India’s PM Modi Celebrates 45 Years of Art of Living, Inaugurates New Meditation Temple in Bengaluru

Bengaluru — Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi joined thousands of participants on Sunday at the 45th anniversary celebrations of The Art of Living Foundation, where he inaugurated the newly constructed Dhyan Mandir (Meditation Temple) alongside the organisation’s founder, Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar.

The Art of Living, established in 1981, has become one of the world’s largest volunteer-based organisations, with a significant presence in Japan through programmes in yoga, meditation, and breathing techniques (Pranayama). The foundation operates in over 180 countries and has introduced millions to traditional Indian wellness practices.

Spirituality as a Bridge Between Nations

Speaking to the gathering in Bengaluru—a city known globally as India’s technology hub—PM Modi highlighted the dual identity of the region as both a centre of innovation and a spiritual heartland.

“Yoga, meditation, and Pranayama have been integral parts of India’s cultural heritage. Today, people from across the world are inspired by this spiritual heritage,” he said, crediting Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar with spreading these practices internationally.

The Prime Minister emphasised a philosophy that resonates with Japanese concepts of collective harmony: “What is the core element that connects all this beautiful diversity? The answer is: living not for oneself, but for others.”

Youth, Mental Wellbeing, and National Development

PM Modi praised India’s younger generation for driving innovation while stressing that spiritual and mental wellness remain essential foundations. “Viksit Bharat [Developed India] will be built by such youth who are mentally calm, socially responsible, and sensitive towards society,” he said.

He also acknowledged The Art of Living’s work in areas including rural development, women’s empowerment, environmental conservation, and mental health programmes in prisons.

Environmental Initiatives

The Prime Minister called on the organisation to expand its tree-planting campaign, “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” (One Tree in Mother’s Name), encouraging broader participation in environmental stewardship—a cause with strong resonance in Japan’s own traditions of nature conservation.

The Art of Living Foundation continues to hold regular programmes in Tokyo and other Japanese cities, offering courses in stress management, meditation, and the Sudarshan Kriya breathing technique developed by Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar.