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World Culture Festival - Celebrating Life
The World Culture Festival
The World Culture Festival 2016 is a celebration of The Art of Living’s 35 years of service, humanity, spirituality and human values. The festival will celebrate the diversity in cultures from across the world while simultaneously highlighting our unity as a human family.
- WCF Speakers
- Reception Committee
- Corporate Sponsors
- Speech Highlights for each day
- Voices from WCF
- WCF: Facts vs Myths
- Sponsors
- Showcasing Greetings
The Rt. Hon. Bidhya Devi Bhandari
President of Nepal
Hon. Hildebrando Tapia Samaniego
Hon. Congressman, Perúvian Congress, Vice-President - Andean Parliament, Peru
Hon. Mr. Hildebrando Tapia Samaniego is the Vice-President of the Andean Parliament. He was elected Congressman of the Republic by the Junin region for the legislative period first in 2006 and has since, held a number of varied responsibilities including Chairman of the Subcommittee on Housing and Construction, Vice President of the Committee on Transport, Communications, Housing and Construction, Chairman of the Committee on Environment and Ecology and many more. As a parliamentarian he authored a number of laws including decontamination of Lake Chinchaycocha – Junín, the decontamination of the Mantaro basin and the Law of the National Youth Council (CONAJU).
H.E. Mr. Maithripala Sirisena
President of Sri Lanka
H.E. Mr. Maithripala Sirisena is the 7th President of Sri Lanka and has earlier served as the Minister of Health and also as the Defense Minister. He has campaigned extensively to introduce pictorial warnings on tobacco products to bring home to Sri Lankans the ill effects of smoking and has won the ‘World No Tobacco Day Award 2013' from the World Health Organization for his concerted efforts. He has also been awarded the Harvard Ministerial Leadership in Health for his innovative initiatives as the Health Minister.
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
Hon. Linda Cathrine Hofstad Helleland
Minister of Culture in Norway
Hon. Linda Cathrine Hofstad Helleland has been a Member of Parliament for the Conservative Party in Norway for more than ten years, and has been an important voice in the Norwegian public debate. She has been particularly active in issues relating to women. She has been Member of various Parliamentary Committees including Justice, Family and Cultural Committee, and Transport and Communications Committee. She is also Member, Parliamentary Delegation to the NATO Parliamentary Assembly and to the UN General Assembly.
Hon. Carla Bacigalupo
Minister of Justice and Labor, Paraguay
In the Ministry of Justice, Hon. Carla Bacigalupo Planás has been the Director of homes, Chief Legal Officer and Deputy Minister of Criminal Policy. Throughout her career in the judiciary, she has taken various roles in judiciary. Her teaching experience includes Center of prison studies of Paraguay, "Women's Parliament". She has played a role in various aspects of judicial reform, drug trafficking and child labour in Paraguay as well as Penitentiary Reform.
H.E. Robert Peneux
Minister of Education, Science and Culture, Suriname
H. E. Robert Peneux is presently the Minister of Education, Science and Culture for Suriname and is the Advisor of the Steering Committee IMEAO Reform.
He was previously the Permanent Secretary of Education at the Ministry of Education and Community Development, the Interim Director of the Center for Agricultural Research and Policy making official at the Ministry of Education and Community Development. He has also a rich background in knowledge-imparting roles including Practical training coach of Vocational education and Lecturer Methods and Techniques at the course for Remedial Teaching.
He has received a number of academic qualifications including Diploma doctorandus (MSc.) Faculty of Economics and Diploma MO-A Pedagogics.
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.
H.E. Kjell Magne Bondevik
President, The Oslo Center for Peace and Human Rights; Former Prime Minister of Norway
Mr. Bondevik served as the Prime Minister of Norway from 1997 to 2000, and from 2001 to 2005. Currently, he is President of the Oslo Centre for Peace and Human Rights. The purpose of the centre is to work for world peace, human rights and inter-religious tolerance world wide.
Hon. Mr. Syed Yousaf Raza Gillani
Former Prime Minister Pakistan
Syed Yousuf Raza Gillani served as the Prime Minister of Pakistan from 2008 to 2012. He was born in Karachi in 1952 to an influential political family from Multan and received a Masters in Journalism from the University of Punjab, India. Prime Minister Gillani has travelled across the world in various capacities. As the Federal Minister for Tourism, he attended the 1989 World Tourism Organization’s meeting in Paris. He also hosted and presided over the first International Conference of Women Parliamentarians, held in Islamabad in 1995.
HH Dhamma Master Hsin Tao
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.
