Spirituality Key to Holistic Progress, Says AP CM
In such circumstances, institutions like the Art of Living Foundation, he noted, have a major role to play in guiding humanity towards peace and emotional resilience.
Vijayawada:Referring to rapid technological advancements and geopolitical tensions, Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has observed that rising stress levels and economic uncertainties are affecting ordinary people worldwide.
In such circumstances, institutions like the Art of Living Foundation, he noted, have a major role to play in guiding humanity towards peace and emotional resilience.
Participating in the global celebrations marking the 70th birthday of spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar and the 45th anniversary of the Art of Living Foundation in Bengaluru on Tuesday, Naidu said spirituality was essential for achieving holistic progress in society.
Addressing the gathering at the Art of Living International Centre, Naidu said economic growth, infrastructure and technological advancement alone could not ensure sustainable development unless they were complemented by human values, emotional well-being, and inner peace.
Describing Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar as a “global humanitarian and messenger of peace,” the CM said the spiritual leader had successfully connected India’s ancient wisdom with the modern world’s search for harmony. Few spiritual leaders had earned such widespread goodwill from both ordinary citizens and global institutions.
Naidu stressed that in a world increasingly driven by technology and Artificial Intelligence, spirituality was no longer a luxury but a necessity. “The world has more information than ever before, but less peace. More connectivity, but less human connection,” he observed, adding that spirituality alone could create balance and emotional well-being.
He said Andhra Pradesh aimed to emerge not only as an IT hub but also as a destination for peace, wellness, spirituality and happiness.
Highlighting the state’s spiritual heritage, Naidu referred to Tirupati as the “living God of Kaliyuga” and underlined government efforts to promote spiritual tourism, yoga, Ayurveda and wellness ecosystems.
Recalling his nearly three-decade association with Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, Naidu said Art of Living programmes conducted for ministers, MPs, MLAs and senior officials had positively influenced stress management, emotional balance and value-based governance.
The chief minister praised the Art of Living Foundation’s global humanitarian initiatives in rural development, women empowerment, education and river rejuvenation. He noted that the organisation had impacted over 100 crore lives across 182 countries through more than 10,000 centres and 38,000 teachers.
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, in his address, praised the chief minister for blending development with spirituality and recalled his role in transforming Hyderabad into a global technology destination through youth empowerment and IT-driven growth.
Dignitaries including Goa chief minister Pramod Sawant, Bihar deputy CM Vijay Sinha and several central and state ministers attended the event, which concluded with a meditation session led by Gurudev.
