Day III

19th February 2006.

"When you are inspired by some great purpose for an extraordinary project, all your thoughts break the bonds, your mind transcends limitations, your consciousness expands and you find yourself in a great and wonderful world. You discover yourself to be a greater person," said APJ Abdul Kalam, President of India at the Art of Living Silver Jubilee Celebrations on February 19, 2006. At the stroke of 5.45pm on a blazing Sunday evening silence descended upon the multitude as Sri Sri Himself administered the Sudarshan Kriya. Without as much as a murmur the crowd happily took positions wherever they could find and did the rigorous kriya to continuous counts of so hum so hum. The President of India arrived, mellifluous notes by the global symphony was lauded by the President. Peace balloons, hundreds of them, white in colour were released. The dignitaries President Kalam, Governor Chaturvedi and Sri Sri, watered the Lakshmi Taru, a plant symbolizing prosperity. The President was at his spiritual best as he regaled the mammoth audience with his speech.

"When you are inspired by some great purpose for an extraordinary project, all your thoughts break the bonds, your mind transcends limitations, your consciousness expands and you find yourself in a great and wonderful world. You discover yourself to be a greater person," said APJ Abdul Kalam, President of India at the Art of Living Silver Jubilee Celebrations on February 19, 2006. Addressing millions gathered on the last day of the three-day celebrations, he further said that His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar's mission to have a beautiful, safe and happy world for the whole society of planet earth is a great vision and we need an action plan to achieve it. Dr. Kalam went on to suggest ideas based on principles similar to those of the Art of Living of evolving an enlightened society with three points that is education with value system, religion transformed into spirituality, economic development for social transformation for removing poverty. To make these happen, Dr. Kalam outlined the action plan for evolving an enlightened society that included like using music as a binding force in the world, celebrating each other's festivals, drawing best points from all religions etc. This would promote a common goal, radiating harmony in the world. He said, "With the guidance of His Holiness we will have a happy, prosperous world." The President also released the peace balloons.

Earlier, the evening began with the rendering of Omkar as lakhs were guided through Sudarshan Kriya, the stress elimination breathing process and the largest ever meditation, by His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, merging into one voice, one intention of world peace. With more than the expected 2.5 million people joining, it made history today on the last day of the three-day celebrations of the Art of Living Silver Jubilee Celebrations "Collective meditation is yagya and whatever one wishes for during this yagya is usually fulfilled" said His Holiness. People from more than 144 countries, diverse religions and cultures once again congregated at Jakkur Airfield.

Justice Venkatachaliah, former Chief Justice of India while delivering the welcome address for the President, said "The 20th century was the bloodiest century in human history. 200 million lives were lost in natural calamities and senseless violence caused by ethical and political boundaries. This brings into focus the need for ethical leadership today. Ideals of the Art of Living describe the fundamental of this ethical leadersip by cultivating the breath and consciousness we can shape and reshape the outer world." Arun Mahadevan, Representative of Art of Living Foundation, while thanking the President mentioned that our Master and the President do infact share common dreams for human upliftment.

Cultural evening started off with a one world family presentation. Here a waltz, there a bharath natyam, now a polka, then a manipuriMany dancers swayed to one universal tunethe world truly became one family. Performers from Asia, Europe, the Americas, Africa, Australia, New Zealand etc etc . joined Art of Living singer Sahil Jagtiani as he rendered the one world family Vasudeva Kudumbakkam peace song. They sang, swayed, and performed snippets of their country dances.

Rashmi Gopi Hegde presented a dance drama on Shiva and Parvathi. It was a visual feast when a mythological scene enacted, a spectacle of Sun god and his chariot of seven horses. The Indian contingent displayed the richness of the subcontinent with regional dances. Many eminent singers and maestros of South Indian music regaled the audience with their renderings. They had come out of love and respect and to be part of such a unique mega event.