Message from His Holiness Dalai Lama
“Ancient Indian psychology is advanced and profound. Tibetans, as students of the Nalanda tradition have derived great benefit from it. Therefore, whenever I can, I request all my respected Indian sisters and brothers to pay more attention to your ancient heritage, and combine its values with science and technology to ensure greater benefit. In ahimsa and inter-religious harmony India sets an example to the rest of the world, and I believe The World Culture Festival is taking place in that spirit.”
His Eminence Dr. Ahmad Badreddin Hassoun, Grand Mufti & Chairman of the Supreme Iftaa Council, Syrian Arab Republic
“If we do a DNA test, we will see that we are all descendants of a common mother and father. Our mother is the Earth, and our soul goes back to almighty. That's why we are all One, we will always be One, and no one can separate us. So may the pigeon of peace fly from India all over the world because in India is present the messages of God. We await you in Syria and in all Arab countries. You are our brothers and sisters. You are our family. We love you! We will make peace because God himself is peace. These are the flags of Arab countries. I salute all by their name. We, in our country, since centuries have dreamt and spoken about the beauty of India and Indian civilisation. That's why I beg to God to keep us under his peace and let peace spread amongst us.”
H.E. Michael A.S. Adhin - Vice-President of Suriname
“This global event, The World Culture Festival, with the blessings from Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankarji is an exemplary one. My hope is that this may serve as a stepping stone towards helping us to rise above our lower nature and above our individual consciousness, as individuals and as nations, which will make one indeed proclaim the Sanskrit verse, "Udara charitanam tu vasudhaiva kutumbhakam". He has become so broad that this world has become his family.”
H.E. Juan Manuel Santos, President of Colombia
“I met with Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar in Bogota in June of last year. I had the great joy of speaking with him about the efforts he is making in our country to hopefully very soon end an internal armed conflict that has lasted more than 50 years. Later on, with my consent, he met in Hawana and Cuba with the negotiators of the FARC leaders to encourage them to follow the Gandhian principle of non-violence. Today I want to thank him for this effort.”
Mr. Jo Leinen, Member of the European Parliament
“I have seen a lot of meetings in my life, a lot of events, but would you agree with me that this World Culture Festival is one of the most impressive, the most outstanding gatherings to take place in this whole world. Many thanks to Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar Ji, to The Art of Living and to the thousands of volunteers who have organized this event. We come from so many different countries and different cultures. Is that not absurd, you are the same person, you live in the same village and you have five different political identities. So I think we have to live the message of Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar. The world needs inspiration from India. I think Yoga, Meditation, Ayurveda should be a world heritage that must be practiced everywhere, and then I think we would have a better world.”
Hon. Hildebrando Tapia Samaniego, Vice-President Andean Parliament
“Take my gratitude for the work you do all over the world. 35 years of great work bringing hope for change in the lives of people, teaching the youth the path of solidarity, compassion and help. Latin America was a witness to your presence, for negotiating peace with the FARC guerillas in Cuba and having great results for peace.
A historical agreement that ended years of death, killing & problems, whether material or human. Thanks to you peace is now seen because peace in Columbia, means peace for Latin America.
H.E. Bishop Marcelo Sanchez Sorondo,Chancellor of the Pontifical Academy of Sciences, Chancellor of the Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences, Holy See (Vatican)
“Greetings from Rome - Greetings from Pope Francis.
There are great areas of collaboration between The Art of Living Foundation and the Pontifical Academy of sciences, and I would like to see these areas developed and strengthened in the years ahead.
There are also evidently great similarities in outlooks between His Holiness Pope Francis and His Holiness Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar. Christians believe that the human being is made in the likeliness and image of God, and you believe the divine can be found within each human being.
One of the great ways to foster peace and harmony in the world today is through the work done at a person to person level. To know each other's religion and to reduce the differences. The Art of Living has shown by example over 3.5 decades that it has earned its place as a leader in this important work and I congratulate you for this work. The people gathered here today have such visible joy and serenity, that it is a testament of this fact.”
Hon. David Cameron, Prime Minister of United Kingdom
“People say that no man can change the world, but we know that Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar has made a good start. With representatives from 160 countries, The Art of Living has extended its reach around the world to introduce stability, comfort, and support for people who need it. We often hear of the dangers of the world, but I am pleased today that we are seeing a beacon of hope.”
Hon. Armin Laschet, Member of Parliamant, Germany
“I have to say today, tonight, right here, this is the most peaceful place in the world because all the different nations, all the different cultures and religions are celebrating together for peace, freedom and harmony. I wish that the spirit of Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, the spirit of this act of understanding, the spirit of this festival will change the world in the days, months, and years to come.”