H.E. Alojz Peterle
Member of the European Parliament, Former Prime Minister of Slovenia
Mr. Alojz Peterle has been a Member of the European Parliament since 2004 and is currently member of the Foreign Affairs Committee and substitute member of the Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety (ENVI). He is also Vice-Chair of the Delegation to the EU-Russia Parliamentary Cooperation Committee and Member of Delegation to the EU-Croatia Joint Parliamentary Committee.
Hon. Mr. Karu Jayasuriya
Speaker of Parliament, Sri Lanka
Deshabandu Karu Jayasuriya is the Speaker of the Parliament of Sri Lanka. Previously he was Mayor of Colombo from 1997 to 1999, Minister of Power and Energy from 2001 to 2004, Minister of Public Administration and Home Affairs from 2007 to 2008, and Minister of Buddha Sasana, Public Administration, and Democratic Governance in 2015.
Hon. Mr. Evgeny Kuyvashev
Governor of Sverdlovsk Region, Russia
Evgeni Vladimirovich Kuyvashev is the Grade 1 State Councillor of the Russian Federation. Decorated with the Order of Honour by decree of the RF President. He is in public service since 1997, in 2011 he was the Deputy Plenipotentiary Representative / Plenipotentiary Representative of President of the Russian Federation in the Ural Federal District. Since May 2012, he has been vested with the powers of Governor of the Sverdlovsk region.
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.
Hon. Prof. Herman De Croo
Minister of State, Member of Parliament, Belgium
Hon. Prof. Herman De Croo is a Minister of State and the longest serving Belgian Member of Parliament. He is also the Mayor of Brakel and is a former Professor of Common Law at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel.
Hon. Mr. Geoffrey Van Orden
MBE, Member of the European Parliament, United Kingdom
Geoffrey Van Orden has been Conservative Member of the European Parliament for the East of England since 1999. He is currently Chairman of the European Parliament's Delegation for Relations with India and was previously Chairman of the Europe-India Chamber of Commerce 2010-2014, and a founder member of the Parliament's Friends of India Group. He is Vice-Chairman of the European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR), the third largest political group in the European Parliament and the founding President of its think-tank New Direction - The Foundation for European Reform.
Hon. Dr. André Hahn
Member of German Parliament, Spokesperson of the Left Party for the Sports Committee
Dr. André Hahn is a Member of the German Bundestag since October 2013 where he is Member of the sports committee and sports policy spokesman of the faction DIE LINKE, as well as Chairman of the Parliamentary Control Panel who reviews the work of the secret services, and Parliamentary Secretary of the Left Party. He is also Deputy Member of the NSA committee of inquiry, the Committee on Internal Affairs and the Tourism Committee.
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.
H. E. Mr. Ayoub Kara
Member of the Knesset, Deputy Minister for Regional Cooperation, Israel
H. E. Mr. Ayoub Kara is a Member of the Knesset and Deputy Minister of Regional Cooperation in Israel. He has been the Deputy Speaker of the Knesset and served on a number of Committees: including Chairman of the Committee on Foreign Workers and Chairman of the anti-drug Committee. He also was Deputy Minister of the Development of the Negev and Galilee.
Hon. Mr. Hakubun Shimomura
Diet Member (House of Representatives), Deputy Secretary-General for Special Missions, Special Adviser to the President, Former Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology, Former President of the Organizing Committee for the Olympic Games
Hon. Mr. Hakubun Shimomura was elected to the Tokyo Metropolitan Assembly in 1989 and served two terms over seven years.
In 1996, he was elected to the Lower House of the Diet from the Tokyo No.11 district and is now in his seventh term. In the first Shinzo Abe administration, he served as deputy chief cabinets as the Minister of Education, Minister in Charge of Education Rebuilding, and President of the Organizing Committee for the Olympic Games.
Hon. Ms. Yvonne Feri
Member of Parliament, Switzerland
Ms. Yvonne Feri has been a Member of the Swiss National Parliament since 2011, representing the Canton of Aargau. A local Councilor in Wettingen, and President of SP Frauen Schweiz, she previously served as a member of the Cantonal Parliament of Aargau (1998-2008), actively advocating on family and gender issues. From 2008 to 2012, Ms. Feri was chief executive of the Zürich Teachers Association. Aside from the day-to-day parliamentary work, she advocates the humanitarian contribution Switzerland can make internationally and seeks to improve the equality and position of working women in Switzerland.
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.
Hon. Congressman Tim Ryan
Member of the House of Representatives, USA
First elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2002 and was sworn in on January 7, 2003. Successfully reelected six times, he is now serving in his seventh term. Congressman Ryan currently serves as a member of the powerful House Appropriations Committee which controls the expenditure of money by the federal government. Ryan is also a member of the House Budget Committee which has oversight over the federal budget process.
