Columbia: Spiritual leader Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar addressed the Colombian Parliament in Bogotá, revisiting the city where he had earlier played a pivotal role in Colombia’s historic peace process. His 2015 peace intervention, which helped bring about a truce between the FARC rebels and the Colombian government after a 50-year conflict, formed the backdrop to his renewed call for a violence-free world.
In his address, Gurudev urged lawmakers to look beyond short-term political agendas and embrace a broader vision for national and global development rooted in compassion, self-reflection, and spiritual wisdom. “We must dare to dream of a world without suffering—one that is loving, peaceful, and happy,” he said, stressing that true transformation begins with such a vision, however idealistic it may seem.
Calling on leaders to rise above divisions, he proposed a symbolic initiative: “If we can dedicate even one week a year to set aside our personal, professional, and political differences for the country’s long-term good, we would uncover strength in our diversity and a roadmap to genuine progress.”
Gurudev also addressed the “Leadership For The Transformation of The World” conference, where he observed, “Never before has humanity felt so lonely. We must rebuild a sense of belonging, which is at the heart of The Art of Living’s work.”
As part of his “Colombia Breathes” tour from June 18 to 23, Gurudev will lead the International Day of Yoga (IDY) celebrations on June 21 at Bogotá’s Plaza Cultural La Santamaría alongside the city’s Mayor, Carlos Fernando Galán. Millions of yoga enthusiasts worldwide are expected to join the event virtually.
In India and across 180 countries, The Art of Living, in collaboration with the Ministry of Ayush, will host IDY events at prisons, heritage sites, schools, and mountaintops. Notable highlights include a Guinness World Record attempt in Pune for the largest synchronized Bhujangasana (Cobra Pose), yoga sessions in Udaipur Central Jail, Dakshineswar Temple, and Tipu’s Palace in Bengaluru, as well as celebrations at Jodhpur railway stations, Trivandrum’s Lulu Mall, and high-altitude Lahaul-Spiti.
In Sambalpur, Odisha, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan will join the celebrations, underscoring the integration of yoga into India’s educational and cultural mainstream.
