Bangalore: International spiritual leader and humanitarian Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, will guide a live World Meditation on Saturday (December 21), following the unanimous adoption of the United Nations General Assembly Resolution declaring 21 December as World Meditation Day.
The historic event establishes an annual global celebration of meditation, recognizing its transformative benefits for mental and physical health, as well as its power to foster peace and unity.
Permanent Mission of India to the United Nations in New York is marking the first-ever World Meditation Day at the United Nations headquarters on December 20, 2024. The commemorative event at the United Nations will feature a keynote address by Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar. This momentous occasion, themed “Meditation for Global Peace and Harmony,” would mark the First World Meditation Day.
“The recognition of meditation by the United Nations is a profound step forward,” said Gurudev. “Meditation nurtures the soul, calms the mind, and offers a solution to modern challenges,” he added.
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar is renowned for his pioneering efforts in stress relief and conflict resolution. He will address global dignitaries, including senior UN leaders, diplomats, and international representatives, underscoring meditation’s critical role in fostering peace and unity.
On December 21, Gurudev will host a worldwide live stream, uniting millions in meditation to mark the Winter Solstice—an auspicious time for reflection and renewal.
The unanimous adoption of World Meditation Day by the UN General Assembly is a bold acknowledgement of meditation’s capacity to address the challenges of modern life—from rising stress and violence to the erosion of trust and connection in society.
Gurudev, who has dedicated 43 years to spreading the benefits of meditation across 180 countries, believes it is the most effective tool to cultivate mental clarity, emotional resilience, and societal harmony.
Gurudev’s belief in the transformative power of meditation is evident in his peace-building efforts across the globe. Gurudev has mediated and progressed peace negotiations in conflict-stricken regions such as Sri Lanka, Iraq, Venezuela, and Colombia, where he is credited with playing a pivotal role in ending the 52-year-long conflict between FARC and the Colombian government.
In India, he made a significant contribution to mediating the sensitive 500-year-old Babri Masjid-Ram Mandir conflict. His approach of fostering dialogue and understanding among diverse communities highlighted how meditation cultivates clarity, compassion, and resilience in even the most divisive situations.
Sr Sri emphasizes that meditation not only calms the mind but also provides a higher perspective, empowering leaders and communities to transcend entrenched divisions and work toward lasting peace.
From geopolitical conflicts to personal crises, meditation offers a universal solution that transcends boundaries of nationality, culture, and belief. By integrating inner peace with outer action, it serves as a cornerstone for global peace-building efforts
