World Culture Festival
The World Culture Festival 2016 was a celebration of The Art of Living’s 35 years of service, humanity, spirituality and human values. The festival celebrated the diversity in cultures from across the world while simultaneously highlighting our unity as a human family.
- Speech Highlights for each day
- Program
- Reception Committee
- WCF Speakers
- Showcasing Greetings
- Pre & Post-Events
- FAQ
- Voices from WCF
- WCF venue clean-up
- WCF: Facts vs Myths
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.
Hon’ble Prime Minster of India
India is so full of myriad diversities. India has so much to offer to the world, it is beyond description! It is not just economic interests that unite or connect the world. The world can also unite and come together through human values, and we should in fact make efforts to do so. India has the wealth of cultural heritage and traditions that the whole world looks for even today. We, in India, can surely meet and fulfil those needs of the world in some form or another. But this can only happen when we truly take pride and honor in the great cultural heritage of our country. If we ourselves criticize our own culture and only look into finding flaws and shortcomings, then why would the world ever look up to us?
I congratulate Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar Ji today owing to the fact that in a short duration of just 35 years, he has taken the Art of Living to more than 150 countries around the world. This mission today has successfully spread across so many countries, and it is on the basis of this mission’s strength that so many countries around the world today have been united and have come together.
Through the medium of The Art of Living Foundation, the world has come to know of a very unique and special identity of India. The Art of Living has played a very significant contribution in this direction. Sometime back, when I had visited Mongolia, I was really surprised to see that in a stadium in Mongolia, the many members of The Art of Living family had held a grand reception to welcome me. There were, surprisingly, very few Indians in the gathering and almost all of the audience in the stadium was overflowingly Mongolian. And it was truly amazing to see the way they waved the National tricolor of India and honored India and Indian culture and heritage. This in itself was highly inspiring to see – that such soft power can play such a vital role even in places and points that are beyond political power and governments, especially at the level of international relations.
The World Culture Festival is a very unique Kumbh Mela – a grand celebration of art and culture. India was so prosperous in those earlier times, which is why India’s art and traditions also developed so well. This land is so special and vibrant that every hour of the day has a different kind of music associated with it. The musical notes of the morning are different and the symphonies of the evening are different. This is why if you go to the market today to explore the diversity of music, you will find that there is no dearth of music which can make you sway your body. But if you seek music that really touches and unites the heart and mind from deep within, then that music is only present in India. Today, the world seeks music that can sway and uplift the mind, and it is only this confluence of Indian music that we see here today that is truly capable of touching and energizing the minds and hearts of people everywhere.
Only when we look at any country through the lens of art and culture can we truly fathom and appreciate the inner strength and prosperity of that country. Today, India has given a very unique gift to the entire world in the form of this musical confluence. On such an occasion, this festival has also been honored and recognized by Mother Nature (referring to the rains that graced the event at the start). But then this is what Art of Living really is! There is no real art in living in comforts and convenience. But when you need to march forward in life to achieve your goals, then that is when you need to know the Art of Living. When you wish to fulfil your dreams in life, then you need the Art of Living. When you need the strength to overcome difficulties and troubles in life, then that is when you need the Art of Living. When you wish to live not for yourself but for others, then you need the Art of Living! When you need to make the journey from your limited self to the unlimited vast infinity of existence, then you truly need the Art of Living! When you break away from the small “I” to the vast “We”, then you need the Art of Living! We in India are the people who begin our journey by saying Aham Brahmasmi and culminate at the milestone of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam. This is the Art of Living.
We are those people who have made the journey from the Upanishads to the Upagrahas. It is this unique Art of Living that our wise rishis and ancestors have bestowed upon us as our rich heritage in inheritance. People trapped in the everyday struggles and difficulties of personal life find strength and relief here. The Indian traditions and ideals of family and her social fabric are so rich and vibrant that the world forever looks up to us in awe and amazement. We have learned and promoted this Art of Living for ages. But if this rich ancient tradition of ours is in danger and at risk of falling apart, then it is the need of the hour and our utmost duty and responsibility to attend to it, to preserve it. And I personally commend and congratulate the many beneficial social welfare projects and activities that are happening everywhere through the inspiration and guidance of Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar Ji.
To all the artistes, spiritual seekers, and the members and organizers of The Art of Living gathered here today, I heartily congratulate you all for presenting the most unique and vibrant image of India before the whole world today.
Chairman of The Art of Living, India
Sri Sri has always said that he is not here to build organizations and ashrams, rather, he is here to build people. His focus has been on building character – developing stronger individuals who can serve society. True to this ideal, Sri Sri has created a beautiful structure for the organization.
The volunteer plays a central role in the Art of Living's social service outreach. The basis of all these activities is inner transformation as well as a strong commitment to service, integrity, equality, and good communication skills. Sri Sri often says, 'Knowledge and organizing power go together'.
All of these aspects have been part of our training efforts for our volunteers. Nearly 600,000 volunteers receive training through around 15,000 teachers each year in India alone, and many of them are engaged in transforming their localities.
Former Chief Justice of India
The World Culture Festival is a confluence of world cultures and is needed the most at this juncture of human history. Today, the world is surrounded by turbulence and hounded by threats to peace.
This Festival intends to create awareness about the environment, ecology,andthe River Yamuna. For many years, the Art of Living foundation and its countless volunteers have been actively involved in cleaning the River Yamuna and reviving its past glory.It is truly a miracle that Lord Indra has blessed this auspicious occasion with rain to uplift and revive the River Yamuna once again.
Former minister of Education, Culture,Sports, Science, and Technology, Ministry of Japan
It is a great honor to participate in the World Culture Festival organized by The Art of Living. Three and a half million people have travelled all the way to New Delhi from around the world to be here, including the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, paying the highest respect to His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar. This is astonishing and impressive.
Our Prime Minister, Shinzo Abe, has asked me to give a message. Prime Minister Abe says, “I sincerely hope we can spread world peace through The Art of Living and through His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar. The most essential ideology driving our Japanese culture is a spirit of harmony and co-existence. Japan, along with all our friends here today, contributes to world peace.
I too promise to work with everyone here to honor the spirit of co-existence and mutual prosperity. Today, March 11, 2016, marks the 5th year since the great East Japan earthquake and tsunami. By your generous support for the rehabilitation of the disaster-stricken area, rehabilitation is progressing steadily. I would like to express appreciation. Once again, thank you very much!
Crown Prince of Al Fujairah, United Arab Emirates
This huge artistic and spiritual gathering is not strange to India, a land rich in culture and creative diversity. It is wonderful and inspiring to witness such an enormous number of people gathered to meditate and appreciate music, singing,and folk arts.
The Art of Living has worked for the last 35 years through its diverse projects to reform individuals and communities around the world through yoga, breathing techniques, deaddiction drives, and being in harmony with a healthy and spiritual life. This has contributed in spreading peace and infusing positive energy in a lot of individuals and communities and we are thankful to its founder, His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar.
