World Record Attempts - Limca Book of Records

Dear Editor,

We are happy to share that a few children ages, 11 to 14 are attempting to create new entries into the Limca Book of Records. 

They have been trained by Art of Living volunteers and are regular practitioners of Yoga. I am sure your readers will find this attempt inspiring. 

The details of the records are as follows:

Four World record attempts by children of the Art of Living, studying in class 6 to 9. On 30th June, 2018

1. Crow pose - 90 secs+                           

2. Dhanurasan - 10 mins+     

3. Acro yoga - Dhanurasan - 30 secs+             

4 Tree pose - 30 mins         

                                     

Venue : Sri Sri Hall,  23 Ramar kovil street, Nandambakkam,  opp to Chennai trade centre,  Chennai  

Date : 30 June 2018 

 

Time : 4.30 pm to 6.30   pm.                                                                                                             

Look forward to seeing you there, trow.                                         

Call Mr. Ravi Kumar at 9884070304 for directions and help.

Warm regards,

Rajalakshmi

9884017767

Press Release: Sri Sri, Norwegian PM deliver keynote address at Anti-Doping in Sports conference in Oslo

Dear Editor,

Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, Founder, The Art of Living and Wolrd forum for Ethics in Business, Erna Solberg, Norwegian Prime Minister, Sir Richard McLaren, Sports Law expert, and famed for exposing the Russian Olympic Team came together to address the pertinent issue of doping in sports, and how a level-playing field can be created for all athletes. 

Gurudev spoke about the importance of having a right mindset for ethics to flourish in sports, rather than imposing rules of ethics on sportsmen, so that they act ethically even when nobody is watching.  

For more details, please see below:

For more translations, pictures and videos, please see: 

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1Kl655OPSzK5ET5aWrCmscX5DSrER4udD?usp=sharing 

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Sri Sri, Norwegian PM Deliver Keynote Address At Conference On Anti-Doping In Sports In Oslo

Reception in Sri Sri's honor hosted at Norwegian Parliament 

Oslo, 25 June 2018: In the light of the global doping menace that has shaken up the world of sports, this year's annual global conference on Ethics in Sports Summit witnessed passionate discussions, analyses and exchange of valuable ideas in the context of pushing for anti-doping policy actions. 

Organized by World Forum for Ethics in Business (WFEB), Anti-Doping Norway and FairSport, the conference, themed 'Clean Sport = Fair Outcome?', addressed key aspects of anti-doping, right from ongoing investigations to deeper probe into fairness and justice for players, having policies favoring clean athletes and behavioral modification, with an objective to provide a substantial agenda for action, as part of the ongoing anti-doping reforms and policy framework.

With the ongoing Football World Cup in Russia and upcoming Winter Olympic Games in PyeongChang, South Korea, the time was rife for a brainstorming on ethics and anti-doping among over 250 delegates from around the world.  

The key speakers included founder of World Forum For Ethics in Business and the Art of Living Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, Norwegian Prime Minister Erna Solberg, Vice-President of World Anti-Doping Agency Linda Hofstad Helleland, Prof Richard McLaren, Senior Professor of Law, known widely for his investigation in Russia's state sponsored doping program, Günter Younger, Director of intelligence and investigations, WADA, Clayton Cosgrove, Hon. Former New Zealand Minister of Sport, Dagmar Freitag, Hon. Member of German Parliament, and Travis Tygart, CEO, Anti-Doping Agency, USA, among the 22 other eminent speakers. 

In his keynote address Gurudev spoke about the importance of having a right mindset for ethics to flourish in sports, rather than imposing rules of ethics on sportsmen, so that they act ethically even when nobody is watching. "It's not just about following rules, but life and sports is an expression of joy," Gurudev said, "It's not about finding joy when you win or not being happy when you lose. The very act, the very process, the moment you started kicking the first ball, you are enjoying already and people are enjoying it. That's the spirit of sports with which it originally began with."

