Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar advocates for peace between India and Pakistan, contingent on Pakistan’s cessation of terrorist activities. He emphasizes global unity, the significance of inner peace, and critiques happiness rankings while proposing enhanced measures for youth emotional well-being. His teachings highlight community values and meditation as key to happiness.
Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, a prominent humanitarian and founder of the Art of Living Foundation, expressed hope for peace between India and Pakistan, contingent on Pakistan’s commitment to ending terrorism. He stated, “India and Pakistan should become good friends and become peaceful, provided Pakistan shuns terrorism. You can’t encourage terrorism on one hand and try to be peaceful on the other hand.” He made these remarks during a press conference on March 20, 2025, in Washington, D.C.
In discussing global conflicts, Gurudev underscored the necessity for leaders to adopt a holistic vision aimed at securing a better future for young people worldwide. He emphasized, “We are not in isolation now. The world is connected. We are one human family. So that global vision of every leader should be to bridge gaps, and conflicts on small things should all be resolved through dialogue.”
Drawing inspiration from Mahatma Gandhi’s principles of nonviolence, Gurudev noted that he learned from those who had directly worked with the renowned leader. He stated, “I have never seen Mahatma Gandhi. He had gone long before I was born. But the people who stayed with him, who lived with him, were my inspiration.”
Commenting on the World Happiness Report, Gurudev noted that Finland’s high ranking reflects its citizens’ security and low anxiety levels. He remarked, “People in Finland are safe and secure. They don’t worry about themselves; they worry about the other parts of the world.” He criticized India’s lower ranking and asserted that it could rank significantly higher based on its human values and communal spirit.
Gurudev encouraged broader surveys of happiness that include rural areas, recognizing progress in states like Bihar. He highlighted that stress is a primary cause of unhappiness and affirmed that inner peace is essential for happiness. “A stressed person can never be happy,” he underscored.
At the World Happiness Summit, Gurudev challenged India’s ranking in the happiness index, arguing that India’s social fabric shows resilience in comparison with war-torn nations. “A government’s agenda should not only be to provide shelter and food to people but to ensure that they are happy,” he stated, emphasizing community solidarity over poverty.
Expressing concern about American youth’s rising issues related to aggression and emotional wellbeing, Gurudev proposed wellness programs to effectively equip young individuals with the means to manage their emotions. He indicated the establishment of meditation programs in universities across the United States.
Moreover, Gurudev participated in a discussion with Harvard professor Arthur Brooks, where he offered insights on several topics, including the essence of meditation, the nature of love, and how suffering can cultivate empathy. He highlighted that “meditation is about seeking truth” and elaborated on finding spiritual depth amidst conventional distractions.
Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar advocates for greater peace between India and Pakistan, stressing the importance of eliminating terrorism. He encourages a global vision of unity where disputes are resolved through dialogue and compassion. Emphasizing happiness, he distinguishes between physical welfare and emotional wellbeing, drawing attention to the power of community and meditation in enhancing quality of life. His insights reflect a holistic approach to happiness, urging leaders to prioritize emotional health in their agendas.
Original Source: newsindiatimes.com