Hon. Mr. Ahmed Mohamed Kathrada
Former Member of Parliament, South Africa
Ahmed Mohamed Kathrada was introduced to politics as a child in Johannesburg when he joined a non-racial youth club run by the Young Communist League.
Kathrada spent 26 years and 3 months in prison where he obtained four university degrees.In 1994 Kathrada was elected to Parliament and served as President Mandela's Parliamentary Counsellor. He was chairperson of the Robben Island Musuem Council until his term expired in 2006.
Books published are “Letters from Robben Island”, “Memoirs” and “A Free Mind: Ahmed Kathrada's Notebook from Robben Island”
Mr. Armin Laschet
Deputy Chairman of the Christian Democratic Union of Germany (CDU); Head of CDU, North Rhine-Westphalia
Mr. Armin Laschet is Deputy Chairman of the Christian Democratic Union of Germany (CDU) and Head, North Rhine-Westphalia. As a member of the Bundestag, he served on the Committee on Economic Cooperation and Development as well as on the Committee on the Affairs of the European Union. As Member of the European Parliament, he was on the Committee on Budgets and the Committee on Foreign Affairs. He held multiple ministerial portfolios including State Minister for Generations, Family, Women and Integration; State Minister for Federal Affairs, Europe and Media. He also has been on various reputed boards and committees.
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
Rev. Dr. Lawrence Carter
Professor of Religion & College Curator at Morehouse College, USA
Reception Committee
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.
Members
Shri Lal Krishna Advani
Hon. Former Dy. Prime Minister, India
Shri Lal Krishna Advani is a senior leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), one of the principal political parties of India. During his lengthy political career, spanning over six decades, Shri L.K. Advani has held important positions in the government such as Deputy Prime Minister of India and Minister of Home Affairs. He was also appointed Leader of Opposition twice in the Lok Sabha. In 2015, he was awarded India’s second highest civilian award, the Padma Vibhushan.
Dr. Karan Singh
Hon. Member of Parliament, India
Dr. Karan Singh is a member of the Rajya Sabha (or the Upper House) of the Indian Parliament. A senior member of the Indian National Congress Party, he has served as Sadr-i-Riyasat (or the Governor) of Jammu and Kashmir. Born in Cannes, France, he is the son of Maharaja Hari Singh, the last king of the erstwhile princely state of Jammu and Kashmir. Dr. Singh received the Padma Vibhushan, India’s second highest civilian award, in 2005.
Dr. Mahesh Sharma
Hon. Minister of Culture, India
Dr. Mahesh Sharma is the current Minister of State (independent charge) for Culture and Tourism and, MoS for the Ministry of Civil Aviation, Government of India.
Mr. Hildebrando Tapia Samaniego
Hon. Congressman, Perúvian Congress,
Vice-President - Andean Parliament
Mr. Hildebrando Tapia Samaniego is an architect, entrepreneur and member of the Popular Christian Party. He was elected Congressman of the Republic of Peru for the period 2001 – 2006 from the National Renovation Party. He was also selected as the Vice-President of the Popular Christian Party in the last party elections.
Ms. Tatyana Poronova
Hon. Deputy Governor of Murmansk, Russia
Currently the Deputy Governor, Ms. Poronova headed the financial affairs of Murmansk under Governor Dmitriyenko. At one point in time, she was the only female minister in the regional administration as a whole, and one of only three women in the Governor’s team.
Mr. Hakubun Shimomura
Hon. Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology, Japan
Mr. Hakubun Shimomura is the member of the House of Representatives in the Diet (national legislature) and has served in the assembly of Tokyo for two terms since 1989. He was Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary in the first government of Shinzo Abe in 2006 and was again appointed to the Cabinet as Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology in 2012.
Ms. Nancy Pelosi
Hon. Congresswoman and Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, United States of America
Ms. Nancy Patricia D'Alesandro Pelosi is the Minority Leader of the United States House of Representatives and has served as its 60th Speaker from 2007 to 2011. She is the only woman to have served as the House Speaker and to date is the highest-ranking female politician in American history. Pelosi is the first woman, the first Californian, and the first Italian-American to lead a major party in Congress.
Ms. Katherine Clark
Hon. Congresswoman, House of Representatives,
United States of America
Ms. Katherine Marlea Clark has served as the United States Representative for Massachusetts's 5th congressional district since 2013. She is a resident of Melrose, Massachusetts and a member of the Democratic Party. She was a member of the Massachusetts House of Representatives from 2008 to 2011, and a member of the Massachusetts Senate from 2011 to 2013.