All religions preach tolerance; to meditate through prayers, yoga, or fasting; to care for nature and animals; and to stay away from all elements of negative energy. Any acts of isolation and exclusion of others are not acceptable to us, both in the UAE and in the Arab countries. The culture of love, positive energy, and equality is what we are trying to focus on and pass on to the next generation.
Vice President, Suriname
Suriname is the most plural and culturally diverse nation in the western hemisphere. Suriname, I always feel, has a unique opportunity and a duty to fulfill, together with many more nations, who each day have to deal with ever-growing plurality and cultural diversity. We have the opportunity and duty to carry out the message and inspiration given to us in the Upanishads.
The Upanishads suggest us to adopt society, although plural and diverse in many ways (be it cultures and traditions or languages and ideals), and evolve as one nation, on a co-operative basis with mutual understanding, and follow the principle of interdependence.
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”.
Thank you!
President of Colombia
“Sri Sri Ravi Shankar and The Art of Living foundation are heralds of peace in a planet tormented by conflicts and violence. He teaches us that happiness and peace dwell inside us and that we only need to connect with them in order to live our true essence.
“Sri Sri met in Havana and Cuba with the negotiators of the FARC (terrorist outfit) leaders to encourage them to follow the Gandhian principle of non-violence, and to cultivate the art of meditation and breathing. His efforts were successful and FARC has laid down their arms and are making efforts to join the mainstream."
Speaker of the Parliament
Speaking on behalf of the President of Sri Lanka, Shri Maithripala Sirisena
"Guruji, I thank you for inviting me to attend the World Culture Festival. True to its motto—One World Family—The Art of living has changed the attitudes and lives of thousands of people. Guruji, please accept my wishes for this great festival, which has showcased the rich cultural tradition of dance, music, and art from around the world to an expected audience of around 3.5 million people. With that, may I also add the greeting and best wishes of honorable Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, Ranil Wickremesinghe, and the delegates that came on my behalf. I wish to extend my best wishes to Guruji for his unshakeable will toserve to mankind and would also like to take this opportunity to convey my wishes to Honorable Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the lovely people of India. Thank you very much. Namaste.”
Governor of Sverdlovsk Region, Russia
“I am convinced that the language ofculture does not need translation, since it appeals to the very soul of a person. It is understandable to everyone, because real art is based on kindness and love. This is a solid ground for peace and mutual understanding. That is why I view the WorldCulture Festival as a global dialogue between people, between countries, and betweennationalities.”
Former Prime Minister of France
“We stand here in our awareness of a world filled with unfairness, hate, and fear – with wounded memories, but we stand ready for action, committed to freedom, tolerance, and justice. Together, here with you, I feel the power of hope – yes, we can heal our broken world, we can give more colors to a world of beauty and mysteries. India, with its culture of diversity and dialogue and with its legacy of non-violence, is a good place to unite in such a belief.
“The truth deep down is that we are all looking for new horizons – something to give and something to receive; something to share and something to transmit. The truth is that every single one of us is the key to change. Indeed, we haven't come to this unique gathering with empty hands or empty hearts. It is our task to open up to other cultures and other religions, to abandon the comfort and security of our daily lives to build bridges for a better world. It is our task to invent the weapons of peace to overcome the spirit of war.
“We have to make each and every one of us a peace builder, setting an example by our own life. This challenge will require nations to unite, shared development, fresh dialogue between people, and renewed concerns for our planet. It is our shared task and our sacred duty to put education and culture at the center of our lives if we want to cultivate the seeds of peace rather than the seeds of war.”
Deputy Speaker, Rajya Sabha, India
"India has always been a cultural beacon. The basic instinct and the culture of India has been to let free and noble thoughts come from all parts of the world. We have always kept the window of our mind open to accept ideas and thoughts from everywhere. We have always received ideas from the world and given ideas to the world.
“A mega event like this is a celebration of the great legacy and culture of India. The world is one family. This grand festival is a great effort in achievingthis noble principle, and in fact an exposition of our great culture.
“I salute Sri Sri Ravi Shankar for giving India’s boundless culture this exposure and for improving the quality of life for millions worldwide.”
Vice President of the European Parliament
“This is my fourth visit to India in the last 15 years, but it is a special one. I would like to thank His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar for organizing such an important Festival, where we are celebrating harmony and cultural diversity. I wholly stand by the mission of the World Culture Festival – to celebrate peaceful co-existence and unity in diversity. My great compatriot, Pope John Paul II, almost 14 years ago, said, 'Nations express themselves by their culture'. In my country, I was the Deputy Minister of Arts and Culture. I know that culture connects people and nations.
“In conclusion, I would like to congratulate you and leave you with the firm hope that culture will connect nations and people once again.”
Minister of Culture, Latvia
“I believe that there are no borders for culture unless we build them ourselves. Culture has its unique role to widen the horizons for personal joy, to celebrate life. Culture opens the doors to personal creativity for everyone. I believe there is a dialogue among cultures.
“Culture unites the world and, thanks to culture, we find different viewpoints for many of the challenges of the world. I duly remember the life story of Mahatma Gandhi and his principle of non-violence, which I strongly stand for. My country, Latvia, along with other bordering countries, also gained its independence through the non-violence movement – with the power of culture, with the power of music.
“I thank you all.”
Deputy Prime Minister of Nepal
“It is a great honor and privilege for me to have an opportunity to be a part of this massive World Cultural Festival. I cannot express in words my feelings about what I am witnessing at the bank of the Yamuna, in the beautiful city of New Delhi. It is not only massive, it is amazing.
“This gathering, once again from the land of the ancient civilization of India, has sent a message to the world that the world is one family –Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam. Thirty-five-years ago, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar established the foundation and through it, he has taught people all over the world the art of living. He has spread the message of love and harmony. So, this massive gathering, the manifestation of unity in diversity, is a fitting tribute to his contribution to world peace.
“Nepal, as the land of Rajarishi Janak, has sent a delegation of thousands who have joined this Festival to pay their respects to Sri Sri Ravi Shankar.
Chairman, Akhila Bharatiya Maha Sammelan
“It gives me tremendous happiness to witness a gathering like the Maha Kumbh and a small glimpse of the vast world gathered here today. I have personally known Gurudev for more than 40 years now. The way he has worked towards promoting an environment of peace, love, and brotherhood in the country and the world at large is really unparalleled and exemplary.
“People from all over the world are attending the event and I firmly believe that India, which was once regarded as a Vishvaguru, can once again regain that high pedestal by spreading the values and message of love and peace through the Art of Living. Whether in Iraq or Pakistan, or any country that we can name, he has personally travelled to so many crisis-affected areas where many others would fear to visit, and there he has ventured to spread his message of peace and harmony.
“This is worth emulating for us all. I am indebted to him from the bottom of my heart. On behalf of the Akhila Bharatiya Maha Sammelan and the entire Ayurveda community of India, I express gratitude to him for always giving guidance and direction for good health at all times.”
