Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar addresses the World Economic Forum 2023 in Davos: leads the way in inspiring action towards better mental health

_Gurudev invited by the World Economic Forum 2023 to interact with business leaders and heads of state under the theme – Cooperation in a Fragmented World_

JAMMU, January 18: Global humanitarian leader and spiritual master, Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar addressed one of the largest gatherings of world leaders in the post pandemic times, where he shared his thoughts on healing the world that is undergoing a complex global mental health crisis, a fallout of the Covid-19 pandemic. 

“The worldwide response to the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted how when we work together, we can achieve better and more equitable health outcomes. Current approach to addressing mental health is ineffective and calls for a fundamental change. We must address the root cause from a holistic perspective and explore breath as a tool to manage the mind and emotions.” Gurudev said. He also spoke about the dollar spend on mental health across the world and how India has a lot to offer in addressing this challenge including the holistic and powerful healing systems with their roots in spirituality such as Ayurveda, dhyana and yoga.

The theme of the 53rd WEF meet is ‘Cooperation in a Fragmented World’, much in line with The Art of Living’s work which spans over 40 decades in conflict resolution and building dialogue, be it in Kosovo, Colombia, Lebanon  Iraq, Pakistan, India, among others. The conference is being attended by 2700 leaders from 130 countries and 52 heads of states, including 100 dignitaries from India. The leaders will convene to discuss matters of global concern including geopolitical conflicts, the food and energy crises, climate change, among others and lay a roadmap for a more resilient world order. 

Gurudev returns to WEF after 21 years, to address the convention. The WEF 2023 meeting comes as multiple crises fragment the geopolitical landscape against the backdrop of the world still trying to inch back to normalcy after the pandemic that further exacerbated the mental health challenge.  

While highlighting the renaissance of South Asia, Gurudev shared his thoughts on how countries around the world can jointly find areas of strategic cooperation to start conversations and find solutions that facilitate understanding, connection and de-stigmatization of mental health. 

Gurudev shared his proven approach on addressing mental health issues – strengthening the society by strengthening individuals. This has inspired over 30,000 program leaders and over 1 million volunteers engaged in building conscious and caring communities globally. 

This positive movement has touched over 500 million lives in 180 countries across several verticals:  

Prisons: 800,000 inmates benefited globally. 

Schools: 1096 free schools serving the remotest parts of India, providing education to more than 82,000 kids. 

River rejuvenation: 70 river and tributaries rejuvenated in India. 2.2 million farmers trained in climate resilient and natural farming. 

Skills training:3,09,907 people trained in various skills in over 500 districts of 23 states and Union Territories. Skills development centers run by SSRDP : 95 skill development centers running over 50 different job roles

About Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar 

Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar is a global humanitarian, spiritual leader, and peace envoy, who has been teaching breath-based meditation techniques for health and well-being for more than 42 years. His approach blends ancient Vedic wisdom with modern sensibility for a new paradigm of leadership and living – a stress-free, violence-free society.

Through Gurudev’s programs, millions of people worldwide have found peace and resilience in the face of adversity, learning not only how to excel in their own lives, but also how to become powerful agents for social change.

Standing for the Gandhian principles of non-violence, Gurudev has also mediated and progressed negotiations for peace in conflict-stricken areas such as Sri Lanka, Iraq, Venezuela, and Colombia, where he is credited for playing a central role in ending the violent 52-year conflict between FARC and the Colombian government.

About Art of Living  

Operating in 180 countries, The Art of Living Foundation is a non-profit, educational and humanitarian organization founded in 1981 by the humanitarian and spiritual leader Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar. All of AOL’s programs are inspired by Gurudev’s philosophy of creating world peace through a stress-free and violence-free society. AOL has touched over 500 million lives through numerous educational and self-development programs and tools that facilitate the elimination of stress and foster deep and profound inner peace, happiness and well-being for individuals.