As we all woke up to the horrifying news of Ukraine’s invasion by Russia on February 24, 2022, Ukraine was experiencing the worst of invasions after World War II. People lost their lives, homes and livelihoods. In the raging war scenario, with violence and explosions, Ukraine marked a total killing of about 14000 people, of which 3500 were innocent civilians, and many were wounded. Amidst this grave situation, the Art of Living has stepped up to provide relief to the affected. The Art of Living volunteers have rushed with amenities to the grief-stricken country without paying heed to their lives.
"At this hour of crisis, I appeal to the students and their families to not give up hope," said global humanitarian leader Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, "All the help is being made available and our volunteers from all across Europe are there by your side, who will provide you with food, water, and other essential items."
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Volunteers in several parts of Poland, Hungary, Germany, Slovakia, Ukraine, Romania, Moldova, Amsterdam and Bulgaria have been in action providing shelter, amenities, and hope to the fled Ukrainian refugees, including thousands of stranded Indian students. Refugee centers have been opened and operational in 21 cities in these nine countries that are overlooking the relief measures in the war zone.
Highlights of relief efforts
The Art of Living works tirelessly to curb the sufferings of people worldwide and this time is no different. The volunteers are doing their best to provide relief measures to the victims in Ukraine and refugees across Europe.
- About 2100 volunteers are on the ground in nine countries of Europe continuously providing every assistance possible to the affected people in Ukraine. Medical supplies, mattresses, blankets, food, and other necessary arrangements have been made to help people.
- The Art of Living volunteers have provided about 32,617 meals and have housed 5,875 people so far.
- The helpline has been effectively providing assistance through about 9000 calls and counseling 22,342 people on mental health.
- The organization has extended help to about 1200 students and 800 students have been given shelter in the Art of Living centers in Poland and Hungary.
- Volunteers in Hungary have sheltered more than 150 refugees. About 1387 Ukrainian refugees have been sheltered in Art of Living centers across Europe.
- More than 500 beds have been arranged in Poland for refugees. Essential supplies are stocked up for the refugees (that included pregnant women, infants, and children). A 24-hour hotline is operational for emergencies. About 40 homes are ready to host incoming refugees.
- A large volunteer group in Ukraine is continuously assisting victims as well as the Indian community. About 11200 medical kits have already been supplied.
- Along with all the supplies, trauma relief sessions are conducted for the refugees to help them cope with the disaster.
- Easter gifts were distributed among Ukrainian children to uplift them and create hope in a tough situation.
Global Peace Campaign
Violence is never the answer to any dispute. It is important to stop the violence through peace talks among nations and bring a change. Reflecting on this, spiritual leader Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar started the movement “I Stand for Peace” to stand in solidarity with the people of Ukraine, stop war violence and encourage dialogues among the nations. Gurudev met many diplomats, policymakers, global leaders, and volunteers who helped relentlessly during the pandemic and also in the Ukrainian refugees' rehabilitation. The movement originated in Geneva, Switzerland, and moved to Germany and Poland and are now garnering support in the US.