Mr. Ed Whitfield
Hon. Congressman, House of Representatives,
United States of America
Mr. Wayne Edward “Ed” Whitfield was elected to Congress in 1994 as the first Republican to represent Kentucky's First Congressional District. He has also been a member of the Democratic Party from 1974-1994. He has helped create the first Medicare Prescription Drug benefit plan for seniors and is an active advocate for the humane treatment of animals.
Dr. Abdel Salam al-Majali
Hon. Former Prime Minister, Jordan
A physician and politician, His Excellency Dr. Abdel Salam al-Majali served twice as the Prime Minister of Jordan.
During his tenure as Prime Minister, Dr. Majali signed the 1994 Israel-Jordan peace treaty. After his second term as Prime Minister, he was appointed to the Jordanian senate. He is currently the Chairman of the Islamic World Academy of Sciences.
Prof. Vytautas Landsbergis
Hon. Former President, Lithuania
Member of the European Parliament
Prof. Vytautas Landsbergis was the first Head of State of Lithuania after its independence from the Soviet Union and has served as the Head of the Lithuanian Parliament, Seimas. He is a founding signatory of the Prague Declaration on European Conscience and Communism and a member of the International Advisory Council of the Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation.
Prof. Alojz (Lojze) Peterle
Hon. Former Prime Minister, Slovenia
Member of the European Parliament
Prof. Alojz (Lojze) Peterle was the President of the first freely elected Slovenian government between 1990 and 1992. He was also the leader of the Slovene Christian Democrats from the inception of the party in 1990 until the time it merged with the Slovenian People’s Party in 2000. Presently a member of the European Parliament, he has also served as the Chairman of the Parliamentary Commission for European Affairs.
Prof. Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu
Hon. 9th Secretary General of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation
A Turkish academic, politician, and diplomat, Prof. Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu was Secretary-General of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) from 2004 to 2014. Founder of the Department of History of Science at the Faculty of Letters at Istanbul University, Prof. Ihsanoglu is an author and editor of academic journals and an advocate of intercultural dialogue. He was also one of the signatories of ‘A Common Word’, an open letter by Islamic scholars to Christian leaders, calling for peace and understanding.
Mr. Jo Leinen
Hon. Member of the European Parliament
Mr. Jo Leinen, a lawyer by profession, currently serves as a Member of the European Parliament and represents Germany. Well known for his support for a Federal Europe, he acts as a representative within the Party of European Socialists group.
Mr. Nirj Deva
Hon. Member of the European Parliament
A member of the Conservative Party, Mr. Nirj Deva has been representing South East England in the European Parliament since 1999. He was the fourth Asian-born person to be elected a Member of the House of Commons and was the first Asian-born person to be elected as a Conservative member of the European Parliament.
Mr. Kapil Mishra
Hon. Minister of Culture, Delhi, India
Mr. Kapil Mishra is a well-known political activist and public policy campaigner. An MLA in the Sixth Legislative Assembly of the Delhi government, he holds a Master’s Degree in Social Work from Delhi School of Social Work.
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Day 1
- GURUDEV SRI SRI RAVI SHANKAR
- SHRI NARENDRA MODI
- CMDE. SARVOTHAM RAO
- JUSTICE R. C. LAHOTI
- HON. HAKUBUN SHIMOMURA
- H.H. SHEIKH MOHAMMED BIN HAMAD AL SHARQI
- H. E. MICHAEL A. S. ADHIN
- JUAN MANUEL SANTOS
- SHRI KARU JAYASURIYA
- HON. EVGENY KUYVASHEV
- H.E. DOMINIQUE DE VILLEPIN
- HON. P. J. KURIEN
- H.E. RYSZARD CZARNECKI
- HON. DACE MELBRADE
- HON. KAMAL THAPA
- PADMA BHUSHAN VAIDYA DEVENDRA TRIGUNA
- HON. SARUNAS BIRUTIS
- H. E. SHEIKH NAHYAN BIN MUBARAK AL NAHYAN
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:
- 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.
- Artand Culture
- Business andEconomy
- Spirituality
- 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.
Day 2
- SWAMI SWATANTRANAND MAHARAJ JI
- H. H. SRI SRI NIRMALANANDANATHA SWAMIJI
- H. H. JAGADGURU SRI SHIVARATHRI DESHIKENDRA MAHASWAMIJI
- MS. SHERRY REHMAN
- HON. RAJA VARUTHIAN SAMPATHAN
- RAM JETHMALANI
- THE DALAI LAMA
- GIANI GURBACHAN SINGH JI
- REV. DR. GERALD L. DURLEY
- H.H. VEN. DHAMMA MASTER HSIN TAO
- HIS EMINENCE DR. AHMAD BADREDDIN HASSOUN
- MUFTI MOHAMMED SAEED KHAN
- RAJNATH SINGH
- H. H. RAMESH BHAI OZHA
- SUSHMA SWARAJ
- H.E. BISHOP MARCELO SANCHEZ SORONDO
- H.H. JAGADGURU SHRI SHANKARACHARYA VASUDEVANAND
- MANISH SISODIA
- SWAMI RAMBHADRACHARYA
Rishikesh, India
“My humble pranaams to Pujya Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar Ji and all the revered saints and sages seated on the dais. We also welcome all the holy saints and spiritual leaders at this momentous occasion who have graced this occasion from India and from many countries across the world. On behalf of The Art of Living family, we also welcome all the esteemed dignitaries and respected members seated on the stage of the World Culture Festival.
