Bengaluru: The 10th International Women’s Conference (IWC) brought together diverse voices from around the world for a transformative three-day event focused on wellbeing, creativity, and empowerment. The conference, hosted by The Art of Living, served as a vibrant platform for meaningful discussions, cultural expression, and personal growth.
Inaugurating the event, global peace leader Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar emphasized the vital role of women’s happiness in societal progress. “A country or a society where women are unhappy will remain impoverished,” he remarked, setting the tone for the conference’s mission to foster balance, creativity, and inner peace.
One of the standout sessions featured a thought-provoking discussion on creativity and its impact on consciousness. Panelists included Bollywood actress Sonakshi Sinha, Bahraini military officer Noorah Abdullah, and a Turkish pioneer in digital and AI-generated art.
Reflecting on the role of creativity in her life, Sinha shared, “Growing up, art was meditative for me—it flowed naturally. The moment I entered here, I felt a shift in my energy. Creativity thrives where people strive to be and do better.”
Abdullah, now a leader in Bahrain’s sports sector, recounted her journey from a regimented military environment to discovering creative expression through The Art of Living. “In the military, creativity had no place—we simply followed orders. Here, I found the freedom to create and realized true creativity serves the community.”
Smt. Bhanumathi Narasimhan, Chairperson of the IWC, underscored the importance of rest in women’s lives. “As women, we are often in a hurry to achieve more. This is the time to relax and just be. When you are relaxed, you can achieve more.”
The event highlighted the significance of mindfulness and balance, with sessions that combined deep rest, self-reflection, and cultural immersion to inspire holistic well-being.
Several dignitaries acknowledged Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar’s contributions to promoting inner peace worldwide. Hon. President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, noted, “India is a spiritual country, but with changing times, we are moving away from our roots. That is why spiritual leaders like Gurudev are here—to remind us of our forgotten values and inspire us.”
Former Union Minister of Education Smt. Smriti Irani received the prestigious Vishalakshi Award, named after Gurudev’s mother, stating, “There is nothing more rewarding than receiving an award in the name of a mother who gave birth to a saint.”
Hon. Akie Abe, Former First Lady of Japan, shared a personal reflection on forgiveness and healing. “I have heard Gurudev say that inside every culprit, there is a victim. Instead of hating the person who took my husband’s life, can I have compassion? A society with less crime is better than one that only supports victims after a crime.”
Beyond discussions and self-exploration, the conference also celebrated cultural heritage with Sita Charitam, an immersive 4D musical ballet retelling the epic Ramayana through the eyes of Mother Sita. A cast of 500 artists showcased 30 diverse art forms in a poetic display of love, wisdom, and resilience.
Creative Director Srividya Varchaswi described the production as a story of transformation, infused with Gurudev’s wisdom. “The script, crafted in English, draws from over 20 versions of the Ramayana, with original scores in multiple indigenous languages, making it a truly global experience.” The show is set to be presented in 190 countries, sharing its message of strength and devotion worldwide.
As the curtains closed on the 10th IWC, the impact of its dialogue on wellbeing, sisterhood, and creative expression resonated deeply. The event reaffirmed the power of inner peace, balance, and cultural unity, inspiring a future shaped by wisdom, compassion, and joy.
