PM Modi at Art of Living’s 45th Anniversary: Service, Spirituality, and the Path to Viksit Bharat
Prime Minister Narendra Modi participated in the 45th Anniversary Celebrations of The Art of Living Foundation in Bengaluru on May 10, 2026, simultaneously marking the 70th birthday of founder Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar. The Prime Minister inaugurated the newly constructed Dhyan Mandir, a grand Meditation Temple, at the Art of Living International Centre, describing it as a sanctuary of peace and healing for future generations. As Vedic mantras chanted by children filled the atmosphere alongside the darshan of Lord Ganesha, the event showcased Bengaluru’s unique dual identity: a city known worldwide for software and services that has also taken India’s cultural identity, spirituality, and spiritual consciousness to new heights.Reflecting on the auspicious occasion, Modi described these moments as unforgettable: the convergence of Vedic welcome, sacred darshan, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar’s 70th year, and Art of Living’s 45th anniversary. “When resolve is clear and work is done with the spirit of service, then every effort yields pleasant results,” the Prime Minister asserted during the Meditation Temple inauguration. Tracing yoga, meditation, and pranayama as integral parts of India’s values, he noted how people across the world are influenced by India’s spiritual heritage, with many institutions drawing inspiration from these ancient values.Seva Paramo Dharma: Service as India’s Unifying ForcePrime Minister Modi recalled how Sri Sri Ravi Shankar sowed the seed of Art of Living 45 years ago, which has now grown into a huge banyan tree whose thousands of branches touch countless lives globally. Highlighting India’s diversity in languages, traditions, and customs, he posed what binds these together: “The answer is living not for oneself but for others.” Quoting ancient Purana wisdom, Modi emphasized that serving others is a virtue while causing pain is a sin. “Seva Paramo Dharma is the natural character of our society,” he affirmed, recognizing how Art of Living’s volunteer network has consistently channeled society’s strength through tree-planting campaigns, rural smart village centers, women’s and tribal empowerment, and mental health programs for incarcerated individuals. Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar reflected on the foundation’s journey, stating, “The sign of a healthy society is to see a smile on every face. That is the goal we have been working toward for 45 years.” He recalled the organization’s inclusive foundations, noting former Chief Justices Justice P.N. Bhagwati and Justice V.R. Krishna Iyer among its first trustees.Society’s Power Beyond Politics: The Swachh Bharat ModelStressing that societal engagement is essential for mission success, Modi emphasized that awakening social strength is fundamental to achieving important goals. “No government can succeed unless society itself actively participates in nation-building,” he said, citing Swachh Bharat as exemplary. “Our Swachh Bharat Abhiyan is not just a government programme, but it has become a natural part of people’s lives; now, it is advancing driven by the strength of society,” Modi observed, demonstrating how the sanitation mission transformed from a government programme into a grassroots movement.Viksit Bharat Through Mentally Peaceful, Socially Responsible YouthCommending youth empowerment, Modi emphasized its urgency given rapid global transformations driven by scientific advancement. He observed that India is not merely participating but leading in digital payments, infrastructure, startups, and space technology. “India is not just participating in this change; it is also leading in many areas,” he asserted. Acknowledging technology’s power to connect distant individuals, Modi stressed the parallel necessity of strengthening people’s ability to connect with themselves. “A Viksit Bharat will be built through such youth, mentally peaceful, socially responsible, and sensitive toward society,” he asserted, connecting spiritual practices to national development.The realization of Viksit Bharat will only be possible through youth who are mentally calm, socially responsible, and sensitive towards society, Modi emphasized, linking yoga, meditation, and pranayama to national progress.Natural Farming and Mission LiFE: Art of Living ExtendedModi urged Art of Living to connect farmers with natural farming practices, framing sustainable agriculture as an expression of the philosophy. “Adopting natural farming and saving Mother Earth from chemicals, this too is the Art of Living,” he affirmed. He encouraged expanding the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” campaign, improving water management through “Per Drop, More Crop,” and promoting electricity conservation, elimination of single-use plastics, and locally produced goods under Mission LiFE. “Protecting the environment is also Art of Living,” and “Saving every drop of water is also Art of Living,” he stated, connecting environmental stewardship to spiritual practice.Conclusion: A Collective Journey to Developed IndiaThe 45th anniversary, coinciding with Sri Sri Ravi Shankar’s 70th birthday, reaffirms India’s wisdom that Seva Paramo Dharma, service is supreme duty, and that Viksit Bharat will be built by mentally peaceful, socially responsible youth. As Art of Living’s thousands of branches touch lives globally, its journey from seed to banyan tree exemplifies how spiritual movements create sustainable transformation through service. In Bengaluru, where software meets spirituality, Modi’s participation sent a powerful message about comprehensive development encompassing material progress and inner well-being. As India moves toward Viksit Bharat 2047, Art of Living offers a model for how spiritual institutions contribute through service, environmental stewardship, youth empowerment, and cultivating responsible citizens, building a happier, healthier, peaceful society.