Minister of Culture of the Republic of Lithuania
“Culture is not like a shining ornament, culture binds societies and helps people overcome divisions. It is a country’s life blood, no less important than a nation's health or wealth. I therefore urge world leaders to establish individual rights over culture as a fundamental right. I also urge world leaders to establish diversity as the main principle of harmonious existence. The World Culture Festival is the greatest example of how culture and diversity can serve the needs of mankind. A one-world family has become the real spirit of this congregation.”
Cabinet Minister and Minister of Culture and Knowledge Development, United Arab Emirates
“The one-world family will be truly complete when everyone, everywhere finally understands the moral necessity of a culture of knowledge, understanding, kindness, and respect. That is the culture inherent in the vision of Sri Sri Ravi Shankar and his conviction that love and wisdom can prevail over hatred and violence. That is the culture enabled and supported by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
“We all know today that a culture of peace does not flourish easily. We all know that we may never wholly overcome every opponent of this important goal in our lifetime. But we have not gathered today at the World Culture Festival to surrender. Rather, we have come to celebrate our commitment to The Art of Living and an ever-growing one-world family. We have come to be inspired in our struggle towards that noble goal. This culture of peace and harmony was described by Mahatma Gandhi when he wrote that no culture can live if it attempts to be exclusive.
“The United Arab Emirates is one with Prime Minister Modi’s commitment and we are one with Sri Sri Ravi Shankar and the concept of a one-world family. When the founder of our nation, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, united the Emirates in 1971, he explicitly expressed his attitude towards the conduct of foreign relations. We have a duty as Heads of State and are responsible for our people and the way they deal with one another through the values of tolerance, compassion, and dialogue rather than confrontation, wars, and destruction.
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.
“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.”
Head of Sri Adichunchanagiri Mahasamsthana Matha, India
“Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar is rightly called the reconciler of all religions. Sri Sri has been promoting the essence of our philosophy and he has been striving to bring together the truth and essence of all the religions to our country too.
“Sri Sri Ravi Shankar Ji has been promulgating the essence of our spiritual traditions and he has been promoting the legacy of our culture. We have accepted globalization, privatization, and liberalization. Centuries ago, our philosophy has accepted and advocated the idea of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam – the whole globe is one family. Now it has come true and it has been realized through the efforts of Pujya Sri Sri Ravi Shankar Ji.”
Jagadguru Sri Veerasimhasana Math, India
“This is a unique global event, the first of its kind, where 1000s from 100s of countries have gathered to celebrate the rich and diverse lives and cultures of the world.
“I wish the Art of Living founder, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, in advance on the occasion of his 60th birthday. With his efforts in organizing the World Culture Festival, the misgivings among communities can be effectively dispelled and inter-community harmony established.
“The WCFhas a deeper undercurrent of bringing together diverse cultures and employing them for cultivating peace rather than using it as a tool for conflict.”
Senator from Pakistan and Vice President of Pakistan’s Peoples Party
“Good Afternoon, Namaste, Asalaam-alaikum, and greetings from Pakistan! At the beginning, I wish to thank Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar Ji and his wonderful family of the Art of Living movement that brings so many of us together in difficult times on our planet.
“I also wish to thank all those who have come here today in the spirit of unity, peace, and universal brotherhood. This is so important now because outside this wonderful theatre and stadium of cultural performances and cultural excellence, we see a world that is increasingly divided. Today’s conference and gathering, and this immense outpouring of love and unity, fostersfor us from Pakistana very important sense of regional community in this family of nations, especially with those of us from South Asia.
“South Asia cannot realize its potential as a trading, energy-connected block of people who can mobilize resources for those who are most vulnerable, for those who need shelter from the storm. You can see the storm gathering, the storm clouds at our doors today. Friends, the world today is a world where one out of seven human beings is a refugee from conflict, and conflict divides. Culture is the heart of a civilizational impulse.
“Religion and faith are also part of a civilizational impulse. They do not divide, they do not terrorize, they do not cut, and they do not create poles where people drift apart. They must not put people in boxes. Today’s event is a gathering that unites us in harmony. Cultural interventions are about the stories that we tell about each other. We bring the colors of our humanity to this kind of gathering and I hope that Pakistan, India, and all the nations represented here today can take the world into a future of peace, prosperity, and brotherhood. We come here with a message of peace and we hope that we can bring to you all the joys and prosperity that peace alone can bring.
“Thank you very much!”
Leader of the Opposition, Sri Lanka
“I am delighted to be attending the World Cultural Festival 2016 and the Global Leadership Forum. Today, we are gathered here to focus on the key issues that affect the contemporary world. Our world is diversified with many ethnic groups, religions, and castes; nevertheless, all of us belong to the human family that inhabits this planet. Thus, irrespective of various divisions, we must cohabit faithfully in order to achieve progress, peace, harmony, and prosperity.
“Kindness, understanding, generosity, and compassion are essential components in building a peaceful society. Our goal is to create a world wherein all its inhabitants live peacefully. Peaceful co-existence leads to prosperity. As responsible leaders and opinion makers, we must work hard to achieve this noble goal of peace.
“We congratulate the event organizers for organizing this marvelous event that can reach every living being in their own language. I express my sincere gratitude to His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar for extending me an invitation to attend this worthy cause. I wish all the very best for the future endeavors of The Art of Living.”
Senior Attorney and Rajya Sabha member, India
“We should learn to reduce human suffering as much as we can. That should be the principle object of our existence, and that is the highest religion that I can talk about. Please take care of those who are suffering from pain and who are not as happy as you.”
Tibet
“I urge Indians to pay more attention to their heritage and combine its values with science and technology to ensure greater benefit. Ancient Indian psychology is advanced and profound. Tibetans, as students of the Nalanda tradition, have derived great benefit from it.
“In ahimsa and inter-religious harmony, India sets an example for the rest of the world, and I believe the World Culture Festival is taking place in that spirit.”
Akal Takht Jathedar, India
“The Art of Living has reached a great milestone and achievement and Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar has achieved something great and remarkable in a very short span of 35 years – joined all of humanity as one.
“I urge everyone to connect to all of mankind in order to connect to God.”
Pastor of Providence Missionary Baptist Church, United States of America
“I would firstly like to thank God for our mutual love, our friendship, and our diversity.We come tonight as one family from all over the world. We come as one strong bond of brothers and sisters who have made the world a better place – as one people, praying and working together to remove fear, ignorance, and hate and replace them with love, hope, and trust. We are a good people."
Founder, Museum of World Religions, Taiwan
“I am very happy to be here and appreciate the work the Art of Living is doing to spread wisdom for the last 35 years. I think many human beings have benefited from the Art of Living programs. One of my cousins, who was the former Ambassador of Bhutan, is here with me today. He did the Art of Living course 20 years ago and is now teaching this to others.
“The Art of Living has benefitted many people, and many people have recovered from physical sickness and also from mental illnesses after undergoing Art of Living courses. So, I think big cities have an urgent need of this Art of Living programs, pranayama, and yoga treatment. This is very necessary forthe modern 21st century society.
