Howard County, Maryland and Texas declare Sri Sri Ravi Shankar Day

Bengaluru: In a historic moment, Indian spiritual master and humanitarian leader, Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, has been honoured by 30 US/Canadian cities with proclamations to celebrate Sri Sri Ravi Shankar Day, with the most recent two cities being Howard County, Maryland, and the state of Texas. The proclamations honour and recognise The Art of Living’s relentless efforts in serving, spreading peace and joy, settling disputes, fighting for the environment, and bringing communities together in an increasingly split world.

“Emboldened by deep convictions, Gurudev and his followers have journeyed to war-torn regions of the world, counselled hardened prisoners, and reconciled seemingly irreconcilable differences,” said Texas Governor Greg Abbott in his citation.

Furthermore, the executive proclamation issued by Howard County, Maryland mentions Gurudev as “a global humanitarian, spiritual leader, peace envoy, and one of the most recognised change makers in the world…and while the fabric of our society has been torn apart by polarisation and isolation, Gurudev strives to bring our society and world together through peace, unity, hope, and self renewal at both the individual and societal levels…”

While Howard County chose July 22nd, 2023 as Sri Sri Ravi Shankar Day, Texas and Birmingham declared July 29th and July 25th, respectively, noting the spiritual leader’s and the organization’s significant impact to altering people’s lives through spirituality and service.

The cities accorded a warm welcome to Gurudev, as he met and addressed thousands of seekers across backgrounds, races and genders, taking them on the Journey Within through powerful meditations. The cities also witnessed the launch of ‘Notes for the Journey Within’, a book that answers every timeless question that comes up in a sincere seeker’s mind on the path of spirituality and daily living.

Last month, the US County of Allegheny became the 28th US city to honor Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar for his humanitarian efforts in peace and conflict resolution. The citation had read as, “…his efforts to unite diverse communities through volunteerism and social initiatives to reduce inner-city violence and crime, are only eclipsed by his initiatives that bring cultures and communities together during conflict…”

Gurudev’s tour of the US comes close on the heels of the grand World Culture Festival to be hosted between September 29 and 1 October 2023 where Gurudev will lead one of the largest gatherings for peace and celebration of cultural diversity at the iconic National Mall, Washington DC.