon and about the French-Chinese painter Zao Wou Ki.

Prof. Vytautas Landsbergis
Former Prime Minister of Lithuainia

Before being elected to the European Parliament in 2004, Mr. Landsbergis served as Observer to the body (2003–2004). He was the President of the Seimas of the Republic of Lithuania (1990-1992) and (1996–2000) and represented Lithuania in the USSR People’s Deputies Congress from March 1989 until Lithuania became independent in 1990. In 1988, he was among the initiators of the Lithuanian Reform Movement “Sajudis” striving to liberate Lithuania from Soviet occupation. He was Professor of Music History at the Lithuanian Academy of Music from 1978 to 1990. Mr. Landsbergis holds an Honorary Doctorate from Loyola University (1991), Weber State University (1992), Helsinki University, Sorbonne University (2001).

H.E. Mr. Joaquim Alberto Chissano
Former President of Mozambique

As President of Mozambique, Joaquim Chissano devoted 40 years of his life to carving a stable, independent Mozambique from a former Portuguese colonial backwater. Chissano is responsible for Mozambique's foreign policy of political nonalignment. An articulate leader who is fluent in Portuguese, English, French, and Swahili, Chissano maintains a deliberately understated profile. He piloted Mozambique through the transition from a Communist to a capitalist ideology, won his country's first and second multiparty elections, and made history by deciding not to run for his final term in office.

Mr. Olusegun Obasanjo
Former President of Nigeria

Hon. Mr. Olusegun Obasanjo is a former Nigerian Army General and former President of Nigeria. He also served as Chairperson of the African Union. He was the first military ruler in Africa to hand over power to a civilian government and sought to establish a democratic system. He has also held various positions in the United Nations and other organizations.

Mr. Obasanjo attended Baptist Boys’ High School in Abeokuta, in southwest Nigeria, and later worked as a teacher. Unable to afford college, he joined the army in 1958 and received officer training in England. Obasanjo rose quickly through the army ranks to become a General.

Hon. Naheed Farid
Member of Parliament, Afghanistan

Hon. Ms. Naheed Farid is a Member of Parliament, Afghanistan. She was elected at the age of 27, becoming one of the youngest elected members in the nation’s history.

Ms. Farid’s focus has been to engage Afghan youth and women in the nation’s political process. Prior to running for Parliament, she was involved in the rebuilding of her nation. She has founded and led various NGOs assisting women, children and engaging in rural community development amongst others. She has advocated for the reduction of gender-based violence and human rights violations against women, and for expanded access to education and employment for women.

Ms. Sarah Claerhout
Member of Parliament, Belgium - Chair Belgium Indian Relation

Hon. Dr. Sarah Claerhout is a Member of Parliament, Belgium since 2014. In February 2013 she became president of Christen-Democratisch en Vlaams (CD&V) Ghent. She obtained a PhD in Comparative Science of Cultures at the Ghent University and was an active member of the board of directors and executive committee of Ghent University.

Prof. Dr. Petra De Sutter
Senator, Government of Belgium

Dr. Petra de Sutter is Member of Belgian Parliament (Senate) for the Flemish Green party (committee of institutional affairs) and Member of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (committee of social affairs, committee of migration and refugees). She is also a Board member of the European Parliamentary Forum on Population and Development.

Mr. Jo Leinen
Member of the European Parliament President European Movement

Since July 1999 Mr. Leinen has been a Member of the European Parliament. He was a Member of the Convention for the Elaboration of a Charter of Fundamental Rights for the EU. From 2004 to 2009 he was President of the Constitutional Affairs Committee and from 2009 to 2011 he chaired the Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety. He is a full member in the Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety and a substitute member of the Committee for Foreign Affairs and of the EP’s Working Group on EU-UN relations. He is also a full member of the Delegation for the relations with India and a substitute in the ACP-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly.

