Marking Kannada Rajyotsava, The Art of Living, in collaboration with the local industrial community, distributed 140 solar-powered lighting units to communities around Jigani, Bengaluru, bringing renewable energy solutions closer to rural households, farmers and shared public spaces.
Held at the Sri Gangamma, Maramma and Chowdeshwari Temple premises, Belakina Seve- Rajyotsava Deepa Dana included 60 solar home lighting systems for students and their families, 80 portable solar torches to help farmers protect their crops at night, and four solar-powered street lights for public spaces in surrounding villages. Equipped with mobile charging slots, the units offer practical everyday benefits while harnessing solar energy.
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Kalappa, a farmer and trustee of the Chowdeshwari Temple, said, “Children do not have electricity at home to study. Children’s education is very important. If they receive a proper education, it will help them in the future and give them opportunities to grow.”
The initiative builds on The Art of Living’s longstanding work with these villages. In November 2025, the global spiritual master and humanitarian, Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar visited Jigani for a Maha Satsang attended by thousands of people from over 30 neighbouring villages. His visit reflected his enduring connection with rural communities and his vision of development that brings together human well-being, cultural values and collective responsibility.
This commitment continues through The Art of Living’s engagement across 37 villages and settlements spanning three Gram Panchayats. Alongside practical service initiatives, its work includes meditation, awareness activities, the Rural Happiness Programs and Youth Leadership Training Programme, recognising that sustainable communities need both essential resources and opportunities for personal and collective growth.
A local beneficiary said, “Art of Living is providing us with solar lights and helping us so that the village can have light. This will be useful for all the children who are studying and going to school.”
An Art of Living volunteer, Malleshwari, said, “The Art of Living inspires you to go within and find peace, and then go out into the world and be dynamic in serving others. This combination is so rare, refreshing and uplifting. It shows you how inner transformation can inspire meaningful action for people and the planet.”
Through Belakina Seve, The Art of Living continues to advance a vision of rural development rooted in sustainability, community participation and service.
