Srinagar: After a gap of seven years, global humanitarian and spiritual leader Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar returned to Kashmir on Monday, carrying a message of peace, communal harmony, and hope. His visit, eagerly awaited by thousands, culminated in a historic gathering at Bakshi Stadium, where more than 20,000 students from 50 colleges and four universities came together to pledge their commitment to a drug-free Kashmir.
The landmark event — EduYouth Meet 2025 — was organised by the Department of Higher Education, Government of Jammu and Kashmir, as part of a broader initiative to address the alarming rise of drug abuse among the youth. Gurudev was received at the venue by Shantmanu, IAS, Additional Chief Secretary, Government of J&K, amid cheers and chants from young participants who had waited hours to hear him.
“Kashmiri youth have loving hearts. They are dynamic, focused, and full of potential,” Gurudev told the crowd, drawing a warm response. “We will see that Kashmir is free from drugs. My dream has always been of a society free from violence, a body free from disease, a mind free from confusion, an intellect free from inhibition, and a soul free from sorrow. This is everyone’s birthright.”
Gurudev highlighted breath, meditation, and yoga as the most effective tools to combat addiction and emotional distress. “The secret is in their own breath,” he said. “Using the power of breath, meditation, and simple exercises, one can easily come out of drug addiction.”
Invoking Kashmir’s spiritual legacy, he reminded the gathering that meditation was not an imported concept but part of the Valley’s own philosophical heritage. Drawing from the Spandakarika, a foundational text of Kashmir Shaivism, he said, “Meditation is not foreign to Kashmir — it is the heritage of Kashmir. This land gave meditation to the world, and it has nothing to do with any religious belief. Meditation keeps the intellect sharp and the mind happy.”
Blending spirituality with social harmony, Gurudev emphasized the need for unity and love across communities. Quoting in Hindi, he said, “Hain ek noor usi noor ke hain hum sab. Us noor se jud gaye to koi paraya nahi lagta. Sab apne lagte hain. Isi ko hum kehte hai jivan jine ki kala.” (“We all belong to that One Light. When connected to that Light, no one feels like a stranger — everyone becomes your own. That is the Art of Living.”)
He urged the youth to rise above divisions: “Kashmiri youth stand for communal harmony. Life is too short. Time is less for love — why waste it on conflict?”
Earlier in the day, Gurudev held an interactive session with Vice Chancellors from leading institutions, including the University of Kashmir, Central University, Islamic University of Science and Technology, and Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology. Principals of over 30 colleges also participated in discussions on collaborative efforts to empower students and tackle social challenges.
Over the past few months, thousands of Kashmiri students have already participated in The Art of Living’s Happiness Program, which teaches Sudarshan Kriya, a rhythmic breathing technique known to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. The workshops also introduce simple mindfulness tools to help youth manage emotions, boost focus, and build resilience.
Concluding his day-long visit, Gurudev met the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, Manoj Sinha, and discussed avenues for youth engagement and rehabilitation through skill development and emotional well-being programs.
On Tuesday, Gurudev is scheduled to visit Srinagar Central Jail, where inmates have been undergoing The Art of Living Prison Program, aimed at transforming attitudes and behavior through meditation and breathing practices. Many participants have reported reduced aggression, improved emotional balance, and renewed purpose in life — outcomes that, officials say, are helping foster peace both within prisons and in society at large.
As the sun set over the Valley, the thousands of young voices at Bakshi Stadium chanting for a “Nasha-Mukt Kashmir” seemed to echo Gurudev’s message — that the future of Kashmir lies not in despair, but in discipline, inner strength, and shared humanity.
