What does it take for some of the most influential voices from cinema, literature, governance, and public life to gather under one roof, not for an awards night, a film launch, or a political summit, but to celebrate meditation, service, and human values?
At The Art of Living’s 45-year celebrations in Bengaluru, the answer unfolded in a powerful convergence of culture and consciousness.
Hon’ble Governor of Kerala, Shri Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, filmmaker Shri Raj Kumar Hirani, film producer Shri Sajid Nadiadwala, actor Shri Vikrant Massey, actor-comedian Shri Sunil Grover, poet and actor Shri Vineet Kumar Singh, renowned photographer Shri Avinash Gowariker, and producer Shri Mahaveer Jain, came together at The Art of Living International Center to acknowledge the profound impact Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar and The Art of Living have had on millions of lives over the last four and a half decades.
The emotional high point of the evening came when actor Vikrant Massey spoke about portraying Gurudev on screen in the upcoming film White. Receiving thunderous applause from the audience, Massey said, “Yeh (ashram) mera ghar hai. I got to play the role of my Guru, my everything. I am grateful to be accepted in that role.” While talking about Massey’s performance in White, film producer Shri Mahaveer Jain remarked, “There are sections in the film where we couldn’t tell Gurudev from Vikrant Massey,” drawing another round of cheer from the audience.
Celebrated filmmaker Raj Kumar Hirani reflected on his long association with Gurudev and the impact Sudarshan Kriya has had on his personal and professional life. Sharing how the practice has become a part of his filmmaking process, Hirani said, “Every time I have come here, I feel a unique energy. Before starting a film, I make every member of the crew learn Sudarshan Kriya.” Sharing about Gurudev’s ability to make everyone belong, he said, “Initially, we are shy when we first meet Gurudev and then he makes you one of his own. Then you become comfortable.”
Bringing warmth and humour to the gathering, actor and comedian Sunil Grover fondly recalled the last time he attended a meditation session with Gurudev. “Aapne kaha tha ki mere chehre pe halkapan aaya hai (You had said that there was a lightness on my face after the meditation),” he shared, drawing laughter and applause.
Producer Mahaveer Jain spoke about Gurudev’s influence on millions of lives and the deeper inspiration behind the upcoming film White, “We are here to thank you for 70 years of strengthening goodness. You taught millions of us how to live.”
Renowned celebrity photographer Avinash Gowariker shared one of the evening’s most heartfelt moments as he spoke about his connection with Gurudev and his daily practice of Sudarshan Kriya. “Though I am coming to the ashram for the first time, I feel I already know you,” he said emotionally, “I practice Sudarshan Kriya every single morning. I cannot explain in words the vibrations I felt.”
Actor Vineet Kumar Singh, who has acted in popular films like Chhava and Mukkabaaz shared, “I feel I should have come here earlier,” before reciting his iconic poem from the film Chhava.
Hon’ble Governor Shri Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, addressing the gathering, lauded Gurudev’s contribution in taking India’s spiritual wisdom across the world while making it deeply relevant for contemporary society.
“Such enlightened beings do not live for themselves. Their very purpose is to uplift others. Our vision is often limited, so we keep waiting for Lord Vishnu to descend upon Earth, without realising that the Divine continues to manifest through great spiritual masters. At times through Adi Shankaracharya, and in our times through Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar. We often fail to recognise how fortunate we are to be in the presence of such a soul,” said Hon’ble Governor of Kerala, Shri Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar.
He further added, “Our Gurudev is among the rare spiritual leaders the entire world needs for guidance today.”
In a special video message, Hon Chief Minister of Bihar, Shri Samrat Choudhary congratulated The Art of Living on completing 45 years and acknowledged the organisation’s contribution in touching millions of lives through stress-relief programs, youth empowerment initiatives, rural development, and humanitarian service.
One of the most remarkable highlights of the day long celebrations at the ashram was the grand Intuition Fest, where over 11,000 children and parents gathered in what emerged as one of the country’s largest showcases of human potential and intuitive abilities.
Children demonstrated blindfold reading, intuitive games, memory-based activities, rapid pattern recognition exercises, blindfold tic-tac-toe, and picture-copying exercises after regularly practising techniques taught in The Art of Living’s Intuition Process. The most astonishing moment came when 50 children cycled blindfolded across the Ashram premises, navigating curves and bends with remarkable ease.
The event also celebrated over 50 children and IP practitioners who have received national and international accolades in various fields. The demonstrations highlighted how meditation, breathwork, emotional balance, heightened awareness, and focused attention can rekindle intuitive abilities and cognitive sharpness in children.
Addressing the gathering, Gurudev reflected on the deeper spiritual dimension behind life and creativity. “The whole life is drama. Every actor keeps an eye on the director. I assure you the director of the world has his attention on you. You also put your attention on that one ‘director’,” he said.
The evening was not merely a celebration of an institution completing 45 years. It became a larger cultural statement about the growing intersection of spirituality, creativity, mental wellbeing, intuition, and social responsibility in modern world.