Hon. Mr. Frank Heinrich
Member of Parliament, Germany

Hon. Mr. Frank Heinrich is a Member of the German Bundestag, focusing on issues of human rights, humanitarian aid, and economic cooperation and development. His special interest areas lay in the fields of water as a human right, Africa, children’s rights, religious freedom, human trafficking and humanitarian aid, torture, death penalty and disappearance of people. Mr. Heinrich is a trained theologian and social worker, and previously worked as a Salvation-Army officer and head of the Salvation-Army in Chemnitz.

Hon. Mr. Yonadam Kanna
Member of the Iraqi National Assembly

A member of the Iraqi Governing Council since 2003, Hon. Mr. Yonadam Kanna is a Member of the Iraqi National Assembly, and is the Secretary General of the Assyrian Democratic Movement. He served in the Kurdistan administration in Iraq, first in its Regional Assembly, then as Minister for Public Works. He was elected to the National Assembly of Iraq as head of the Al Rafideen National List in the January and December 2005 elections.

Hon. Ms. Neena Gill
Member of European Parliament, West Midlands, United Kingdom

Ms. Neena Gill is Member of the European Parliament for the West Midlands, UK. She is a member of the Committee for Economic and Monetary Affairs, and a substitute member for the Committee of Foreign Affairs. Ms Gill is also First Vice-President to the Delegation for Relations with India, and a member of the Delegation to the US. She previously worked as the Vice-President for Corporate Affairs at SAS and was CEO of two housing organisations. She has a degree in Social Sciences from the London Business School, and a post-graduate qualification from the Chartered Institute of Housing.

Mr. Nirj Deva
Member of European Parliament; Board Member, World Forum for Ethics in Business; Belgium / United Kingdom

Nirj Deva is the first person in history to be born in one continent, elected to Parliament in another, and then elected to represent that country as a member of a multi-national Parliament (the European Parliament). In 1992 he was elected to the United Kingdom Parliament, as the Conservative Member for Brentford and Isleworth. Appointed Vice President of the Development Committee in 2009, he remains a Member of the South Asia Delegation and of the Subcommittee on Human Rights. His phenomenal international development work led to his nomination as Secretary General of the UN to succeed Kofi Annan in 2006.

Hon Mr. Shailesh Lakhman Vara
Member of Parliament, UK Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Work and Pensions

Mr. Shailesh is a Member of Parliament and is the UK Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Work and Pensions,. He serves as Justice Minister and a Minister in the Department for Work and Pensions in the UK Government. Mr. Shailesh has a long history of public service, previously serving as the Shadow Deputy Leader of the House of Commons and Government Whip. Mr. Vara was educated at Brunel University and qualified as a solicitor, practicing in the City of London prior to being elected to Parliament. He was awarded the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman by the Indian Government in recognition of his work in the field of public service and promoting ties between India and the UK.

H.E. Mr. Nassir Abdulaziz Al-Nasser
UN High Representative for the Alliance of Civilizations

Is a Qatari diplomat and the former permanent representative of Qatar to the United Nations, appointed on 11 September 1998.

Prior to this office at the United Nations, Al-Nasser had served as the ambassador to Jordan from 1993.He entered the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 1971 and became Attaché at the embassy of Qatar in Beirut, Lebanon and was in office until 1974, when he became a member of Qatar's delegation to the Organisation of the Islamic Conference. In 1986 he was appointed minister to Qatar's permanent mission to the United Nations. In June 2011 he was elected to serve as President of the General Assembly.

Bishop Gunnar Stalsett
Former Bishop of Oslo, Norway

Gunnar Johan Stålsett is a Norwegian theologican and politician. He has served as leader of the Center Party, general secretary of the Lutheran World Federation and in the Church of Norway as the Bishop Emeritus of Oslo. He also taught at University of Oslo and was a member of the Nobel Peace Prize Committee.

Rev. Dr. Gerald L. Durley
Pastor of Providence Missionary Baptist Church, USA

Co-Chair

Justice R. C. Lahoti
Hon. Former Chief Justice of India

Justice Ramesh Chandra Lahoti has served as the 35th Chief Justice of India. He is a renowned legal luminary and scholar who served one of the longest terms as Chief Justice of India in recent times, retiring from office after a 17-month long stint.