“Love and compassion combined with wisdom are the key features of all religions. So today, I am very happy to see all religions together. I think if we use this love and compassion along with wisdom, we can treat all the sorrows of the world and solve all the problems as well. So I pray for Sri Sri Ravi Shankar Ji’s continued good health and hope he will continue this campaign all around the world. May all countries with different cultures benefit from this.”
Grand Mufti and 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 will make peace because God himself is peace. In our country, we have dreamed and spoken about the beauty of India and Indian civilization for centuries. That's why I beg God to keep us under His peace and let peace spread among us. From Mecca and Medina, the homeland of all holy prophets, and from Damascus, I salute India and its people.And to all the people over here, I salute you now.
“World peace will be spread all over.”
Islamic Scholar and Founder of Madani Trust, Pakistan
“Bismillah-e-Rehman-e-Rahim!
“We should all know this for a fact that all the problems and conflicts in this world can be resolved. Ignorance is the greatest problem the world faces today. All the knowledgeable and wise people have said this and today, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar Ji has also said the same thing – that the light of a lamp is only to spread brightness and not to set fire to the surroundings. So once this lamp of love and knowledge is lit, the false veil of negativity and ignorance burns and disappears. And when the veil lifts, then one realizes that everything is made up of the same divinity and there is no other.
“This is not the first time this is being said. All noble and wise souls have been saying this for ages past and have been striving to inspire many others to this path of spirituality. Each one of us ought to reflect and go deep within to realize that God dwells within each one of us. We need to promote the message of love and peace more and more.
“God always says that peace and compassion are the greatest of virtues. God never advocates or praises violence. For we are all essentially one and belong to God.”
Honorable Home Minster, India
“There has never been any cultural festival of this scale or magnitude in the world till today. With regards to Pujya Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar and the World Culture Festival, I would like to add that he has definitely worked to enhance and promote the cultural glory and pride of India in the whole world.
“He has worked tirelessly to spread the message of India’s culture to every corner of the world. One does not need to elaborate much on India’s glorious and rich cultural heritage. The greatest specialty of India’s culture is its broad vision and mindset. The sages and Rishis in India never limited their idea of a ‘family’ to only their own country’s citizens, rather they considered all the people of the world as their own family and have given the message of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam – the whole world is one family.
“The clear sign and proof of India’s broad vision and understanding is that all major religions and their diverse sects and traditions of the world are found in India alone. No other country in the world can make this claim.It is the message of peace and non-violence of this great country that Pujya Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar Ji is working to spreadeverywhere in the world. I believe there can be no greater worship and service of Mother India than this. There can be no greater service to humanity today than what Pujya Gurudev is engaged in.
“I can say with utmost conviction that if at all there is anyone who has upheld and promoted the honored tradition of the Rishis, then that personality is none other than Pujya Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar Ji.”
Founder, DevkaVidyapeeth and SandipaniVidyaniketan, India
“Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam! Because of the World Culture Festival, the 35th anniversary celebrations of The Art of Living Foundation, people from all over the world have gathered here today to showcase the art, culture, and musical traditions of their countries. The whole world appears to have come together here as a one-world family. I would take this opportunity to offer my salutations to Pujya Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar Ji, and congratulate him for this grand occasion.”
Honorable Minister for External Affairs, India
“At the outset, I would like to express sincere gratitude to Pujya Gurudev for transforming our city New Delhi into a global city! Yesterday, we saw people from many Indian states and also from so many countries of the world perform on one stage, and their amazing cultural, music, and art performances electrified the whole city of Delhi. At this festival, we are witnessing the discourses and speeches of different spiritual leaders who are showering their deep knowledge upon us. Present at the inter-faith meet were the Grand Mufti from Syria and the venerable Bishop Gunnar Stalsett, along with Sufi saints and the Shankaracharyas. Someone addresses in Arabic, someone in English, someone conveys their message in Chinese, and someone else in Hindi.
“Yet their message is one and the same, regardless of the language. This is why, today, I am reminded of a saying from our scriptures, Ekam sat viprabahudavadanti. It means that there is one truth only, yet the wise and knowledgeable ones express it differently in different words. People have come even from the crisis-torn and violence-affected countries of the world to attend this festival, such as the Grand Mufti from Syria and esteemed leaders from Iraq, Lebanon, and so on. People have come on this stage to deliver and support the message of peace, non-violence, and love even from those parts of the world that are still struggling with violence and bitter conflict.
“Dear Gurudev, the glory you have bestowed upon us all by organizing this grand World Culture Festival is without a second. You have centered the festival upon the most relevant and contextual subject today, which is truly the need of the hour for everyone, and by doing so, have brought greater pride to us all. Through this tremendous platform, you have elevated the glory and grandeur of yoga and Indian music, culture, and art.This is India’s soft power that we often refer to and use in political discussions. You have managed to bring together an unparalleled confluence of art and music in this momentous event. I once again express my deepest thanks to you Gurudev.”
Rome, Italy
“Greetings from Rome, greetings from the Pope!
“I note with great satisfaction that The Art of Living is celebrating its 35th anniversary this year. I would like to wish you all, and of course Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, many more years of growth in working towards promoting peace and human dignity.
“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. The Art of Living, over three and a half decades, 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.
“Buddhists, Hindus, Muslims, Jews, and of course people from the religion I share, Christianity, give an incredible testimony that the Art of Living helps people to get more in whatever faith or tradition they follow. Your work in promoting and fostering international peace within the religions and between the nations of the world based on the interior peace of human beings is to be commended most highly."
India
“As I witness the World Culture Festival unfold before my eyes, I cannot help but go back and remember the glory of Indian culture and our rich heritage. The credo for Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam once raised by India today seems to have become a visible reality in this grand confluence. Artists have come from different states and numerous provinces of India, and we also have so many artistes and performers from different countries of the world who have gathered here today to showcase their art and cultural excellence.
“There are so many communities and spiritual or religious traditions in the world today, and each of them has their unique significance, beauty, and relevance as per the place, time, and end purpose. When revered and holy spiritual traditions abandon their original purpose and get corrupted by limited political motives or other causes, then it begins to create cracks and divisions in the society as well. This phenomenon has been observed many times in the past as well as through the ages.
“I am extremely happy and moved to see the grand panorama of the World Culture Festival. Till date, I have never seen such a large gathering of mankind in one place. The founder of this festival, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar Ji, is a seeker and a Siddha belonging to this very Vedic tradition and he has done a lot to promote and preserve Indian culture everywhere. People from so many countries have gathered here today to participate in this grand event.
“I would also wish to confer my blessings and best wishes upon Sri Sri Ravi Shankar Ji, who has, through his tireless efforts, spread the message of Indian culture, which is that of love and peace in more than 150 countries. I pray that in the future too he continues to have an even greater success in organizing such grand events.”