Maha Shivaratri 2026: Significance, Rituals, and Grand Celebrations Across India
Coimbatore/Bengaluru/Bhubaneswar – Maha Shivaratri, one of Hinduism’s grandest festivals, falls on February 15, 2026, drawing millions worldwide to honor Lord Shiva—the Adi Yogi, destroyer of ignorance, and cosmic dancer, during the 14th night/15th day of Phalguna’s dark half. This “Great Night of Shiva” symbolizes Shiva’s triumph over poison (Halahala from Samudra Manthan, earning him Neelkanth), his Tandava Nritya, or marriage to Parvati, with natural planetary alignments amplifying spiritual energy for kundalini awakening and inner transformation.As Sadhguru notes, staying awake vertically harnesses nature’s forces for profound physical and spiritual well-being, making it a pivotal night for meditation amid modern stresses.Why and When it is Celebrated?Rooted in myths like Shiva consuming cosmic poison to save creation or manifesting as infinite light (Jyotirlinga), the festival occurs on the year’s darkest, moonless night, ideal for overcoming tamas (inertia). Devotees fast from dawn on February 15 (parana post-sunrise February 16), seeking ego dissolution, health, and moksha. Yogic texts highlight their role in aligning chakras naturally.Core Rituals: How and WhatAll-night jaagran (vigil) from ~6 PM to dawn unfolds with layered practices:Abhishekam & Rudrabhishekam: Bathe Shiva Lingam with milk, honey, curd, ghee, gangajal, sugarcane juice, and bilva patra (sacred leaves mimicking Shiva’s trishul for triple potency).Puja Steps: Mangal aarti, Panchamrit snan, chanting “Om Namah Shivaya,” Shiva Chalisa, Mahamrityunjaya Mantra; midnight Nishita Kaal peak.Fasting & Offerings: Sattvic fruits, thandai (non-bhaang), bhang for some; regional flair like Maharashtra dhuni fires, Gujarat garba, or Tamil Nadu theerthavari.Fun fact: Bilva’s trifoliate shape triples puja merits; many do 108 bilva circumambulations.Jyotirlingas and Iconic TemplesThe 12 Jyotirlingas, self-manifested fiery lingams, pulse with fervor, expecting crores:JyotirlingaLocation2026 HighlightsSomnathGujarat (Veraval)Seafront processions; Dwadash Yatra start.MallikarjunaAndhra (Srisailam)11-day Brahmotsavam, midnight abhishekam. wikipedia+1MahakaleshwarMP (Ujjain)Dawn Bhasma Aarti; south-facing swayambhu. OmkareshwarMP (Khandwa)Narmada parikrama rituals. BaidyanathJharkhand (Deoghar)Kanwar yatra vibes. TrimbakeshwarMaharashtra (Nashik)Godavari holy dips.KedarnathUttarakhandGhee lingam post-hibernation. Kashi VishwanathUP (Varanasi)Ganga aarti spectacles. Bhimashankar, Rameswaram, Nageshwar, GrishneshwarVariousRudra jaap marathons. Other gems: Lingaraja Temple (Bhubaneswar) chariot pulls; Pashupatinath (Nepal) massive mela.Spiritual Centers’ Grand EventsIsha Foundation (Coimbatore Yoga Center): Sadhguru’s spectacular all-night celebration (Feb 15, 6 PM IST–Feb 16, 6 AM) amid Velliangiri hills draws lakhs for mysticism and music. Highlights:6 PM: Pancha Bhuta Kriya meditation.Evening: Bhairavi Maha Yatra, Adiyogi Divya Darshanam (yoga origins video).10:50 PM: Sadhguru Satsang.Midnight: Mahamantra Initiation (open guided session).3:40 AM: Brahma Muhurtham meditation.5:45 AM: Finale with performances.Traditional arts by Isha Samskriti students, eminent musicians. Mandatory online registration (sells out fast); no accommodation—arrange nearby. Live webcast global.news18+1The Art of Living (Bengaluru & worldwide): Sri Sri Ravi Shankar hosts Rudra Puja, Sudarshan Kriya, bhajans, yoga workshops, and midnight meditations, accessible via live streams.Participation and BeyondVirtual streams from Isha, Art of Living, ensure worldwide darshan. Shiva, as yogic source and grace icon, offers renewal; pair with home puja kits for authenticity. This Shivaratri, embrace the Adi Guru’s energy for holistic upliftment.Registration is mandatory and available online in advance, with tickets selling out quickly in past years. Importantly, accommodation is not provided; attendees must arrange their own stays nearby. The event draws lakhs of devotees annually, fostering an electric atmosphere of devotion amid the lush hills of the Isha Yoga Center.Beyond Isha, other prominent organizations are also ramping up for Maha Shivaratri 2026. The Art of Living, led by Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, will host vibrant celebrations featuring Sudarshan Kriya meditation sessions, bhajans, and yoga workshops at centers worldwide, including Bengaluru and online streams for global participation. Temples like the iconic Lingaraja Temple in Bhubaneswar, Ujjain’s Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga, and Trimbakeshwar in Nashik anticipate massive pilgrim influxes, with special poojas, rudrabhishekam rituals, and all-night vigils.Video credit: YT@/SadhguruVideo credit: YT@/The Art of Living