Vice-Chair

Prof. Ruud Lubbers
Hon. Former Prime Minister, Netherlands

Prof. Rudolphus Franciscus Marie ‘Ruud’ Lubbers served as Prime Minister of the Netherlands for over 10 years. He is a former economist and entrepreneur. The Dutch economy witnessed a successful turnaround after the recession in the 1980’s during his tenure. He holds the distinction of being both - the longest tenured and the youngest serving Prime Minister of the Netherlands. A reputed leader, he was granted the honorary title of Minister of State in 1995. He has also served as the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees for over 4 years.

Spiritual leader and founder of The Art of Living, India

My dear ones on the stage and on the dais; Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi Ji; Deputy Prime Minister of Nepal, Kamal Thapa; and other esteemed dignitaries, I welcome you all.

You know, there are five primary things that unite us all:

1. Sports – A child begins to start playing even when it is born. Sports find universal appeal with everyone at all time and bring everyone together.
2. Artand Culture
3. Business andEconomy
4. Spirituality
5. IntellectualDebate

These five areas unite humanity everywhere in one thread. Today is such a wonderful occasion – people from so many countries have all gathered here to send out a message to the world that we all are one! We are all a One World Family. The Art of Living is more of a principle, a philosophy of living life to its fullest.

It is a movement and not really much of an organization. Its core valuesare to find peace within oneself and to unite people in our society – of different cultures, traditions, religions, and nationalities, thus reminding us all that we have one goal – to uplift human life everywhere. It is a collective effort to bring together Bhakti (devotion), Shakti (inner strength and resolve), Yukti (awakened intelligence), and Mukti (freedom) in one’s life. It is the art of uniting minds and hearts in a unique harmony.

In India, we have always dreamed of the world as one family. Today, that dream seems to be taking shape – Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam – we are all one. There should be no difference between our speech and our actions, no difference between what we are on the inside and outside, and our actions should be such that they bring peace and comfort to us and to everyone around us. This is why there is spirituality – it is to help one reflect within oneself and to realize that what lies within oneself is what is present everywhere else too. This wave of spirituality—this wave of happiness—is what we need to spread across to every nook and corner of the world. This is the one aim with which we all have gathered here today.

I would say one thing to you all – whatever love and belongingness you give to the society, and to the world, you get 100 times that love back in return. It is indeed difficult to express this in words, but if there is a name to the art of experiencing and recognizing the infinity within oneself, then that is spirituality. We have to take this wave of spirituality everywhere in the world.

Some people said that the World Culture Festival 2016 is Gurudev’s private party(laughter). I said, well, yes, it is indeed, because the whole world is my family and belongs to me! This is what Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam means, so then it is really a private party for the entire family.

We always welcome the truth. And when we do not desire anything for ourselves, then in that very moment, everything and everyone belongs to us totally. Then the entire world belongs to us. Usually, we feel that there is something or the other that is lacking in our personal life, or that our personal life and public life are two different things entirely. But when there is no gap, no distance, no difference between our personal and public life – when there is total oneness and belongingness with everyone and everything in this world, then at once you see a light, the light of the Divine, which is the basis of this entire creation and on which this entire universe rests and is upheld.

Silence and celebration go hand in hand. We have always thought of life as a continual struggle. But it is an art to be able to transform that (struggle) into a grand celebration. And you all have given this festival so many unique colors of celebration today by gathering here. So many youths have gathered here today.

Some visually challenged children have also come to attend this festival from Bijapur, which is so far away. Despite being visually impaired, they have travelled so far to be a part of this musical celebration. It is such a beautiful occasion.

There is a saying in Sanskrit, shreyansi bahu vighnani (many obstacles appear for a great and noble deed). It means that when you want to do something great, something wonderful, then you will find that many obstacles come in front of you. If you wish to do some wrong or wicked deed, then you do not encounter any obstacles. But that only indicates that we have truly undertaken a very significant and beneficial work. And the fruit that one gets after overcoming those obstacles is really very sweet.

