Viksit Bharat Ambassador Event with Sri Sri Ravishankar in Bengaluru

On Wednesday, April 17th, over 10,000 people from different backgrounds gathered at The Art of Living International Centre in Bengaluru for an event called “An Evening of Music and Meditation with Viksit Bharat Ambassadors.” The attendees included people from all walks of life, including Art of Living disciples, instructors, professionals, and educated individuals of various ages.

The VBA 2024 event was honoured by the presence of Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, founder of the Art of Living Foundation, who served as the Chief Guest. He spoke about important topics, ranging from the importance of democratic participation to celebrating cultural and religious milestones.

One of the highlights of the evening was the screening of a film showcasing Viksit Bharat’s journey and its transformative impact over the past decade.

Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his commitment to governance, adherence to religious customs, and his leadership in fulfilling the aspiration of establishing the Ram Mandir.

Gurudev lauded PM Modi’s role in fulfilling a long-standing aspiration of establishing the Ram Mandir, underscoring the emotional significance of celebrating Ram Navami at the birthplace of Bhagwaan Shri Ram after 500 years. He lamented that previous governments did not do enough about it and said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi ended ‘politics over Ram Mandir’ and turned a centuries-old dream into reality in the shortest possible time.

“Despite historical challenges, Prime Minister Modi’s resolute leadership has ensured the timely construction of a magnificent temple. His meticulous attention to detail and personal commitment during the consecration process have set a compelling example for others to emulate,” he said.

Witnessing PM Modi’s sincere efforts and strict adherence to religious customs, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar said that the Prime Minister doesn’t believe in superficial things and does everything with a ‘clean heart and strong resolve’.

“PM Modi followed the ascetic 11-day Yam Niyam before the Pran Pratistha ceremony of Ram Lalla. He also keeps fast on all nine days of Navratri. By strictly following the Hindu rituals, he has set a benchmark for his successors, and they will have a tough time meeting the standards set by PM Modi,” said Ravi Shankar.

“PM Modi has set high governance standards in the last ten years. He doesn’t socialize on Sunday; he does ‘Mann Ki Baat’ with the countrymen. He celebrates Diwali with the jawans on the borders. Whoever becomes his successor in times to come will have to maintain this standard,” he said.

Gurudev remarked on the Prime Minister’s high standards in governance and urged future leaders to uphold similar dedication and integrity. He emphasized the need for committed leadership to realize the vision of Viksit Bharat, a mission to achieve a developed India by 2047.

“Prime Minister Modi has raised the bar for future leaders by prioritizing duty over personal comfort. His commitment to spending Diwali with the army and engaging in regular public addresses like ‘Mann Ki Baat’ sets high standards, emphasizing the importance of selfless service and echoing the ideals of Lord Ram. This places significant challenges on future prime ministers, who must uphold these standards to advance India’s development,” he said.

“To set ourselves on the path of development, we have to unite our efforts and inculcate a positive mindset. You can’t become a Viksit Bharat Ambassador unless you are eager and inspired to attain it. To achieve this mission, everyone should come together and contribute to it,” he said.

Addressing the audience, Gurudev called on first-time voters to recognize their role as active participants in shaping the nation’s future. He encouraged them to vote with a sense of responsibility and optimism, stressing that every vote contributes to the country’s progress.

“You should think about yourself as an active participant of the vibrant democracy and vote with a positive mindset that your vote has the power to give direction to the country’s growth,” he said.

He appealed to first-time voters not to get discouraged and disoriented by local issues but to vote to take Bharat to new heights.

“To become an agent of change and a stakeholder in the country’s development, you must cast your ballot,” he told the Viksit Bharat Ambassadors.

“We are all citizens of the world’s biggest democracy, and we must keep doing our bit to make it stronger and contribute, even if you consider it insignificant,” he added.

In concluding remarks, Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar reiterated the collective responsibility to ensure India’s development as Viksit Bharat. The event concluded on a note of optimism and determination, with attendees invigorated to contribute towards the nation’s progress.