Gurudev further explained why unethical practices like match fixing and doping proliferate in sports, "We are taking sports too seriously. Today, sports are being played like wars and wars are being played as games. This needs to be reversed and it is only possible with ethics in its place. Ethics are not just following rules but supporting the spirit of both the players and the audience." He also cautioned about the excessive commercialization of sports. "Unfortunately in the past few decades, commerce has been attached in a big way with the sports. Commerce is a part of sports, but it should be like a frame of a picture. If a picture's frame eats the picture, then there is something seriously wrong," Gurudev said. 

'How did sport end up in a doping chaos? Do we do enough for athletes to compete fairly? How can we strengthen the structure and framework of anti-doping work? Is ethics in sports more than just following the rules?' were some of the topics deliberated upon in the conference. 

This multi-stakeholder conference also celebrated role models in the field of ethics and fair play in sports. 

Gurudev also addressed Indian diaspora at a reception hosted in Norwegian Parliament in his honour.

For the past 15 years, the WFEB has convened globally and since 2006 annually at the European Parliament in Brussels to advocate and act towards ethics and good governance. The Anti-Doping in Sports conference is a continuation of WFEB's conference series on 'ethics in sports'. Earlier editions were held at the FIFA headquarters (2014, 2016) and at the stadium of Germany's soccer club Union Berlin (2015).

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Warm Regards,

Rajalakshmi

Art of Living Bureau of Communication

Chennai, Tamil Nadu

Ph - 98840 17767

Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar leads Yoga session at European Parliament and Events in Chennai

Dear Editor,

 

Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar led the European Parliament through a guided Yoga and Meditation session to mark the 4th International Day of Yoga. He was joined by India's Minister of External Affairs, Sushma Swaraj, and Members of European Parliament, Geoffrey Van Orden and Neena Gill along with 250 other leaders and embassy officials. "There is no better way to tackle the two ills facing society today- aggression and depression- than through Yoga," said Gurudev.

 

From prisons to schools, police academies to naval bases and shopping malls, government institutions, Corporates, millions of Yoga enthusiasts gather in 150 countries to join The Art of Living's Promise To Yoga campaign. 

 

For more details, please see below:

 

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Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar Demystifies Yoga For The European Parliament, Calls It The Need Of The Hour

Prisons, schools, police academies, naval bases, shopping malls...millions of yoga enthusiasts gather in 150 countries to celebrate yoga with The Art of Living

 

21st June, 2018, Brussels/Bengaluru: Even as Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, Founder of The Art of Living raised the happiness quotient with a powerful, insightful yet witty address on Yoga at the European Parliament, Yoga fervour took over millions from over 150 countries as part of The Art of Living's #promisetoyoga campaign, from prisons to shopping malls, from naval bases to police academies, from schools to heritage sites.

 

The European Parliament in partnership with the Indian Embassy Belgium and The Art of Living Foundation invited Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar to lead a special yoga session on the International Day of Yoga,  at the Yehudi Menuhin Space inside the Parliament. Along with the Indian Minister for External Affairs, Sushma Swaraj, MPs, officials from the European Commission, the European External Action Service and other dignitaries attended the event. The session was a blend of various Yogic techniques comprising of Asanas, breathing exercises and meditation for inner peace and wellbeing.

 

Addressing 250 parliamentarians and embassy officials, Gurudev highlighted the critical role of Yoga in alleviating depression and aggression from Society, "The two ills of our society aggression and depression need to be tackled and there is no better way to tackle it than through yoga. Though born in India it belongs to the whole world," Gurudev said earlier in an Amsterdam event, "Let's knock on every door - in Europe, depression is a significant problem and yoga can help people come out of depression and heal this - let's wish for the world to be a better place for future generations to come."