“Yesterday, Pujya Gurudev had said that sports is a medium to unite the world.Education is another medium that connects the world. Business is yet another medium that has brought together the entire world as one global market. In the same way, the world should also be united by the threads of spirituality, culture, and music.
“Today, advancements in science and technology have blurred the physical and geographical distances of the world. In the same way, we also need to strive to reduce the gap between people’s hearts. Religious and spiritual leaders can play a very big role to bridge the gap between the hearts and minds of people across the world.
“I was once traveling in Punjab for a Sadbhavana Yatra – an initiative for bringing about communal harmony. I happened to go to a tailor’s shop and asked for a pair of scissors. The tailor handed over the pair of scissors lying near his feet. The tailor was a Sardarji (Sardarjis are Indians from the Punjab region who wear turbans). When I asked him for a needle, he pulled one out from his turban and gave it to me. I asked him, ‘You have kept the needle on the turban and the pair of scissors at your feet. Why so?’ The tailor replied, ‘Sir, the pair of scissors cuts, divides,and breaks (cloth) away; whereas the needle stitches, connects, and brings everything together.’
“In the same way, those who strive to bring everyone together in peace and love are given the greatest respect and honor. This is why we have always respected and revered spiritual leaders, religious leaders, and saints from all communities. It is because they have always worked to bring the world together; they have strived to unite the hearts of people everywhere. They have never tried to divide or create differences among people.
“I was once traveling in Punjab for a Sadbhavana Yatra – an initiative for bringing about communal harmony. I happened to go to a tailor’s shop and asked for a pair of scissors. The tailor handed over the pair of scissors lying near his feet. The tailor was a Sardarji (Sardarjis are Indians from the Punjab region who wear turbans). When I asked him for a needle, he pulled one out from his turban and gave it to me. I asked him, ‘You have kept the needle on the turban and the pair of scissors at your feet. Why so?’ The tailor replied, ‘Sir, the pair of scissors cuts, divides,and breaks (cloth) away; whereas the needle stitches, connects, and brings everything together.’
“There are different kinds of flowers in a garden, and each flower has its own unique beauty. But when all these different flowers are strung together in a garland, then the garland looks so much more beautiful. In my childhood days, I had heard a song once that meant, ‘even though a lamp was lit only to create light, how can one blame just the lamp if everything around it catches fire?’ A lamp only burns to spread light. In the same way, the lamp of spirituality also was lit once upon a time to spread the light of love and peace. The apostles, sages, and wise spiritual heads who had lit this lamp too had lit it for the same purpose. But it is our duty and responsibility as followers of religion and spiritual traditions to see to it that the lamp of spirituality is never misused to set things on fire, but is rather used to spread light everywhere and to everyone.
“All the religious and spiritual scriptures in the world and all spiritual leaders that have been in the world have preached one thing only– love, compassion, service, tolerance, and cooperation. No scripture or spiritual leader has ever advocated violence, hatred, cruelty, or troubling others. They have never advocated exploiting anyone else. In today’s world, it is the duty of all the spiritual leaders in the world to ensure that this lamp of spirituality that is lit is not misused to set anything on fire.
“It is also everyone’s duty to speak and support the truth, and to oppose falsehood and ignorance. Unfortunately, today, we get carried away and support injustice or wrong doings, or we remain silent in the face of wrong deeds. And then the same silence becomes our acceptance toward this wrongdoing. We should not shy away from calling out a wrong act as wrong, and we must check the misuse of religion and spirituality wherever we see it. A lamp has no attachment or enmity with anyone – it burns to spread light equally to all everywhere. But the people who hold that lamp in their hands sometimes tend to misuse the lamp for wrong intentions and purposes. This is what I wish to express here today.
“Through this forum of the World Culture Festival, I once again welcome and congratulate Pujya Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar Ji, all the revered saints, and spiritual leaders seated on the stage and wish them every success.
“My pranaams to one and all.”
