Page 28 - The Indian EYE 102023

NORTH AMERICAN Newsline OCTOBER 20, 2023 | The Indian Eye 28

2023 WORLD CULTURE FESTIVAL

Nearly one million estimated to have experienced

one of the largest recent events on the National Mall

OUR BUREAU
Washington, D.C.
he Art of Living Foundation
– organizers of the World Cul-
Tture Festival – estimate nearly
one million people experienced the
free, three-day celebration of peace.
Attendees on the National Mall were
treated to 23 hours of family-friendly
programming, including 60 perfor-
mances by over 17,000 predominant-
ly American artists, musicians and
dancers representing cultures from
every corner of the globe.
During the weekend’s program,
a monumental occasion marked by
a gathering of global citizens from
180+ countries, founder & glob-
al humanitarian Gurudev Sri Sri
Ravi Shankar welcomed the world
to Washington and appealed for
the creation of a more humane and
peaceful society.
“Wars are first fought in the
minds of people. If the mind is se-
rene, if the mind is calm, then there
is peace,” Gurudev said. “Let’s com-
mit ourselves again on this occasion The World Culture Festival featured a Parade of Nations
to bring more happiness. Let’s bring
more smiles and wipe the tears of
people around us. That’s human- for this incredible occasion. I want
ness.” to say first to Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi
Gurudev also recognized ex- Shankar, how grateful I am to you
emplary leaders in health care, ed- for the deep wisdom that you shared
ucation and law enforcement who with the world and for bringing us
embody human values in their im- together.
portant work for society. Celebrations like today are pow-
Humanness in the corporate erful because they remind us of how
world was the theme of this year’s essential our connections to one an-
Global Leadership Forum, which other are. And we need that remind-
convened as part of the WCF on Sat- er today more than ever,” Dr. Murthy
urday afternoon in downtown Wash- remarked as he noted the epidem-
ington. Over 1,200 leaders from ic of loneliness and isolation that
across American industry recommit- has created a mental health crisis.
ted their companies to prioritize hu- Former First Lady of Japan, Mrs.
man values of connection, compas- Akie Abe also spoke and thanked
sion, and kindness, recognizing this the Art of Living for the group’s 42
as key to the future of business. years of service to humanity, reflect- Mourine Evans, nursing director at Children’s National Hospital and 2023 Black Nurse of the
U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek ing on the work done to help millions Year, receives a Human Values Award from Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar
Murthy who addressed a mammoth of people live happier and healthier
crowd at the National Mall on Satur- lives through meditation techniques essential. It is indeed possible to ex- have heard Gurudev saying that joy
day expressed gratitude to Gurudev and wisdom. “I too have experienced perience inner peace when our col- is our very nature. That is very much
for his deep wisdom and bringing the that meditation has given me im- lective spirit comes together in this evident here.”
world together. “What a beautiful mense strength when I needed it. In- manner. The World Culture Festival Gurudev also announced today
transformation of the National Mall ner peace of every individual is most is a beautiful way to celebrate life. I Continued on next page... >>

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