I will not speak much now. Anyway, I usually do not speak much. All I would say is just have this deep and unshakeable faith that that which is universal and timeless, that which belongs to everyone is also yours and belongs to you. This divine knowledge—this truth which is so universal, unbound by space and time, which belongs to everyone and that which we have imbibed in our lives—we have to spread the sweet fragrance of this truth and knowledge to everyone. People have come from far and wide – right from Argentina, Mongolia, Pakistan, Nepal, and so on, and I welcome you all here, and I would say that you have all come to your home. This is a spiritual home for you all.

Today, we are giving out a very strong message of oneness to the whole world when it is so badly needed, when there is so much gap between communities, nations, between ideologies, and so on. We are giving this message today that we can all co-exist with our differences, we can love each other with our differences. Diversity is the nature of this planet, so let us love this diversity.

Let’s all care for the environment and let’s care for each other. This is the message we need to spread far and wide. We need to convey to everyone that we love nature – it is in our very DNA. And today, we are also going to honor all the farmers who are preserving this country, this land, and this very Earth.

We need to promote techniques of organic farming, and we must all put aside the myth that you can only grow good vegetables with pesticides and chemicals. Our farmers have put an end to this myth with organic farming and they have grown food organically and become wealthy. One farmer said that he was making only Rs 40,000 a year earlier. Now the same farmer is making Rs 4 Lakhs a year.Our farmers have put an end to an old myth with organic farming and they have grown food using organic farming techniques.They are able to cultivate so much more food now. So let’s all grow more food; let’s all care for our environment; for the people around us; and let’s spread the message of peace and harmony through knowledge, culture, art, music, and social service.

Chairman, SSRVM Trust, India

"Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar's love and compassion is famous all over the world. "There’s no one except Gurudev who could have pulled off grand cultural extravaganza"

Humbled! What insane energy! This is surreal! The cultural Maha kumbh - sea of humanity, not one girl touched or modesty upstaged or children lost! And that too in Delhi!

Can all the cynics now just take a back seat? The impossible is done!

Thank you Sri Sri Ravi Shankarji and Amitji (Anandam TV) and The Art of Living volunteers led by the graceful cool headed Srividya and my team – Mahrukh, Dhanisa, Ravi, Tarun, Kanika, Sameep and Shradha!

And no I have never done The Art of Living course or follow this gentle amazing man! I was here just to do my work with my dancers and experience it as a neutral party!

How can this enormous show with 37,000 musicians, singers, dancers and 3 lakh people go so smoothly? The gods were watching too what with Lord Indra (Rain god) making his presence felt and yet no one moved! There is no other logical explanation! No event company, only volunteers and not one of them rude, except for the police who had to do their jobs sternly!

I'm stumped! This is nothing but grace!

I believe now there is a power beyond human perception!

I lose to win! Respect to the divine!

- Terence Lewis, Choreographer

The 140 artists that took part in the World Culture Festival had a fabulous time! In the words of Odissi Guru Anirudha Das, "Volunteers ne kuch kami mehsus nahi karne diya. Sub bacche bahut khush the" (Volunteers did not feel a lack of anything. Everybody was very happy). Congratulations for organizing such a spectacular show and at the same time taking such meticulous care of each group!

- Radhika Hoon, Chairperson, Natya Ballet Centre, New Delhi

It was a well-conceived, planned, organized and executed event. Sheer presence in the positivity was a blessing. Thank you for giving me an opportunity to be a part of this once in a lifetime experience.

- Priya Dixit, Choreographer, Bharat Natyam

When WCF (World Culture Festival) was announced, I was very excited. I felt proud and honored when the organization gave me the whole zonal coordination for the World Culture Festival. I was happy because I had got chance for seva for such a big event.

Later, one more good news came that Guruji had selected Kolhapuri Dhols from Maharashtra, to perform on this international stage. As He said, "1000 Dhol leke aao."