Deputy Chief Minister, New Delhi, India
“It is a matter of great joy and my good fortune to witness so many noble souls and wonderful people from all across the world assembled here today for a grand and great cause. I strongly believe that you have blessed us all by arranging this divine congregation of saints and holy spiritual leaders from different parts of India and the many countries of the world.
“The whole world today is looking up to India, and this glimpse of the universality of Indian culture, the founding principle of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, has become a reality today before us in this august occasion of the World Culture Festival.”
Founder and Head of Tulsi Peeth, Mathura, India
“Every religion or spiritual tradition has had brilliant speakers and apostles to propagate and spread its message. However, there isn’t a particular designated apostle of the Vedic Sanatana Dharma, because even God is regarded as the follower of the same.
“The Indian culture is the most ancient of all civilizations and cultures and it is this culture that has given the legacy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam to the entire world. This cultural festival has clearly shown that the day is not far when India shall once again ascend to the exalted seat of being a Vishvaguru (Guru to the whole world) and shall give the message of peace and harmony to everyone everywhere. I would urge you all to protect, preserve, and take pride in our cultural wealth and legacy, and also to strive to realize that there is but one divinity within all beings everywhere.”
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"
“Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar has inspired volunteers in over 160 countries throughout the world. Conflict resolution, trauma relief, and transforming the educational system are paramount visions of Gurudev and the Art of Living.
“Gurudev's vision of Vasudaiva Kutumbakam (one-world family) is just beginning here at the WCF and this is the time to renew our commitment, our inspiration, and to move from here throughout the world, transforming one person, one family, one community at a time."
Deputy Governor of the Bungoma Region of Kenya
“I am very grateful to be a part of the Global Leadership Forum (GLF) and the WorldCultural Festival. We need to be one family and we need to spread this to each and every part of the world. What a great feeling to have people come from various parts and various continents of his world. It is a great testimony that we can be one family on this planet Earth."
Union Minister for Urban Development, Government of India
"Gurudev has been working tirelessly for universal peace and he has the capacity to mesmerize people and bring them together to work with dedication, devotion, and discipline.
“If we go and see the river Yamuna now, it is very clean and green. I hope that by spreading Gurudev’s message of love, harmony, and wisdom, many more minds will be transformed and the society and eventually the whole world will be cleansed and will become a better place. We should all join hands and move forward with this message.
“The dedication with which so many artistes and musicians have assembled here in their own traditional native attires to showcase their art and cultural heritage in such a dignified manner is commendable. I am also amazed at the volunteers of the Art of Living for the amount of work they have done silently and diligently despite the difficult times and violent reactions from some other people."
Former Prime Minister of Norway
“All of us present here today want to live in peace. We must all live in peace – peace with our neighbors, between nations, and across ethnic and religious borders.
“We all have several common values even with our diversities. We all believe in human dignity and consequently, human rights. We all believe in the idea of justice. We all believe in the idea of peace. So, let’s use dialogue, let’s listen to each other, understand and respect each other, and create an inclusive multicultural society all over the world, as you are doing here.
“India is a great nation and I bring greetings from Norway, a small but peace-loving country. Both India and Norway have adopted democracy. We both fight for human rights and this is the foundation for lasting peace. We all want to live in peace and harmony.”
Conservative Member of the Parliament, United Kingdom
“People say that no man can change the world, but we know that Sri Sri 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.
“The Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Mr. David Cameron, has asked me to give you a short message and he says:
- ‘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 works of promoting peace, harmony, and understanding between people of all different faiths, nationalities, and backgrounds.
- ‘I would like to also extend an invitation to Sri Sri Ravi Shankar to visit the United Kingdom, that he please visit us in the House of Parliament and in the House of Commons in the United Kingdom. I can assure him of a great welcome. London has a population of seven million. So we may not be able to achieve the number like here tonight, but we will certainly receive him with a very warm welcome.’”
Member of Parliament, Columbia
“Dear Gurudev, you have really showed us that we can live in harmony amid diversity. You gave all of us in Latin America a big lesson. You are bringing us closer to the idea of a one-world family.
“Gurudev's teachings have brought a lot of hope for the Columbian people. You have contributed to change the mindset of those who were creating war in Columbia. That is why, Gurudev, on behalf of the Columbian Parliament, and personally, I want to express my great admiration, gratitude, and love for you. I hope all your teachings manage to reach the rest of the world, so that we can all live in harmony and love.”
Member of the European Parliament
“This is one of the most impressive and most outstanding gatherings to take place in this whole world. I urge everyone to live the message of Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar. The world needs inspiration from India. I think yoga, meditation, and Ayurveda should be a world heritage that must be practiced everywhere, and then I think we would have a better world.
“I would like to extend my congratulations to Gurudev for signing The Global Coalition for Renewable Energies.
"Let’s all go away from this event much stronger, with new ideas and new friends. Let’s walk together to make the world a better place."
Member of European Parliament, representing UK
“The one-world family has developed amazing new tools to come together. The world has become smaller. Social media(through Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and so on) constantly drive an underlying sense of togetherness. A cycle of hopes and aspirations is in motion.
“Though we have terrorism, refugees, and so on, all these problems are solvable. So we have more work to do. We have one billion people more to remove from extreme poverty. We have to protect our environment we have to protect our water resources.
“I urge the gathering to take a pledge towards achieving this end.”
Union Minister for Communications and Information Technology, Government of India
“This is a vast, endless ocean of culture. There is no pollution here, instead a beautiful flow and display of culture before us. The environment here is not under any threat or disturbance. Here there are only smiles, happiness, and an exchange of world cultures. It really depends on what one wants to see!
“Lord Krishna began this once upon a time at the banks of the River Yamuna, but the tradition and values has continued to be so alive and intact even today. I have never seen such a vast sea of people in my life. The efforts made by Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar Ji has made it possible for people to come together from Argentina to Russia, from Kenya to Germany, from Nepal to Bangladesh, from Pakistan to Sri Lanka, from USA to Europe, and then of course India herself! This is true diversity.
“From the principles, the experiences, and the sheer environment you have helped rekindle and promote through this Maha Kumbh of the World Culture Festival, may the message of peace, compassion, and universal brotherhood spread far and wide. May we all walk together and always work towards bringing everyone together and bring greater peace and happiness to one and all.”
Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs, [Government of India]
“I am amazed at the short duration of 35 years in which people from so many countries around the world have been attracted to the Art of Living. This admirable and unparalleled effort that Gurudev has made is without a second and truly amazing.
“The strength and uniqueness of this is that many attempts were made to stop the World Culture Festival, but after seeing this scene here today, it seems clear that the environment too is very clean and beautiful and rejoicing too!"
“I feel that a country like India, that has the power and capacity to bring together and honor different cultures and civilizations of the world, is in itself the cradle of civilizations.
"It is a matter of pride that you have thought India worthy of hosting such a grand festival and this message of peace and harmony goes out from New Delhi to the entire world."