Day 3
- MR. NIKHIL SEN
- MR. JEFF HOUK
- MR .HILLARY CHONGWONY
- SHRI VENKAIAH NAIDU
- MR. KJELL MAGNE BONDEVIK
- MR. MATHEW OFFORD
- HON. HERNON PENAGOS
- MR. JO LEINEN
- MR. NIRJ DEVA
- MR. RAVI SHANKAR PRASAD
- MR. ARUN JAITLEY
- MR. AMIT SHAH
- HON. ARMIN LASCHET
- MR. OLUSEGUN OBASANJO
- MR. PIYUSH GOEL
- MR. GEOFFREY VAN ORDEN
- MR. SURESH PRABHU
- SUMITRA MAHAJAN
- MR. ARVIND KEJRIWAL
- GURUDEV SRI SRI RAVI SHANKAR
- MR. KHIL RAJ REGMI
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"
Voices from WCF
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
Oh what a show it was! I am from Jammu and Kashmir and I really got spell bound by seeing the event of such a big magnitude. I salute the vision of our beloved master Sri Sri Ravi Shankar ji. On behalf of our entire team, I’m thankful for getting this opportunity to perform on such a beautiful stage.
After this beautiful experience, I have a strong feeling that the solution of Kashmir’s problem is not through guns, but love, culture, music and dance. Through music and dance, we can really unite people. I hope that we do something to bring peace in the valley under the guidance of our master.
Jai Guru Dev.
- Sunil Sharma (Coordinator of Kashmir group)
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
As a journalist and a participant of the World Culture Festival along with some 3000 people from Latin America, I would like to extend the gratitude of these many thousands, including 800 artists who participated in the Tango and Latin Fire for Peace performance. I have interacted with presidents, CEOs, former PMs, ministers, etc. and each and every one was taken aback by the magnitude and success of this one world family event.
To quote the Vice President of the Andean Parliament, Mr. Hildebrando Tapia, "It has been much more than I have expected. Incredible!"
I am going back home full and wish to come back to India very soon.
- Beatriz Goyoaga, Journalist, Argentina
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
We want to be a part of The Art of Living.
We from the North East and never faced any sort of negligence at the festival. I have been to 25 countries to perform but have never seen such a grand event so well managed with love and care and with the feeling of being at home. We are always with Sri Sri.
I wish to share with you my thoughts on the presentation of culture from North East in a different way, if possible. We from North East always feel a little segregated from others in different aspects. But while participating in this festival we felt like being at home with so much of love and care that The Art of Living volunteers gave us.
- Dr. Prashanna Gogoi, Choreographer and Ethnomusicologist
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
When the World Culture Festival was announced, the mind could not perceive the magnanimity of this historic event that millions witnessed. I was a part of the coordination for the Dhangari Dhol performance - 1100 artists from a simple background known as Dhangars – the shepherd community of Maharashtra. They are very simple, innocent & devoted villagers. We had so many challenges bringing 1100 people together. Wonder how Gurudev – H.H. Sri Sri Ravi Shankarji managed to pull off an event of 36,000 + artists on one stage. What really moved me was that in spite of the heavy rains on the first day of the event, none budged from their seats - neither the artists nor the audience. The artists gave overwhelming performances with such zeal that it almost seemed like the rain was a part of their performance.
Gurudev left me dumbstruck. He also stood there fully drenched. We were a group of nearly 2000 people from Kolhapur who attended the WCF. My inbox was full of messages thanking me for inspiring them to be a part of this spectacular event.
- Dimple Gajwani , Coordinator- Dhangari Dhol, Kolhapur
It was fantastic. Loved the dancing (reference to the Poland team dancing the Bhangra on stage). Thank you very much.
- Patrick, Poland
I am so excited to be here. Thank you for all the support you provided. You have been very helpful. God bless you.
- Monika, Performer, 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
A historic event in my life that I was able to participate as a Buyogan dancer. The 3 magical days of WORLD CULTURE FESTIVAL 2016 in NEW DELHI, INDIA are an experience that I will never forget for the rest of my life. To the ART OF LIVING, bahut dhanyavaad. . .
- Reynold Rene Requioma, artist, Philippines
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
It was amazing to perform on such a large stage. We have never performed on such a large stage. Thank you so much for giving us this chance.
- Siam Chua Thong
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
And it happened! We were almost 300 on stage representing Brasilia’s joy, diversity and liveliness in New Delhi at the World Culture Festival. The brave dancers overcame the challenges of the rain and brought the audience to cheer and celebrate together! We believe that differences are a chance for us to praise and value the multiple nature of life and cultures, uniting us: WE ARE ONE!
- Bia Gaspar- Coordinator/ Choreographer/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
At the end of the performance, before departing from the venue, all of them bowed down to thank us for all the support and help. Some of the photographs of the Japanese performance are also attached.
