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Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, the founder of The Art of Living Foundation, and spiritual leader to many, was bestowed the Government of Colombia’s highest civilian award June 24 in Bogota, Colombia. Fabio Raúl Amín Saleme, president of the House of Representatives of the Congress of Colombia presented the ‘Orden de la Democracia Simón Bolívar’ to Shankar in recognition of the Foundation’s work in Colombia but also to honor his work around the world.
India’s Prime Minister Narendra took to Twitter to congratulate Shankar saying, “We are very proud of the excellent work @SriSri ji is doing across the world. His noble efforts have always created a major impact globally.”
Shankar dedicated the award to those working for non-violence. “When the conflict is between justice & peace it is a humongous task to reconcile the two. Only a spiritual dimension can ease the situation,” Shankar is quoted saying in a release from the Foundation. He also said he would continue his work in the strife torn country of Colombia.
“Your commitment in Colombia for more than eight years compels us to recognize your achievements in peace matters in our overwhelmed nation, and to thank you for the undeniable presence of The Art of Living in our country,” Saleme said in an earlier letter to Shankar. The president of the Colombian Congress specifically mentioned the Sudarshan Kriya meditation which The Art of Living Foundation has taught to thousands of Colombians over the 8 years it has operated there.
“Through this institution (The Art of Living), many have found an antidote to the stress they are undergoing daily, by practicing yoga and breathing techniques,” Saleme said. Even amidst a 50-year-old conflict, the South American country of Colombia salutes the power of peace, the Foundation said in its release.
Among the courses it conducts in Bogota are Sri Sri Yoga and the Happiness Program. All courses aim at improving lifestyles and include the young and old, with yoga classes specifically directed to teens, and to anger management, among others, according to the Foundation’s Colombian website. “We invite you to keep helping us in the construction of a more inclusive and less violent society, where we can accept one and other,” Saleme is quoted saying in the release.
The Art of Living Foundation has branches in numerous countries stretching from Mongolia to Latin America, including several in the U.S. Shankar established the Foundation in 1981 and today it operates in 152 countries, the website says.
Shankar who is currently on a tour of South America, will also be the first India spiritual leader to receive the degree of Grand Officer from the Andean Parliament which is the highest award from the Andean Parliament in Lima, Peru. He was also scheduled to receive the Diploma of Honor of the National Congress of Peru for his social work and endeavors to bring peace.
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