President, Bharatiya Janta Party, India
“After watching this program, not only India, but the entire world has been mesmerized. The whole world tries to come together through the medium of business and trade. But you, Gurudev, through the medium of culture, have made an extremely successful initiative to unite and bring the whole world together. This is so clearly proven and visible here today.
“I am convinced that in the times to come, this commendable initiative of the Art of Living will go down in the cultural history of the world in golden letters and will find a very unique place of its own in the annals of the history of the world. The World Culture Festival will forever be remembered as an event that hoisted the flag of Indian culture at the grandest pinnacle.
“For this grand initiative of the World Culture Festival, I personally congratulate and wish all the volunteers and members of the Art of Living family who have been engaged for many months. You have created a very successful event. I once again extend a special thanks to Pujya Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar from the bottom of my heart on behalf of the Bharatiya Janta Party and all its members across the country.”
Deputy Chairman of the Ruling Christian Democratic Party, Germany
“The previous World Cultural Festival was held in 2011 in Berlin and our Chancellor Angela Merkel then sent a message of peace and freedom to all participants. Now, coming from Berlin to the World Culture Festival, I would like to give my best wishes to India and to New Delhi.
“I wish that the spirit of Sri Sri, the spirit of this act of understanding, the spirit of this Festival will change the world in the days, months, and years to come. Let’s work together on this project of peace.”
Former President of Nigeria
“I come from Africa, the cradle of humanity. Over two hundred thousand years ago, humanity began in Africa. Most religions in the world believe in one God and one humanity. This is the commonality among all of us. But since the existence of humans in Africa, dispersion has taken place to Asia, to Europe, and later to America, and because of this dispersion, cultural differences have come about.
“When you look at what I have seen in the last three days over here—the dances, the music, the singing—you can see this similarity of culture in spite of the dispersion over thousands and thousands of years from Africa. We have so much that brings us together and so much that unites us as compared to the things that divide us in terms of the culture of the world.
“When there are differences, let’s continue to appreciate our culture, which this World Culture Festival has brought us to appreciate. Let’s dance, let’s sing, let’s make merry, let’s have fun, and let’s join hands and move forward together because that is the purpose of our existence in this world.”
Minister for Coal, New, and Renewable Energy, Government of India
“I felicitate and congratulate Pujya Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar Ji and thank him for giving India’s message of peace and harmony to the entire world through the platform of this colossal event – the World Culture Festival 2016.
“We have advocated the principle of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakamfor countless ages. We have always believed that the world is one family. All of us gathered here today, who have had the good fortune to participate and attend the World Culture Festival, should take this message of peace and a one-world family—treating all human beings as brothers and sisters—to all parts of the world. This message transcends religion, nations, and all other boundaries and binds humanity today.
“I would like to acknowledge and thank Pujya Gurudev for taking the message of clean energy and sustainable development and the mission to eliminate world poverty to a completely new level through the World Culture Festival. His message has reached the entire world loud and clear.”
Member of the Conservative Party, United Kingdom
“I would firstly like to congratulate all the performers and all the organizers and volunteers behind this amazing festival! We can all learn from one another. Duty, faith, and tolerance should be our guide. A world community of peaceful, free nations and a one-world family should be our aim."
Union Minister for Railways, Government of India
“In some part of India or other, every day or at least every month, we have some festival. The World Culture Festival is a very unique festival in which over 155 countries have come to participate. It is like looking at a mini United Nations. In the UN, you have the Security Council to look into and provide a secure future to the world. I think this festival is the best way to bring about security in the world by uniting different cultures and people from different backgrounds together.
“I am sure that when we go back home, we shall go back as a single entity, thinking of a common goal – peace for the whole world. I thank Gurudev for making this event possible. He has really become a global ambassador for peace, prosperity, and cultural unity. I look forward to many more such events taking place in India.”
Speaker of the Lok Sabha, India
“I marvel at the fact that though so many artistes in each ensemble have come from different parts of the country and the world, and were playing on instruments made in different places, the notes that came out were the exact same!
"I am very sure that a message of love will spread to the entire world. The message of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam and Krunvanto Vishwam Aryam – let us build an ideal, cultured and peaceful society – shall definitely go out into the whole world."
Chief Minister, New Delhi, India
“We have members of state, members of parliament, politicians, artists, and many other people gathered here today from over 155 countries to witness this huge gathering of humanity at one place. This is truly astonishing. More than 4,500 artists performed together on a stage spanning 7 acres – this is divine, this is amazing! This is only possible because of Gurudev and his efforts of spreading the message of peace and harmony through the medium of culture and spirituality to every part of the world. That is the reason so many people from different countries of the world have come here.
“In the world today, on one side you have people trying to create an environment of hatred and violence. But I strongly believe that violence cannot be cured by violence in turn. Violence and hatred can only be won over by love and peace.
“This is the very message that Gurudev is giving us all today through spirituality, and through his love and compassion. I wish to dearly congratulate Pujya Gurudev for having organized such a grand festival here and also thank him for inviting me to this event, because of which I got a chance to witness such a spectacular event.”
Spiritual leader and founder of The Art of Living, India
“A year back, when the thought came to me to organize the World Culture Festival, we visited this area and we felt that there was such bad odor in the area. People told me that when no one can stand in this area for more than five minutes, then how can we hold a three-day event?
“I told them, ‘It is our job to remove bad odor and spread fragrance everywhere.’ You all heard that voice and took up the challenge and the job to organize this event. All the volunteers in Delhi worked so hard, and despite many challenges never stopped working for the event.
“There is one more thing I want to share with you all. This stage on which we are all seated is unique in itself. There has never been a stage of this kind anywhere in the world.The foundation for this stage has not been dug deep into the ground. This stage of the World Culture Festival is a floating stage; there is no ground foundation laid for this stage. Many people fail to understand this, and they cannot conceive of such a stage. They often reason that if you have built a 40-feet-high stage, then the foundation for such a stage would have had to be deep into the ground. I tell them that Mother Earth has blessed and supported us as ifShe is supporting and upholding the stage in Her own hands!
“Then people said ‘Gurudev, it is very unsafe.’ I replied, ‘Do not worry, my dear. There is a power that is looking after everyone’s safety’.
“When we are strong and established from within, then we can provide safety and security to the whole world. When we are shaky inside, then we cannot do so. Our job is to unite the hearts and minds of everyone, and this we will continue doing with a smile. When nature posed some challenges in this process, then also it could not deter anyone from their enthusiasm.
“Yesterday, I told the organizers that we will close the event at 9 pm, but people continued to dance even in the drizzling rain post 9pm. This shows our hearts are in the right place and nothing can shake us. Our job is to move the world through love, compassion, dedication, and service. We had formed a reception committee that was honored by Hon’ble Mr. Boutros Boutros-Ghali when he accepted to be its chairman.
“Our Former Chief Justice, Mr. R.C. Lahoti, also became co-chair in the committee. Mr. Boutros Boutros-Ghali was the sixth Secretary General of the United Nations. On 16th February, he passed away from this world. Today, he is not with us in physical form, but his spirit is with us. Looking upon this grand event, I am sure he must be feeling so happy and pleased. We thank his family – we appreciate them and extend our warm greetings to them. It is unfortunate that some in the media commented on Mr. Boutros Boutros-Ghali, because a man of his stature should be honored. I request our journalists and media to be more sensitive to such issues.
