Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar Calls Upon Naxals To Drop Weapons, Work With The Art of Living In Chhattisgarh

Raipur: Praising Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar's extensive work in uplifting the lives of millions, Vishnu Deo Sai, Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh, on Tuesday, said, “Through The Art of Living and Sudarshan Kriya, Gurudev is bringing positive transformation to the lives of millions, not just in India but across the world. There was a time when meditation and yoga were being overlooked, but Gurudev revitalised them.”

The Chief Minister also informed about an important MOU between the Government and The Art of Living. He said, “A significant MoU has been signed between the Chhattisgarh government and The Art of Living. It is our privilege that, with Gurudev's blessings, extensive work will be carried out in the coming times in key areas such as rural development, water conservation, women’s empowerment, education, de-addiction, sanitation, and livelihood generation.”

Gurudev called upon the naxals to drop the path of violence and work together for the development and glory of the state, taking their ideals to fruition, at the Mahasatsang held at Science College Grounds, attended by thousands of devotees, including people from 200 nearby villages.

Also read: Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar Unveils Sacred Somnath Jyotirlinga Relics in Bihar, Receives Grand Welcome

"The youth in Naxal-affected areas are my very own," Gurudev shared, “They carry pain in their hearts, dreams in their eyes, and strong ideals that have led them to take this path of violence. I believe they are courageous, full of spirit, and have a deep passion for bringing change to society. They, too, desire the progress of all and have chosen Naxalism, putting their lives at stake with that intent.”

Inviting them to join the mainstream Gurudev said, "From this very platform, I call upon all these young people to come and work together to make Chhattisgarh and India shine. When you join the mainstream, we will stand by you. You will lack nothing in this country. Every village will have water, electricity will reach every home, education and training facilities will be available, and employment opportunities will be created."

In the morning, the groundbreaking ceremony for the upcoming Art of Living's Center of Excellence was held in the city, where Minister of Finance, Govt of Chattisgarh Shri OP Chaudhary was present, and met up with Gurudev after the ceremony.

In yet another important move that is set to bring happiness back to campuses and create a stress-free environment for students to thrive in; develop better emotional balance, and mental clarity; and learn tools to handle life situations, The Art of Living also entered into five major MOUs with leading educational institutions in the state including Brahmavid-The Global School, Pramila Gokuldas Daga College for Girls; Bhilai Institute of Technology, RAIPUR; Shri Rawatpura sarkar University, Raipur; and Gracious College, Raipur.

The story of the Sacred Somnath Jyotirlinga relics

The mystical and powerful relics, unveiled by Gurudev, were part of the original Somnath Jyotirlingam, which was destroyed by Mahmud of Ghazni in 1026 CE. Believed to have been lost in time, they have resurfaced after a thousand years. In a particularly difficult time for the civilization, the grieving and devout Agnihotri Brahmins carry the fragments of the Lingam with them to the South of India. They were safely preserved for generations by the families of the Brahmins in full secrecy so that one day they could return to their rightful place. Finally, it came into the care of the family of Pandit Sitaram Shastri Ji. "You should take them to Gurudev in Bengaluru. He is a Mahatma. He will help you with its consecration," Shastriji was instructed by the Kanchi Shankaracharya.

Also read: IN PICS: Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar Unveils Sacred Somnath Jyotirlinga Relics in Bihar, Receives Grand Welcome