~ DAY 1: February 17th 2006
The spiritual leaders
The celebrations began with a Ganapati Homa, adhering to the dictum of the Hindu faith where every auspicious occasion starts with invoking Lord Ganapati. The Ganapati Homa (a ceremony performed by Hindu priests to Lord Ganapati also known as Lord Ganesha) was attended by over one hundred religious leaders from the Hindu, Sikh, Jain and Zoroastrian communities.
As the evening celebrations commenced, His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar personally welcomed every spiritual master and dignitary on the stage.
Present were over 150 saints and religious leaders from all of the world's major faiths such as Asaramji Bapu, Jagadguru Shankaracharya, Swami Ramdevji Maharaj, Swami Dayanand Saraswati, Archbishop of Bangalore, Maulana Jameel Ahmed Ilyasi - President of the All India Organisation of Imams of Mosques, Dhamma Master Tsin Tao and Rabbin Abraham Cooper.
There were representatives from the Hindu, Muslim, Christian, Jewish, Sikh, Jain and Zoroastrian communities. Many of them reinforced the need for a broader understanding of the common values across religions and for the peaceful resolution of the world's conflicts. They paid tributes to His Holiness and the work done by the Art of Living and its millions of volunteers.
" He (Sri Sri) has blessed the world like the sun " said Swami Ramdevji Maharaj.
The politicians
Slovenian President Dr. Janez Drnovsek was the first guest of honour to address the audience. He opened by stating that all people are connected to each other, and that we must strive together for a better world. He called for a peaceful way to resolve disputes in the world.
"There is still too much violence and poverty in the world. Peace must be ensured everywhere, and in India you have a great tradition in this. Mahatma Gandhi said that things can be changed by peaceful means. And if it worked for him, we too can change the world today in a peaceful way and without violence. This is something that can be attained by all of us together who think in the same way... "
"
We all know that happiness is not brought by riches and money, but by helping others, since in this way we also help ourselves. In this way all people could live in peace with themselves and with others. "
He commended the work of His Holiness and the Foundation "You have done a great deal. I hope you will continue - but not alone. We can do this together. "
His Excellency Shri T N Chaturvedi, Governor of Karnataka, said His Holiness' teachings were more relevant in the present day world affected by terrorism and other evils.
"The entire world in miniscule is represented here. Sri Sri Ravi Shankarji has enabled every man and woman to acquire peace so that he can really contribute to world peace and the welfare of mankind. His is the message of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, message of harmony - peace within and without."
Chief Minister of Karnataka, H.D. Kumaraswamy, said His Holiness' teachings could unite the world.
Some of the other politicians present included the Chief Minister of Karnataka, Governors of Maharashtra and Gujarat, Shri Yediyurappa of the BJP party, and Deputy Chief Minister and leader of the opposition in Karnataka, Shri Dharam Singh.
His Holiness also received the Russian First Grade Peter the Great Medal from the Russian Federation Academy of Security, Defence and Law Enforcement in Russia.
A member of Parliament of Moscow city praised the commendable work the Art of Living has done in Russia for children, the armed forces and prisoner rehabilitation. In her acknowledgement of His Holiness' work, she said, "..you have tirelessly traveled the world over carrying your message of love. Today the world has come to you."