“You may choose to throw a 100 stones my way, and I am ready to receive them all, for every stone will become a stepping stone to success. But when it comes to such eminent personalities, who are respected all over the world, we should extend great respect to them instead of addressing them with unfortunate titles and names such as ‘dead man’. This was pinching my heart for quite some time now, so I thought I should give this message through this platform, so that his family members get a sense of relief and peace. Some people may commit such mistakes, but India and so many countries in the world have very high respect for great personalities like Mr. Boutros Boutros-Ghali. We should all move forward with enthusiasm and take everyone together. We must thank all the committee members and all the volunteers who have worked so hard for the success of this event.”
Former Prime Minister of Nepal
“Seeing the participation and presence of people from around the globe at the World Cultural Festival, I feel that the Festival has been able to give life to a one-world family, which has been the objective of the Art of Living.
“I extend my gratitude to Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar and to all members of the Art of Living.”
WORLD CULTURE FESTIVAL PROGRAM
Event Details
WCF Venue: Grounds opposite Mayur Vihar Phase 1 Metro Station & Mayur Vihar Extension Metro Station, Delhi
Date: March 11-13, 2016
Timings: 5 PM onwards
GLF Venue: The Leela Ambience Convention Hotel (Formerly the Kempinski Ambience Hotel), Maharaja Surajmal Road, Near Yamuna Sports Complex, New Delhi, India - 110032
Date: March 12-13, 2016
Timings: 10 AM onwards
Event Schedule
Day 1
MARCH 11, FRIDAY
5 PM ONWARDSINAUGURATION OF THE WORLD CULTURE FESTIVALCULTURAL CELEBRATIONSKEYNOTE SPEECHESMeditationDay 2
MARCH 12, SATURDAY
10 AM - 1:30 PMGLOBAL LEADERSHIP FORUM5 PM ONWARDSINTERFAITH-MEETCULTURAL CELEBRATIONSKEYNOTE SPEECHESMeditationDay 3
MARCH 13, SUNDAY
10 AM - 1:30 PMGLOBAL LEADERSHIP FORUM5 PM ONWARDSVALEDICTORY FUNCTIONCULTURAL CELEBRATIONSKEYNOTE SPEECHESMeditationReception Committee
Chairperson
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
Mr. Lal Krishna Advani
Hon. Former Dy. Prime Minister, India
Mr. 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, Mr. 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. Former 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, 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.
WCF Speakers
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.
HRH Sheikh Nahyan bin Mabarak Al Nahyan is the Minister of Culture, Youth, and Community Development of UAE. He is the Chancellor of the UAE University, of the Higher Colleges of Technology, and of Zayed University. He has significant business and investment interests and supports many charitable institutions. He has also received many honors and 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
H.E. 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, and Foreign Minister and also as an 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.
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. 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.
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.
H.E. Mr. Herman De Croo
Minister of State/ Former Minister/ MP 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.
Mr. Geoffrey van Orden
Member, European Parliament, UK
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.
Dr. André Hahn
Member of the German Parliament
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.
Mr. Frank Heinrich
Member of the German Parliament
Frank Heinrich is a member of the German Bundestag with focus on Human Rights and Humanitarian Aid as well as 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. He is a studied theologian and social worker: he has been a Salvation-Army officer and head of the Salvation-Army in Chemnitz.
Mr Yonadam Yawsep Kanna
Member of the Iraqi National Assembly & Secretary GeneralAssyrian Democratic Movement - Iraq
Hon. Mr. Yonadam Kanna is a member of the Iraqi National Assembly. He is a member of the Iraqi Governing Council since 2003.
He served in the Kurdistan administration in Iraq, first in its regional assembly, then as minister for public works. He is the secretary general of the Assyrian Democratic Movement. 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. Ayoob Kara
Member of the Knesset, Deputy Minister for Regional Affairs, 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
Member of Parliament, Former Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science & Technology, Japan
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.
Ms. Yvonne Feri
National Councillor, Switzerland
Yvonne Feri is a member of the Swiss National Parliament and local councilor in Wettingen. She is active in a number of committees and is president of SP Frauen Schweiz. Aside from the day-to-day parliamentary work in the chamber and in committee, she advocates the humanitarian contribution Switzerland can make internationally and seeks to improve the equality and position of working women in Switzerland.
Ms. Neena Gill
Member of the European Parliament
Ms Neena Gill is Member of the European Parliament for the West Midlands, UK. She is full member of the Committee for Economic and Monetary Affairs, and substitute 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.
In her corporate stints, she worked as the Vice-President for Corporate Affairs in the SAS software company and was a CEO of two housing organisations. She graduated in Social Sciences, has a post-graduate professional qualification from the Chartered Institute of Housing, and is an alumnus of the London Business School.
Mr. Nirj Deva
Member of the European Parliament
Nirj has been a Member of the European Parliament for the past 12 years. 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. He is a Fellow of Britain’s Royal Society of Arts, Hon. Life President of the EU-India Chamber of Commerce, and Patron of the International Monarchist League.
Hon Mr. Shailesh Lakhman Vara
Member of Parliament, UK Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Work and Pensions
Hon. Mr. Shailesh Vara is a Justice Minister and a Minister in the Department for Work and Pensions in the UK Government. He was previously 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.
HH Dhamma Master Hsin Tao
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
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, Gurudev 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 Gurudev 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 Gurudev 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.
Gurudev 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
It is with great pleasure that I join everyone in honoring the 2016 World Culture Festival in New Delhi, India.
For 35 years, the Art of Living has widely spread its message of peace, humanitarianism, and cultural awareness. Their practice of inclusiveness and understanding is truly admirable, and we must all collectively strive to follow and promote these principles.
The World Culture Festival allows people from all across the world the chance to experience and celebrate diverse cultures in a respectful and positive atmosphere. I believe we are strengthened by our diversity, and I hope we all create new and lasting connections with people from other cultures and traditions, as we enjoy together the performances, discussions, keynotes and meditation.
Thank you to the organizers of this amazing event and to all of you who are in attendance to join in the festivities.
Mr. Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada
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
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.
Mr. Nechirvan Barzani, Prime Minister of Kurdistan Regional Government
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
“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
It gives me immense pleasure that ‘Art of Living’ foundation is organizing the ‘World Culture Festival’ from 11th to 13th March, 2016 in New Delhi.
The stresses and tensions of the modern life have taken a toll on us and the Art of Living, founded by Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankarji, has been serving the humanity for last 35 years by helping the individuals to get rid of stress and experience inner peace by offering breathing techniques, meditation and yoga. It is a matter of great pride that the Foundation has its strong foothold in several countries around the globe and has been relentless in spreading the message of peace across these communities.
