Gurudev presented with the "Diploma de Honor" by the National Congress of Peru
Spiritual Leader, Humanitarian and The Art of Living founder, Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar is the first Asian to be conferred with three awards in the South American country of Peru for his constant social work and peace mission.
1. He was presented with the "Diploma de Honor" of the National Congress of Peru. 2. The Andean parliament (Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador and Peru) also awarded their highest degree, ‘Medalla de la Integracion en el Grado de Gran Oficial’ to Sri Sri at their General Secretariat in Lima, Peru. He is the first Indian to be bestowed this award. 3. Ana María Solórzano, The Mayor of Lima honored Sri Sri.
"Everyone should have the opportunity to know this worldwide spiritual leader, who helps us to have a better quality of life, who encourages us to do service and create a better society filled with respect, union and happiness,” shared Mr. Brando Tapia, Congressman in Peru and Member of Andean Parliament.
While accepting the award, Gurudev said, "We all need to work together to see that this entire continent is free from violence and stress." He began his speech in Spanish, thanking the President of the Congress and its members, and ended it with "Namaste" which he said means "I am all yours". He also said we need to establish communication on three levels-communication with oneself, communication with the society and communication with nature.
The Art of Living started its activities in the South American country in 2007 and till now thousands have benefitted from the Art of Living programs in schools, universities, companies and prisons.
During his tour to South America, Gurudev had discussions with leaders of the FARC (Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia) in Cuba who agreed to follow the Gandhian principle of non-violence to attain its political objectives.
In Colombia, Sri Sri was felicitated with the highest civilian award by the President of the House of Representatives, Congress of Colombia.