Kamal Ghorui
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday visited the The Art of Living Foundation International Center in Bengaluru to mark 45 years of the organisation and participate in commemorative events.During the visit, PM Modi inaugurated the Dhyan Mandir, described as a large meditation space designed to host collective meditation and spiritual practice. He also launched a series of nationwide service initiatives focused on education, environment, healthcare, rural development and youth empowerment.Speaking at the event, PM Modi said, “Today, the divine and powerful meditation temple has been inaugurated. When the resolve is clear and the work is done in the spirit of service, every effort bears fruit.”He added that the Dhyan Mandir would serve as a place of peace for future generations, expressing confidence that it would become a centre for meditation and reflection.In his address, he described spiritual well-being as an important part of nation-building and said initiatives promoting yoga, meditation and mental health contribute to building a stronger society. PM Modi also highlighted the role of youth in India’s development and pointed to the country’s progress in technology, startups and space exploration.“A developed India will be built by youth who are mentally calm, socially responsible and sensitive towards society. Spiritual well-being, mental health, yoga and meditation have a very important role in this journey,” he said. He also emphasised the importance of public participation in governance, saying that society plays a crucial role in the success of any government.In his remarks, spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar welcomed PM Modi and spoke about India’s recent progress and growing global standing. He said the country had witnessed a transformation in confidence and development in recent years.The Art of Living Foundation announced a range of expanded programmes during the event, including environmental initiatives, rural development projects, digital literacy drives, prison reform efforts and women’s empowerment programmes. According to the organisation, these initiatives aim to reach communities across India through education, health services and skill development.The event was attended by several dignitaries, including Union ministers, governors and public representatives, along with participants from multiple countries as part of the organisation’s anniversary celebrations.The Art of Living Foundation, founded in 1981, runs programmes focused on meditation, stress relief, education and social service activities across more than 180 countries.
