Page 71 - NIS English 1-15 June, 2026

NATION | The Art of Living

The Art of Living Foundation Day Celebration

Bengaluru Elevates Spirituality

and Spiritual Consciousness to New Heights

Bengaluru—renowned globally for its software and services—has also elevated India’s cultural identity,
spirituality, and spiritual consciousness to new heights. On May 10, speaking at the 45th Foundation Day
celebration of The Art of Living in Bengaluru, Karnataka, Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated that when
a resolve is clear, and work is undertaken with a spirit of service, every effort yields positive results.

he seed of The Art of Living was sown 45 years ago to serve as a source of inspiration for many institutions
Tby Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, and today, it has blossomed across India. Ancient teachings found in the Puranas
into a massive banyan tree. Addressing The Art of state that serving others is a virtuous act, whereas in-
Living’s Foundation Day celebration, Prime Minister flicting pain upon others is a sin. Service constitutes the
Narendra Modi remarked, “Today, it stands before us inherent character of Indian society. Numerous spiritual
as a colossal banyan tree, with thousands of branches movements in India have ultimately manifested them-
touching the lives of countless people across the globe.” selves through the service of humanity. This very spirit
India possesses a rich diversity of languages, traditions, is evident in every endeavor undertaken by The Art of
customs, and modes of worship. What is it that binds Living. PM Modi remarked that organizations such as
these beautiful diversities together? The answer lies in The Art of Living play a pivotal role in advancing India’s
living not for oneself, but for others—a tradition of Yoga, holistic development. Urging a focus on connecting
Meditation, and Pranayama that is deeply rooted in farmers with natural farming practices, he stated that
India’s values. PM Modi emphasized that people world- sustainable agriculture is, in itself, an expression of “The
wide are currently inspired by India’s spiritual values, Art of Living,” and that protecting Mother Earth from
and it is precisely these ancient values that continue chemicals symbolizes both spiritual practice and envi-
ronmental conservation. Embracing natural farming
and safeguarding Mother Earth from chemicals—this,
too, is The Art of Living.
The atmosphere of Bengaluru... the PM Modi emphasized the necessity for farmers to adopt
environment here... is truly unique. improved water management practices, highlighting the
This city is renowned globally for its “Per Drop, More Crop” initiative. He noted that, with the co-
software and services sectors. Yet, this operation of society, even better results could be achieved
city has also elevated India’s cultural in this direction. With the approaching monsoon season in
identity its spirituality and spiritual mind, he underscored the urgency of this task, stating that
consciousness to new heights. this is an opportune moment to disseminate widespread

Narendra Modi, Prime Minister awareness regarding water conservation. Saving every
single drop of water—this, too, is The Art of Living.

Scan the QR code to watch the
Prime Minister’s full schedule.