- Ramesh Khurana
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
It was a dream come true to be a part of the World Culture Festival. We never thought that we could fulfill such a big task. This was only possible by Guruji’s grace and blessings. It was a big and tough challenge to take such illiterate, innocent shepherd community to a big city like Delhi and make them perform at such a big global platform with the help of my 100 colleagues. I feel very proud and happy to be a part of such a “Bhooto Na Bhavishati” kind of an event.
Jai Gurudev.
- Prashant Patil, Coordinator, Kasaba Bawada
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
I am working as professor in mechanical engineering at Walchand Institute of Technology, Solapur, Maharashtra. I attended the WCF at Delhi. It was a splendid, disciplined, green program. Guruji has well succeeded in sending the message of One World Family throughout the world by organizing such diverse cultural programs. This is the need of the time, especially for youth, as only love and peace can unite mankind. Thank you, Gurudev and the Art of Living.
- Prof. Prakash Salunkhe, Walchand Institute of Technology, Solapur, Maharashtra
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
Guruji has given such a global platform to our Dhangar Community, so we are very thankful. We are highly amazed to experience this event. Even in our seven generations we have not experienced such a grand event. We are much honored to be a part of such a huge and grand event of this World Culture Festival. We, and even our coming generations, will always feel very proud and honored for it.
- Agnu Lavate, Dholwadak, Ichalkaranji
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
WCF: Facts vs Myths
Showcasing Greetings
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 know that the 'Art of Living' is organizing a World Culture Festival on March 11-13, 2016 to commemorate 35 years of service to humanity.
With its presence in 155 countries, the 'Art of Living' has epitomized the ideals of service and spirituality. Its founder, Sri Sri Ravi Shankarji has taken Indian wisdom and spirituality all over the world and given strength to the ancient Indian concept of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam'.
The World Culture Festival will enable the coming together of diverse cultures, religions and nationalities with the message of harmony and peace, which is of increasing relevance in the present times. It will also provide a useful platform to showcase the rich cultural traditions of dance, music and arts from around the world.
I extend my greetings and felicitations to all those associated with the 'Art of Living' and wish Sri Sri Ravi Shankarji and the 'Art of Living' all success in their endeavors.
Mr. Pranab Mukherjee, President of India
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
Let me start by congratulating the Art of Living Foundation on its 35th anniversary.
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar’s vision of a One World Family is an example to us all, as is the Foundation’s work promoting peace, harmony and understanding between people of different faiths, nationalities and backgrounds.
I hope that all those who attend thoroughly enjoy the occasion.
Mr. David Cameron, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom
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
Diversity of cultures across the world will be celebrated as over 3.5 million people and more than 100 countries will be represented at the festival. People of different nationalities will participate in celebrating their rich traditions and cultures while emphasizing that while expressions may vary, we belong to one “World Family,” the motto of the foundation. This tribute recognizes the Art of Living Foundation on their 35th anniversary and wishes the very best for the World Culture Festival as they move forward into the future with new possibilities.
Hon. Mr. Jack Markell, Governor of the State of Delaware, U.S.A
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 congratulate The Art of Living on their 35 years of dedicated service to humanity and commend the significance of the World Culture Festival as a message for peace and harmony.
Showcasing and celebrating cultural traditions and diversity is an essential means of building bridges and understanding between nations and promoting global tolerance.
Hon. Mr. Nechirvan Barzani, Prime Minister of Kurdistan Regional Government
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.
“If you fight for peace, you never experience it,” says an old proverb. There is a huge variety of pathways how each of us finds human and spiritual prosperity and well-being in the contemporary world. However, most of verities we experience in our lives are already kept in the memory of humanity. Culture has always been a rich melting pot which preserves the ‘art of living’ knowledge for the next generations and is easily accessible to everyone. On the occasion of the 35th anniversary of the International Art of Living Foundation, I wish everyone celebrates the culture of peace and harmony and experiences the power of cultural diversity in the World Culture Festival!
Ms. Dace Melbārde, Minister for Culture, Latvia
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
The world needs leaders who have the genius, conviction and courage to promote the wisdom of a shared vision for true human prosperity, wellbeing and happiness. We need visionary leaders who can show us the way to a harmonious, healthy and happy human society.
I believe the World Culture Festival commemorating 35 years of the Art of Living is a celebration of such a leader and a way of life. I extend my heartfelt felicitations to HH Sri Sri Ravi Shankar on this very happy occasion and wish Him and the Art of Living continued success.
Hon. Mr. Jigme Yoser Thinley, Former Prime Minister of Bhutan
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.
(The World Culture Festival is) a great opportunity to highlight the role of culture in building peace today. It has never been more important to promote dialogue between people.
Hon. Mr. Dominique de Villepin, Former Prime Minister of France
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
The World Culture Festival is a unique opportunity to witness the diverse cultural expressions from all continents and many countries and regions. Religious and political leaders as peacemakers and artists will spread the message of harmony in diversity and peaceful solutions of the different conflict of interests.
Thanks to The Art of Living and its founder Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, humanity gets a chance to strive for a better world.
Hon. Mr. Jo Leinen, Member of the European Parliament
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.
Sustainable development can be assured only by those leaders who respect human dignity and the laws of nature, by those who understand the world in its global interdependence, act ethically and most importantly feel committed to a culture of peace.
Hon. Mr. Alojz Peterle, Former Prime Minister of Slovenia, Member of the European Parliament
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.
Humanity is set to seriously jeopardize the planet’s future. We are exceeding our limits and in doing so, obstructing the future prospects for the next generations. Equal opportunities, gender equality and human rights in general must be globally accepted and enforced.
We are all in the same boat! Human beings and nature need to regain their dignity and new and future-oriented values and models, taking the big picture into consideration, have to be discussed.
Hon. Ms. Yvonne Feri, Member of Parliament, Switzerland
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
35 years of working for peace – that is what The Art of Living Foundation stands for.
As a Christian I am convinced that global change can only be achieved by a strong value - based global leadership, avowing for human rights, economic development and political peace. It means respecting each other and carrying on cross-cultural and inter-religious dialogue. For me, the importance lies in a simple formula that only a balanced person can make a difference in an unbalanced world.
I feel honored and privileged to be able to share these values with 3.5 million men and women. Last but not least, I would like to congratulate the international Art of Living foundation on its anniversary.
Hon. Mr. Frank Heinrich, Member of Parliament, Germany
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
I am honored to be taking part in the 2016 World Culture Festival. I participated some years ago at the Olympic stadium in Berlin and also had the pleasure to host Sri Sri Ravi Shankar in the European Parliament on the occasion of World Yoga Day 2015, in my capacity as Chairman of the Delegation for Relations with India. I have never seen a room so packed - over 500 people from across the political and international spectrum! Politicians are known to lead stressful lives, yet following a meditational breathing session we felt relaxed and uplifted, ready to tackle the next tasks of the day. It is not hard to see how ancient meditational techniques, applied on a wider scale, can help to beat stress and lead to more a balanced life. The premise is simple: healthy, happy people are able to help other people become healthy and happy.
I am so very aware of the many initiatives that have sprung from The Art of Living Foundation since its creation in 1981, such as rehabilitation of prisoners, conflict resolution and relief in the aftermath of natural disasters. With all humility, I look forward to being in Delhi as a participant in the World Culture Festival and Global Leadership Forum to celebrate 35 years of positive influence across the globe as a result of an enduring vision and hard work over a long period.
Mr. Geoffrey Van Orden, Member of the European Parliament
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
We are here to celebrate a culture of peace. At a time when nationalistic, ethnic and religious extremism in all regions - and in all religions - promotes a culture of war, hatred and conflict, we are here to rejoice in the human capacity for peace and human rights. This is an epic manifestation of freedom of religion and belief. I see this great World Culture Festival as a sign of hope for humanity and a noble contribution to world peace.
Dr. Gunnar Stålsett, Bishop emeritus of Oslo, Norway, Honorary President of Religions for Peace
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 wonderful to know that the World Culture Festival will be taking place in Delhi, in March this year. The Art of Living has done immense service throughout the world for the last 35 years, and has awoken many people to the wonders and treasures that come from the East.
Congratulations, and thank you for this very special service you have rendered humanity in bringing them closer to the Divine.
Sister Jayanti, European Director, Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual University
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.
It is my great pleasure to send a message of goodwill to the millions of people who are attending the World Culture Festival in New Delhi this year.
The Art of Living’s inspiring work extends across many nations. I am very familiar with how active they are not only here in London, but in all four corners of the globe. And at the time of global uncertainty, when conflicts and intolerance continue to plague so many of our fellow human beings, the resounding message of peace this festival promotes could not be more relevant.
To be reaching the milestone of thirty-five years of service to humanity is a remarkable achievement. The Art of Living continues to work with – and inspire – not only political and religious leaders, but millions of citizens and activists around the world.
I congratulate all of those involved in the Art of Living on your successes over the past thirty-five years, and I look forward to the next thirty-five years as well.
Lord Dolar Popat, Conservative Peer and Whip
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.
I would like to send a message of congratulations to The Art of Living foundation and especially its founder, His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, on celebrating their 35 years with the World Culture Festival in Delhi, India in March 2016.
Mr. Nisar Malik, Mayor, London Borough of Hounslow, U.K.
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