PM Modi praises societal strength at 'Art of Living' anniversary

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said society is more powerful than politics and governments, stressing that lasting national progress can only be achieved through active public participation in nation-building.PM was addressing the 45th anniversary celebrations of The Art of Living Foundation and the 70th birthday celebrations of spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar at the Art of Living International Centre in Bengaluru.

Bengaluru, Karnataka: Prime Minister Narendra Modi says, "Any campaign becomes successful only when it is joined by the strength of society. Therefore, for every such important mission, it is essential to awaken the power of society. I have always believed that society is more… pic.twitter.com/hkY28W9thn

— IANS (@ians_india) May 10, 2026

Highlighting the role of social participation in driving change, Modi said any campaign succeeds only when society actively joins it.“I have always believed that society is more powerful than politics and governments. Any government can succeed only when society itself actively participates in nation-building,” the Prime Minister said.He praised Sri Sri Ravi Shankar and The Art of Living Foundation for contributing significantly towards social unity and spreading awareness about India’s spiritual traditions globally.“Today, people across the world are influenced by India’s spiritual values and inspiration continues to emerge from these ancient traditions. Inspired by the same spirit, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar sowed the seed of the Art of Living 45 years ago. Today, it stands before us like a vast banyan tree,” Modi said.
Speaking about India’s diversity, the Prime Minister said the spirit of living for others acts as the binding force that unites the country despite differences in language, customs, traditions and modes of worship.“India is a country filled with diversity. There are so many languages, traditions, customs and ways of worship. The element that binds all of this together is the spirit of living not for oneself, but for others,” he said.
Extending birthday wishes to Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, Modi said the spiritual leader’s work continues to inspire millions across the world. “Today is Gurudev’s 70th birthday. When the centenary celebrations take place, I will come again to join them,” he remarked.During the event, the Prime Minister inaugurated the newly constructed Dhyan Mandir, a meditation hall envisioned as a space for inner peace, meditation and holistic well-being.Referring to the lotus-shaped ceiling at the venue, Modi made a light-hearted remark, saying, “Whether anything else happens or not, we are all under the shelter of the lotus. And with Gurudev’s blessings, the shelter of the lotus will take the nation to new heights.”The event witnessed the participation of spiritual leaders, devotees and members of The Art of Living Foundation from across India and abroad.

(State Correspondent)