Gurudev becomes the 1st humanitarian to unite 23 African countries in a peace initiative
Bangalore, May 25, 2013: Africa celebrated its 50th anniversary of political unity with a spiritual unification as 23 countries came together to be a part of 'I Meditate Africa', the first-of-its-kind online meditation in Africa conducted by The Art of Living Founder, Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar.
Greeting the people who had come together from the four corners of the African continent, Gurudev said, “Meditation creates positive vibrations. Today it is much needed in Africa”. Urging the people to come together and pray for conflict-ridden Central and North Africa, Gurudev continued, “Prosperity is not possible without peace and peace is a far-fetched reality without prosperity; peace comes from within. Lets resolve to create a violence-free stress-free Africa.”
The event witnessed participation of 10,000 people people from all races and religious groups across the continent. In addition, 71 countries across the world also participated in this online meditation for peace. Many dignitaries including Ravi Pillay, Member Executive Committee & MPL Human Settlements and Public Works, KwaZulu Natal, South Africa and Dr. Ela Gandhi, grand daughter of Mahatma Gandhi (at Durban) promoted Peace, Truth and Ahimsa.
'I Meditate Africa' is an Africa-wide campaign promoting meditation as a practical tool to achieve individual peace, improved health, increased productivity and clarity of mind. This Art of Living initiative aims to bring people together to create a positive wave of social transformation.
“The ‘I Meditate Africa’ campaign kicked off with a ground breaking 2800 students meditating for peace in the city of Soweto Johannesburg, the home of Nelson Mandela. People from diverse backgrounds including township communities, colleges, children homes, church groups, NGOs were a part of this meditation for peace,” shared campaign coordinator Vanishree Pavadai.
The participating countries were:
- Ghana
- Kenya
- Mozambique
- Cameroon
- Senegal
- Ivory Coast
- Malawi
- Uganda
- Tanzania
- Tunisia
- Nigeria
- Botswana
- Zimbabwe
- Rwanda
- Namibia
- Mauritius
- Morocco
- DRC
- Zambia
- Ethiopia
- Togo
- Sudan
- South Africa
The Art of Living has played the role of a peace-keeper between warring tribes in Ivory Coast and Cameroon. The programs conducted have been critical to trauma relief, health and hygiene efforts in North Africa. The prison rehabilitation program has reached out to over 7000 inmates across Africa. The youth programs and breath-water-sound workshops have empowered communities. The organization also runs 'Hands Up 4 Kids' in Kenya, aimed at alleviating poverty and building a healthy, sustainable environment for children who are abused, exploited and exposed to child labor.