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Art of Living Silver Jubilee concludes
From Pratibha Umashankar

20 February 2006

BANGALORE — A sea of humanity from over 140 countries gathered at the Jakkur Airfield yesterday and took part in the Sudarshan Kriya Yoga or SKY and group meditation on the concluding day of the three-day Art of Living (AOL) Foundation Silver Jubilee celebrations.

What could have otherwise been a logistical nightmare turned into a most serene meditation ground, when Sri Sri Ravishankar, the charismatic founder of the foundation, found the best method of crowd control — group meditation.

Religious heads, dignitaries, heads of states, delegates from all over the world and local Bangaloreans and AOL volunteers joined him.

Sri Sri Ravishankar spoke of the power of silence and the inner joy it can bring. Just as the crowd slowly opened its collective eyes, coming back, as if from a trance, the band struck a triumphant note and ushered in the President, A.P.J. Kalam.

The crowd spontaneously gave him a standing ovation. It was evident that the President, an eminent nuclear scientist, has won many a heart due to his simplicity and humility. The crowd stood in disciplined attention to the tune of India's national anthem.

The symbolic watering of a plant, Lakshmi Taru, by the President, former deputy prime minister, L.K. Advani, and other dignitaries followed. Former Chief Justice of India, M.N. Venkatachalaiah, welcoming the president, spoke of the power of the cultivated breath that AOL has spread all over the world.

The president released balloons as part of the valedictory function of the three-day celebrations. Speaking on the occasion, he specially addressed the youngsters among the audience. Said President Kalam: "Educating people with a value system; transforming religion into spiritual force and eradicating poverty will lead to a beautiful and prosperous world."

He gave practical action points to implement his plan for the 20-20 vision for India. He, in his usual disarming manner, made youngsters repeat his message.