The aims, objectives of the World Culture Festival are indeed laudable and praiseworthy, as it brings together different cultures of the world under one roof. The pioneering event will lead to a greater understanding of global diversity, instill human values among the younger generations, and will multiply avenues for promoting peace. I am sure the festival will unite the people from different cultures, nations and faiths as a One World Family, ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’, which is the fundamental philosophy of the Art of Living foundation.
I take pleasure in extending my heartiest felicitations to the Art of Living Foundation and my best wishes for grand success of the event.
Mr. Ravi Shankar Prasad, Minister of Communications & IT, India
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.
Mr. Laxmikant Parsekar, Chief Minister of Goa, India
I am glad to know that the Art of Living would be celebrating its 35th Anniversary and to mark this joyous occasion, World Culture Festival would be organized from 11 to 13 March 2016 in New Delhi.
Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar and the Art of Living has become a worldwide phenomenon. It has become an awakening of sorts with immense potential to rejuvenate and rekindle the best of thoughts and actions. I hope that the World Culture Festival organized as part of the 35th Anniversary of the Art of Living would underscore the need for humanity to preserve and cherish the goodness of oneness, peace, happiness and the will to overcome difficult times.
My prayers and warm felicitations to all associated with the Art of Living.
Mr. Oommen Chandy, Chief Minister of Kerala, India
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. Gurudev 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 Gurudev.
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
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.
Mr. Dominique de Villepin, Former Prime Minister of France
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.
Mr. Alojz Peterle, Former Prime Minister of Slovenia, Member of the European Parliament
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 Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar on this very happy occasion and wish Him and the Art of Living continued success.
Mr. Jigme Yoser Thinley, Former Prime Minister of Bhutan
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.
Mr. Jack Markell, Governor of the State of Delaware, USA
I would like to send a message of congratulations to The Art of Living foundation and especially its founder, His Holiness Gurudev 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, UK
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.
Mr. Glen Elmes, Member for Noosa – Queensland Parliament, Australia
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.
Ms. Yvonne Feri, Member of Parliament, Switzerland
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.
Mr. Frank Heinrich, Member of Parliament, Germany
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 Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, humanity gets a chance to strive for a better world.
Mr. Jo Leinen, 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, UK
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 Gurudev 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, UK
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 Gurudev 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
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, Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar for a great celebration.
The Rt. Hon. Keith Vaz, Member of Parliament, UK
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.
Mr. Rabin S. Baldewsingh, Deputy Mayor of The Hague, Netherlands
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 Gurudev 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, House of Lords, UK
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, House of Lords, UK
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.
The Lord Loomba, CBE, Founder and Chairman Trustee, The Loomba Foundation, UK
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, Member of London Assembly, UK
India has the world’s oldest as well as largest traditional systems of medicine which predate the age of Kaliyug.
Indian Traditional Sciences are holistic medicines of India. The ultimate aim of these spiritual sciences: Ayurveda, Jyotish, Sangeet, Siddha, Vastu and Yoga is to promote disease-free good health and that preventative measures are better than having to find a cure. They are philosophy of life, spiritual knowledge, holistic and scientific processes to transform the mind and body.
On behalf of the All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Indian Traditional Sciences, I congratulate the efforts of Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar’s commitment to the advancement of Sciences within the Indian Traditions.
Along with The Lord Rana MBE, Bob Blackman MP, Matthew Offord MP, and together with Amarjeet-Singh Bhamra (Lead Secretariat of the APPG Indian Traditional Sciences) who will be joining me at the celebrations of the Foundation’s 35th year Festival in Delhi, India in March 2016, I congratulate especially its founder HH Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar.
The Lord Stone of Blackheath, Vice Chairman, All Party Parliamentary Group on Indian Traditional Sciences, UK
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 Gurudev 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 Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar to ‘see a smile on every face’ become a reality in our lifetime.
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, UK
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
Programs at the International Center, Bangalore, India
The Art of Living offers various unique programs to enhance an individual’s true potential, promote harmony, encourage good health, uphold ancient values that are relevant to the times, and create that general sense of well- being that is so vital in the world today. From children to young adults, energetic youths to working professionals, housewives to CEOs, each of the many programs offers something for everybody. The World Culture Festival (WCF), envisioned to be an event like none other, is set to commence and end with a series of such special programs to be held in the pristine environs of the organization’s international center in Bangalore, India.
You can write to ashramprograms@worldculturefestival.in for more details on all the programs listed below.
Shakti Kriya
Requirement: 1 part 2 ( Art of silence )
Please note:
International Participants
Please note that, for all International donations you will be redirected to www.ssrt.org.in.
Please note that, only overseas Credit / Debit cards will be accepted during the registration.
An international participant is an NRI (Indian passport holder non-resident in India) or a non-Indian passport holder. A participant with dual citizenship with India is considered an international unless the participant is resident in India over 12 Months.
How to reach WCF venue
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- There are 13 Entry and Exit Gates.
- Gate No 10 11 12 13 General Devotee Entry - No Pass
- Gate 1 - 8 Gate Entry & parking with Pass
Entry guidelines @ Gates Mayur Vihar P-1 Mayur Vihar Ext. New Ashok Ngr no’s 10 11 12 13
- There are 2 Pontoon Bridges Length 300mtrs
- There are 190 different stalls to visit, with 10 stalls in each pockets.
- Art of living will be having different information stalls too.
- After every pocket.
- These booths will be placed inside every pocket, for any medical emergency please call on Medical emergency helpline Number -9210510510.
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A2 A3 –Orange Pass with Sofa A1 –Blue for Media A1 –Blue for Media A4-Yelow with Sofa B1 –White for artists B4-Yellow with sofa\chair A-7 Silver for internationals B-7 Silver for internationals C-9 Silver for internationals- There will be signs on each Grid for sitting arrangement guidelines.
- Each enclosure will have different stalls.
- Sri Sri Ayurveda,SSRDP,DSY,Sumeru publications & travels etc.
- We should encourage people to visit these stalls and encourage them to donate for DSY & SSRDP.
- We should encourage people to go to Ayurveda stalls and purchase products.
- Access with Red Pass, Stage pass & invitees.
- Back Stage: Restricted and highly secured area with parking access with car pass.
- There will be separate green rooms, Lounge and dining rooms for artists and lunch dinner will be served to artists.
- All artists will get entry from Gate-9(On right side of stage)
- There will be separate green rooms, Lounge and dining rooms for artists and lunch dinner will be served to artists.
- All artists will get entry from Gate-3,Sun Dial (on left side of stage)
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- Registrations for GLF and GYLF are closed now.
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 Gurudev 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 Gurudev 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 Gurudev.
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. Gurudev 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 venue clean-up
Before leaving for Bangalore, Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar reached the Yamuna banks and inspected the ongoing cleaning operations at the venue. He also instructed the teams on further course of action for the next 1 month.
Currently, carpets are being rolled and chairs are being stacked. The cleanliness operations will take about one month. Gurudev also appreciated the public for not littering the place.
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