The Art of Living celebrated their founder and spiritual guru Sri Sri Ravi Shankar's birthday worldwide with service activities
Volunteers across the country conducted blood donation camps, medical camps, food distribution drives, tree plantation and cleaning drives benefiting citizens as birthday greetings for the humanitarian leader poured in from around the world.
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi greeted Gurudev on Twitter, wishing that he ‘continue to serve society with the same passion and dedication for years to come’.
The country’s ancient heritage was celebrated on the occasion through performances by Indian musical maestros and yoga masters.
Indian music exponents including Pandit Santhosh Sant and Pandit Ronu Majumdar on the flute, Pandit Anindo Chatterjee and Anubrata Chatterjee on the tabla, Purbayan Chatterjee on the sitar and Sivamani on the drums performed to mark the launch of a classical music album.
“'Ananta' - Maestros of India” is one of the largest compilations of Indian Music with featuring 30 musicians performing on original Art of Living compositions. The proceeds from the album will be utilized for the cause of free education for children initiated by Art of Living.
Speaking at the album launch, celebrated drummer Sivamani said, “I am extremely happy and delighted to be here at the Art of Living International Centre on Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar's 60th birthday. I am glad that this kind of music is still alive and will inspire the coming generations towards classical music.”
Gurudev was also bestowed the 'The BrandLaureate Hall of Fame-Lifetime Achievement Award 2016' by the Asia Pacific Brands Foundation for his service to humanity as part of his vision of a violence-free and stress-free world.
“I have never seen a birthday being celebrated with such a multitude of people. Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar is a man of great honor, character, and integrity. He has benefited millions through his selfless contribution. He is creating a better world for us. He is sharing his life with all of us, bringing peace and unity all over the world, "said Dr. KK Johan, President of BrandLaureate Foundation.
Previous recipients include late H.E. Nelson Mandela, Hillary Clinton, Steve Jobs, Sir Ratan Tata, Nobel Laureate Paul Krugman, Ben Bernanke, and Philip Kotler.