Everyone was happy. We started working on the event. I underwent various experiences while doing all this. The big question in front of me was "Why did Guruji select only Dhangari Dhol as a Maharashtrian cultural performance?" Later I thought that Dhangar is the only community which does have harmony with nature. They throw 'Bhandara' (made of turmeric), use 'Ghongada'' (shawl made up wool) and Kolhapuri chappals. All this connects them to nature and they get protected from heat, cold and rain. They wander in the intense sun. They do have knowledge of Ayurveda. Their traditional instrument is Dhol. Dhangars are always ready to face any challenges.

When they play Dhol, a very sweet and spellbinding sound is produced. And when anyone listens to that sound, they get goosebumps. And that is why I felt that Guruji had decided to start the WCF program with Dhangari Dhols.

When Guruji arrived on stage and the drums (Dhol) were played, the entire area was energetic. The sound of Dhols vitalized the atmosphere.

Dhangari Dhols were so lucky that they got chance to repeat their performance thrice in Delhi.

I feel lucky that I was part of such big event.

Thanks to Gurudev ! And thanks to everyone who contributed to this event.

Jai Gurudev!

- Vinayak Murdande, District teacher coordinator, Dhangari Dhol coordinator

It was fantastic. Loved the dancing (reference to the Poland team dancing the Bhangra on stage). Thank you very much.

- Patrick, Poland

Standing in front of 3.5 million people and performing the German dance was an unbelievable experience. The energy was so high, everybody just needed to smile. It was one of the greatest experiences I ever had and you could really feel the connection to all the people around the world. Also, the different dance groups just connected with each other behind the stage. I loved to be part of this huge celebration.

- Sylvia, Germany

Very nice hospitality from the local team. WCF was a very good experience and we thoroughly enjoyed the event. Appreciate the extra efforts of the local team in getting our props, costumes and mask to the venue.

- Natacha Chindapol 

Unforgettable being part of this WCF 2016. Feeling at home, dearly loved and connected with people from all around the world united by the same purpose. It was magical!!! Especially the care and love of those lovely angels that did beyond-the-impossible for me and the Brazilian group all those days. Akilesh Nag, Smita Gupta, Shivam Sharma, Puneet Sachdeva and all the others, my thank you!!!

- Pedro Santos- Performer

The Taiwan team was very excited about their performance. They reached the venue at 8:30 in morning. They did not even wait for the allocation of the green room and started dressing up in the dining room itself. They wanted to rehearse with full-dress, hairstyle and makeup. Their four photographers and media person were accompanying them. They clicked each and every moment.

They were excited and eagerly waiting for their turn to perform, so when it rained and Guruji announced that the rest of the performance would be postponed to the next day, they got disheartened, but didn’t even complain, though a few of them were returning that day. It was due to their strong sankalpa that Guruji stayed back and told the organizers to continue the program. He asked them to be ready.

After the performance, Guruji himself praised their enthusiasm. They were overwhelmed and in tears. Those were tears of love. In their happiness and excitement, they all hugged me and thanked me. They all are so pure-hearted, lovely, well-disciplined people. Their love is still in my heart. Even the cloak room sevaks appreciated their discipline.

I am so thankful to Guruji for this wonderful opportunity to experience innocent love.

Jai Gurudev.

- Asha Chopra/ V.N Chopra, Country Coordinators - Taiwan team

We are very happy and excited after our performance in WCF. We are also overwhelmed by the hospitality and care extended to our team by the AOL volunteers, right from the airport till the end of the performance, and even after it. We have also enjoyed meeting people from other countries and watching them perform on the stage.

- Amit Kanaskar

With my busy schedule as a cancer special dietitian at a tertiary care hospital, I always wanted to learn and play the flute. When I read about the World Cultural Festival, I immediately registered for participating in the world's biggest symphony as flutist. It's been more than a dream come true as I got the opportunity to perform in front of 3.7 million people with 8499 other musicians beside me. Thank you Gurudev for this platinum opportunity which holds my life's most cherished experience.