 

Gurudev also launched the Yoga Day celebrations in Finland at the House of Nobility in Helsinki on the 18th of June. Globally, the International Day of Yoga witnessed an astounding participation across the Middle East, Europe, Africa, Asia, South America and more. In Amsterdam alone more than 3000 people, one of their largest gatherings ever, attended Gurudev's event on 17^th June.

 

Some highlights in India: Marking the 4^th International Day of Yoga with gusto, the Art of Living organised multiple events across the country and the world to celebrate the spirit of Yoga. Shri D V Sadananda Gowda, Union minister and Shri P C Mohan, MP were the Honourable Chief Guests for the International Day of Yoga celebrations at the Art of Living International Centre in Bangalore, Karnataka.

 

Thousands of police professionals, prisoners, navy officials, government officers, participated in Art of Living's International Day of Yoga celebrations around the world. Amongst the many programs was a special program conducted by Art of Living teacher Sarita Bajpai for Special task force of the Indian Air Force, deputed for anti-Naxal operations in Raipur, Chattisgarh.

 

In Uttar Pradesh's Moradabad, over 2000 police officers participated in the Yoga program at the Police Academy; while down-south Bangalore saw about 3500 Army officers and Jawans rolling out their Yoga mats. The International Day of Yoga, also saw celebrations atop INS Garuda in Kerala. Not just the security forces, but prisoners too formed a significant part of the celebrations with Yoga programs being conducted across 23 prisons in Jharkhand. In Jharkhand, over 1000 inmates underwent Art of Living's Prison Smart Program in the run up to International Day of Yoga, besides multiple yoga and meditation sessions being conducted in jails across the country.

 

In Chennai, Art of Living volunteers reached 3000+ school children from 10 schools, 2000 IT professionals learnt desktop Yoga, 500 RPF jawans learnt Yoga in Integral Coach Factory, 1000+ employees in government institutions, Banks, MSMEs got introduced to the benefits of Yoga and many have promised to pursue Yoga as a healthy lifestyle.

 

Warm Regards,

Rajalakshmi

Art of Living Bureau of Communication

Tamil Nadu

Ph - 9884017767

 

Press Release - NSDC training for Yoga Instructors

Dear Editor,

Chennai 08/06/2018: National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), under Pradhan Mantri Koushala Vikas Yojana PMKVY's, Recognition of Prior Learning ( RPL ) has a scheme for Yoga Trainers, so they can assessed and certified by NSDC. This certificate is valid for life and can be used to avail Mudra loan from Nationalised Bank. This certificate helps Yoga trainers to start their own training institutes. Under this scheme, the Art of Living has certified over 7000 Yoga trainers all over India.

From 8^th June to 10^th June 2018, The Art of Living, a registered training partner is organizing, a three day orientation and  assessment workshop, for existing pre-registered yoga instructors and trainers, at Lions Centenary Sri Sri Hall ,  #23 , Ramar Koil Street, Nandambakkam, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600 089.

This is open to all yoga trainers, who have prior Yoga teaching experience of over three years and is open to Yoga instructors from all Institutions. For more information contact: 9962614080

For more information for the scheme https://www.nsdcindia.org/New/pmkvy-overview

Press Release: Sri Sri calls for cutting down on plastic use, UN Environment joins pledge

Dear Editor,

Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar called for a worldwide reduction of plastic consumption by half, a pledge that was joined by UNEP Chief Erik Solheim,  Dr. Harsh Vardhan, Honorable Union Minister for Science & Technology, Earth sciences, Environment, Forests & Climate Change, Mr. Mahesh Sharma, Honorable Minister of State For Environment, Forest & Climate Change among thousands who joined from 80 countries across the world. For more details, please see below:

World Environment Day: Sri Sri Calls For Cutting Down on Plastic Use By Half  

UNEP Chief  joined thousands for the pledge to reduce plastic usage by half with the Art of Living. 1000 Environment marshals to create awareness. Solid waste management plant at Ajmer e Sharif  launched

5 June 2018, New Delhi: At a symposium that brought together voices from the United Nations, the Indian Government, and civil society - Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, Founder of The Art of Living, made a worldwide call for reducing usage of plastic by half, while India hosted this year's World Environment Day. People from 80 countries from all over the world joined the spiritual leader in the pledge, at a symposium titled 'Voices Against Pollution, Moving towards Green Energy', organized by The Art of Living in association with United Nations Environment Program.

