Nearly one million people estimated to have experienced the three-day World Culture Festival in Washington DC (Credit: The Art of Living Foundation)
The National Mall in Washington DC recently witnessed a unique event that saw performances by over 17,000 artists, musicians and dancers, representing cultures from every corner of the globe.
According to a press statement, over 1 million people witnessed the 60-odd performances that were part of the 3-day-long World Culture Festival, organised by Art of Living Foundation of spiritual guru Sri Sri Ravi Shankar.
The statement adds that during the weekend’s programme, a monumental occasion marked by a gathering of global citizens from over 180 countries, the spiritual leader 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 serene, if the mind is calm, then there is peace. Let’s commit ourselves again on this occasion to bring more happiness. Let’s bring more smiles and wipe the tears of people around us. That’s humanness,” Ravi Shankar said.
The statement adds that the spiritual guru also recognised exemplary leaders in health care, education and law enforcement who embody human values in their important work for society.
Mourine Evans, nursing director at Children’s National Hospital and 2023 Black Nurse of the Year, receives a Human Values Award from Sri Sri Ravi Shankar
Humanness in the corporate world was the theme of this year’s Global Leadership Forum, which convened as part of the World Culture Festival. Over 1,200 leaders from across American industry recommitted their companies to prioritise human values of connection, compassion, and kindness, recognizing this as key to the future of business.
US Surgeon General Dr Vivek Murthy who addressed a mammoth crowd at the National Mall expressed gratitude to Ravi Shankar for his deep wisdom and bringing the world together.
U.S. Surgeon General Dr Vivek Murthy at the World Culture Festival shared his thoughts on how such festivals can enhance human connection
“What a beautiful transformation of the National Mall for this incredible occasion. I want to say first to Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, how grateful I am to you for the deep wisdom that you shared with the world and for bringing us together. Celebrations like today are powerful because they remind us of how essential our connections to one another are. And we need that reminder today more than ever,” Dr Murthy said.
Former First Lady of Japan Akie Abe also spoke and thanked the Art of Living for the group’s 42 years of service to humanity, reflecting on the work done to help millions of people live happier and healthier lives through meditation techniques and wisdom. “I too have experienced that meditation has given me immense strength when I needed it. Inner peace of every individual is most essential. It is indeed possible to experience inner peace when our collective spirit comes together in this manner. The World Culture Festival is a beautiful way to celebrate life. I have heard Gurudev saying that joy is our very nature. That is very much evident here,” she said.
The statement adds that Ravi Shankar also announced today that the Art of Living Foundation will plant 42 million trees around the world to mark 42 years of foundation service to humanity and the environment. The Foundation has already planted over 81 million trees around the world as part of its sustainable development initiatives. The continuation of that important part of the group’s work was also highlighted.