- Poonam Shah, Medical Nutrition Therapist

What struck me first at the WCF was the sheer size of the stage - 7acres and 40 feet high! And what came across as a greater surprise was that it had no foundation! It was floating on the Yamuna Plains!

Well, the foundation of the stage lay in the power of love and cultures that upheld the stage, not only on the plains, but extended itself onto the world. I conceived this to be a message for humility- to have a massive presence, but having one that floats, that takes the world in our stride, by keeping close to the ground we rose from.

We are fortunate to witness an epitome of what the stage conveyed - our Gurudev - a personification of humility! And yes, only his love could move the world! Jai Guru Dev. 

- Aparna Kale, Architect

By Guruji’s grace we got a chance to show our talent to perform Dhangari Dhol at such a grand event, so we are very thankful to the Art of Living Foundation. We came to experience how true is the concept of Vasudhaiva Kumtumbhakam and came to know about the art and culture of 155 countries. Through this event Guruji has given our 1000 Dhangari Dhol performers a platform to perform for world peace. We were truly amazed to be a part of such a huge and grand event. Guruji has done this event to take depressed people like us on this global platform. Once again we are very much thankful to Guruji and the entire Art of Living Foundation.

- Biru Oma Pujari, Dholwadak

As the World Culture Festival draws closer, congratulatory messages from dignitaries across the world have started pouring in. Showcased here are some of the messages received from eminent figures across a wide gamut of professions.

I am happy to learn that “The Art of Living Foundation” is celebrating 35 years of service to humanity by organizing the “World Culture Festival” in New Delhi, from 11th to 13th March 2016.

I am sure, this unique confluence of art, music, culture and thought shall be a great celebration of diversity among cultures from across the world, even as it showcases the oneness of mankind.

On this occasion, I extend my best wishes to Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, and the Art of Living Foundation, for the success of the World Culture Festival.

Mr. Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India

My warmest greetings to The Art of Living as you celebrate your 35th Year and hold the World Culture Festival.

This gathering is a milestone for advocates of peace and diversity. As new paradigms continue to transform us into a more interconnected, global culture, advocating solidarity has become more important than ever before. May this occasion be a platform for people of all nations to create strong, lasting bridges of friendship and compassion so that we may achieve our shared goal of lasting, equitable progress.

On behalf of the Filipino people, I join you in this commemoration and festival. May it become a significant opportunity for us to band together and build meaningful consensus on how to rise to our common challenges, and likewise achieve our collective aspirations.

I wish you a happy and meaningful celebration.

Mr. Benigno S. Aquino III, President of the Philippines

I am happy to know that the World Culture Festival is being organized to commemorate 35 years of dedicated service by The Art of Living Foundation.

As a non-profit, educational and humanitarian organization, The Art of Living Foundation has been relentlessly pursuing the philosophy of peace through a stress-free mind and a violence-free society for achieving world peace. It is a matter of pride that Art of Living movement has spread peace across the communities through its diverse humanitarian projects on conflict resolution, disaster relief, sustainable rural development, empowerment of women, prisoner rehabilitation, education for all and environment sustainability.

I am sure that the event will be an occasion for demonstrating the power of peace and will give an opportunity for the eminent world leaders from different social, political and business fields to come together. On the occasion of World Culture Festival, I extend my warm greetings and best wishes for the grand success of the Festival.

Ms. Najma Heptulla, Minister of Minority Affairs, India

I would like to send my best wishes to all those attending the World Culture Festival 2016 and on this auspicious occasion send my congratulations to The Art of Living Foundation especially its founder, His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar.

This occasion marks an incredible meeting of millions of people engaged in diverse humanitarian and service activities, people of talent eminence and repute under the motto of One World Family. A family each of you has contributed to build.

The showcasing of rich cultural traditions of dance, music and arts from around the world at such a grand gathering demonstrates the importance of the diverse traditions that enrich our lives and bind us together.

I wish each and every one of you an enjoyable and enriching cultural experience at the World Culture Festival 2016.

The Rt. Hon Priti Patel, Member of Parliament for Witham, U.K.