"This World Environment Day, let's take a pledge to do everything in our capacity to reduce the use of plastic by less than half," Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar said, "Pollution is not just man-made but also made in the mind. If you become aware at the level of the mind, you will start reducing your plastic waste on your own. So you all must take the pledge to reduce your plastic waste by more than half."

Gurudev recommended this can be done by beginning to choose recyclable plastic over disposable whenever and wherever possible, by carrying one's own recyclable bags and water bottles, and by avoiding use-and-throw items. He also suggested farmers should avoid burning the left overs after harvesting and instead mulch and reused it organically. "Nature needs your support," Gurudev said.   

The Art of Living signed an MoU with Mr JK Sharma, DG Home Guards to create 1000 honorary Environment Marshals. These Marshals will create awareness in slums and other areas of New Delhi on the dangers of plastic and the importance of waste segregation. 

Guest speakers at the symposium included Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, Founder, the Art of Living, Mr. Erik Solheim, Executive Director, United Nations Environment Program, Mohammed Adil, Nazim of Ajmer Sharif Dargah Dr. Harsh Vardhan, Honorable Union Minister for Science & Technology, Earth sciences, Environment, Forests & Climate Change, Mr. Mahesh Sharma, Honorable Minister of State For Environment, Forest & Climate Change and among other dignitaries.

"I have pledged that by 2022, the whole country will be free of single-use plastic. In the past 2-3 months we have been working in totality on environment conservation and we have done 700 green good deeds," said Dr. Harshvardhan, while Erik Solheim, appreciated the role of spiritual leaders like Gurudev in inspiring people and said that he finds there's tremendous energy from the people of this country.

 In addition to insightful discussions and thought sharing, the symposium also saw the launch of three projects-

 1. Art of Living's Solid Waste Management Plant at Ajmer Sharif Dargah. The Art of Living has already processed 1.15 million kg of temple waste through 7 waste management plants at temples like Kashi Vishwanath, Kamakhya Devi, Dakshineshwar and Udupi. 

2. Over the last 5 years a machine at the Art of Living International Center at Bangalore has converted 730 tonnes of plastic waste into fuel. This machine was launched by the Art of Living today on World Environment Day in New Delhi.

These machines were on display at the symposium and will now be installed in municipalities across New Delhi, including one in Chanakya Puri. NDMC has approved to set up a waste management composting plant at Chanakya Puri. This will be the second in NCR, first which is already functional in Ghaziabad. 

 The symposium offered an opportunity to explore how meaningful partnerships can be fostered for global climate action, along with practical ways to achieve Sri Sri Ravi Shankar's call to action of cutting plastic use by half through collective action.

Separately, an MoU was signed between Sri Sri Institute of Advanced Research and  RV College of Engineering to scientifically document the diverse biodiversity present in The Art of Living International Center at Bangalore and its impact on the city of Bengaluru.

The Art of Living with its multi-pronged approach to tackle today's global challenge, be it the rejuvenation of 37 rivers and tributaries, or plantation of 71 million trees across 36 countries, stand out as unique examples of what an inspired civil society movement can achieve. Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar believes that by attending to the human psyche, which is the cause of both physical and emotional pollution, and kindling care and compassion within, one experiences a deeper sense of connection and correction with and for the environment.

Please see the following link for pictures and translations: 

 https://drive.google.com/open?id=10rzUmrHGgr2hTMYJG9eGIgEHmI3DPA8T

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Regards,

Rajalakshmi

9884017767