The Art of living has prominently worked towards giving people a platform to showcase their cultures and spread the message of global peace and harmony. Rich cultural traditions of dance, music, art, yoga and cuisine from around the world will foster deeper understanding and highlight our unity as a human family. I laud the efforts of The Art of Living for organizing this enormous event. I am confident that this unique festival will preserve our cultural roots and deepen our bonds.

My best wishes for the success of the World Culture Festival.

Hon. Mr. Laxmikant Parsekar, Chief Minister, Goa, India

In today’s very disturbed world where there is lot of violence, strife, mistrust, causing suffering to millions, The Art of Living Foundation has done outstanding work over the last nearly 35 years in promoting respect and understanding between communities. Millions of people have benefitted from the message of better understanding, love and peace that respected Sri Sri Ravi Shankar ji through his foundation, i.e. The Art of Living has spread.

I am glad to note that the foundation is organizing a World Culture Festival 11-13th March this year in New Delhi. The world needs such initiatives to spread the message of peace and respect amongst people, communities and countries. I look forward to attending the festival. The Art of Living exercises, meditation and yoga has improved the quality of life of millions across the world.

The Rt. Hon. Lord Rana, MBE, U.K.

I would like to offer my warm wishes and congratulations to The Art of Living organization for the World Culture Festival 2016 in New Delhi, India.

Our world is made up of many different religions and cultures and there is increasing recognition that, by respecting our differences and embracing our diversity, we can promote peaceful and harmonious relationships which will affect the wellbeing of national and international communities.

I would like to acknowledge the contribution which the World Culture Festival will make in providing this opportunity to participating communities who, collectively, represent the highest ideals of a truly culturally and religiously diverse world.

I’d like to thank The Art of Living, and all the international supporters and attendees, for their commitment to foster understanding, tolerance and goodwill at this inspirational gathering.

Hon. Mr. Glen Elmes, Member for Noosa – Queensland Parliament, Australia

I’m delighted that the Art of Living will be celebrating 35 years of service to humanity in March this year in Delhi to commemorate this wonderful occasion.

I convey my warm congratulations to the Art of Living foundation and especially its founder His Holiness Sri Ravi Shankar on achieving and celebrating their 35 years with the World Culture Festival to reinforce all important message of diversity, solidarity and world peace.

The vision of ‘One World Family’ (Vasudhaiva Kuttumbakam) founded by Sri Ravi Shankar is what is required now for the illusive world peace. I extend my best wishes for the resounding success of this festival.

Mr. Navin Shah, AM, U.K.

I write to send best wishes and congratulations for the World Cultural Festival celebrating 35 years of the Art of Living Foundation.

With over 3.5 million people expected, this is an important and unique platform for building new conversations about new issues and solutions for the challenges we experience today.

At a moment in history of great opportunity for progress of human kind, we also are experiencing some of the greatest risks to our stability and security.

I welcome this conference and the spirit in which it is being held and wish all those attending every success.

Ms. Seema Malhotra, Member of Parliament for Feltham & Heston, U.K.

Being part of the World Culture Festival is as being part of the World Family. It is of great significance that the service to humanity will be celebrated by The Art of Living Foundation on the 11th, 12th and 13th of March 2016, by celebrating its 35th anniversary. It is indeed the festival of hope, of building bridges towards all peoples in the world.

It's good that the Global Leaderships Forum has become an integral part of the World Culture Festival. Leaders around the globe sharing their thoughts on the challenges of our times: how to cope with a diverse society and thus create harmony in diversity? By working together and recognising and using each other’s strengths, we can achieve more.

I hope that in these sometimes difficult times of contradiction and fear, we can also remain positive about the opportunities and strength that diversity can bring. And that we will continue to welcome the light into our hearts. And that is exactly the inspiration which we get from the World Culture Festival, to be emphasized at the Global Leaderships Forum.

Rabin S. Baldewsingh, Deputy Mayor, The Hague, Netherlands

I am indeed delighted to go through the invitation for the World Culture Festival organized at New Delhi under the able guidance of H.H. Sri Sri Ravi Shankar. Such a mega event inviting the spiritual, cultural, religious, political and social leaders on one stage would definitely send a message of ‘One World Family’ which is the goal of Sri Sri.

It is heartening to note that cultural performances of various global troupes are organized which would give a wonderful experience to lakhs of people who are witnessing the event. I am of the firm opinion that this festival would be a very strong foot towards world peace, which is the most important requirement of mankind in the present days.

The importance of the festival would be felt by the very presence of H.E. the President of India, Honorable Prime Minister of India and various global leaders.

I wish the mega festival a grand success. My best wishes to you and your team of organizers.

Mr. R.V. Deshpande, Minister for Large and Medium Scale Industries and Tourism Department of Karnataka, India

The aims, objectives of the World Culture Festival are indeed laudable and praiseworthy as it brings together, under one roof, different cultures of the world. The pioneering event will lead to a greater understanding of global diversity, instill humane values among the younger generations, and will multiply avenues for promoting peace across communities.

His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar ji, through The Art of Living, has been charting roadmaps for the future, addressing issues in such a paradoxical world. In 35 years, the movement has covered much ground and positively impacted several generations across five continents. We are proud of His Holiness’ achievements and the leadership demonstrated over the years as a true Indian and a responsible global citizen.

May the dream of His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar to ‘see a smile on every face’ become a reality in our lifetime.

Hon. Mr. Arvind Singh Mewar, 76th. Custodian, House of Mewar, India

My warmest of wishes to you all for organizing the forthcoming World Culture Festival 2016 - an event celebrating 35 years of service to humanity for over 3 million guests. Moreover, I congratulate you for encouraging and promoting peace building and positive values in business, politics and in the wider world through your Global Leadership Forum. Inviting prominent leaders from around the world to examine “How do we as a global community work towards creating a peaceful world?” is an admirable initiative.

Business and political leaders, and in fact leaders in every walk of life, have an enormous responsibility to be role models, building and unleashing the potential for common good in the communities that they serve. In a world plagued by conflict, leaders must envision and establish pathways towards forgiveness and reconciliation, through delivering justice tempered with an abundance of mercy. This is not the pursuit of the faint-hearted, but is actually the pursuit of the lion-hearted, of those who are humble yet courageous, non-egotistical yet exalted. Now, more than ever, as we face “unprecedented humanitarian issues”, the need to propagate these values in us all, through education, dialogue and events like this World Culture Festival, is paramount. I thus particularly applaud your ongoing efforts for 35 years in this regard.

May you all taking part in the Festival be blessed.

With prayers for world peace and for the success of your event.

Bhai Sahib Bhai (Dr.) Mohinder Singh Ahluwalia OBE, KSG, U.K.

It is my pleasure to congratulate The Art of Living Foundation on the occasion of their 35 years celebration in the form of the World Culture Festival 11-13 March in New Delhi, India.

Such celebrations serve as a culture bridge between the East and West by helping advance multicultural understanding and friendship. The World Culture Festival demonstrates that diversity is an asset and what brings us together is our common thread of humanity irrespective of where we grow up.

My very best wishes to the founder of the Art of Living Foundation, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar for a great celebration.

The Rt. Hon. Keith Vaz, Member of Parliament, U.K.

I am writing to congratulate you and your team for celebrating 35 years of service to humanity by hosting World Culture Festival in New Delhi from 11-13th March, 2016. I am sure that Global Leadership Forum will bring together senior leaders from business, government, politics, science, NGOs, faith based organizations, sports, academia and media to reflect on the paradigms of leadership  needed to maneuver the world of today.

Today’s world has become complex although much advanced due to globalization. Your leadership is serving the humanity in a big way.

The popularity of Global Leadership Forum is unquestionable. There are so many high profile speakers from many countries across the world will be speaking at the Forum and their contributions will address some of the unprecedented humanitarian issues to meet many challenges of different businesses, faiths and communities.

Wishing you a huge success on the Global Leadership Forum.

Mr. Raj Loomba, CBE, U.K.