Spiritual leader Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar on Sunday praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for initiatives aimed at improving cleanliness, reducing poverty and strengthening national development, while addressing the 45th anniversary celebrations of The Art of Living Foundation in Bengaluru.
The event also marked the 70th birthday celebrations of Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar and was attended by thousands of followers, dignitaries and public figures at the Art of Living International Centre.
Addressing the gathering, Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar credited PM Modi for transforming India through flagship initiatives such as the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan and for promoting cleanliness and public awareness across the country.
"Prime Minister Modi gave a new identity to the country by raising it from poverty, dirt and disorder. You announced the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan soon after coming to power and worked towards making the country clean, beautiful and safe," Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar said.
He also praised the Prime Minister for efforts towards strengthening national security and stability by curbing violence and extremism in several regions.
PM Modi, who attended the celebrations as the chief guest, inaugurated the newly-constructed Dhyan Mandir at the Art of Living International Centre. The meditation hall has been envisioned as a dedicated space for meditation, spiritual learning and holistic well-being.
Extending birthday greetings to Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, PM Modi said he hoped to return for the spiritual leader's centenary celebrations in the future.
"Today is Gurudev's 70th birthday. When the centenary celebrations take place, I will come again to join them," the Prime Minister said.
Referring to the lotus-shaped ceiling at the venue, PM Modi made a light-hearted remark during his address.
"Whether anything else happens or not, we are all under the shelter of the lotus. And with the blessings of Gurudev, this lotus will take the nation to new heights," he said.
During his speech, the Prime Minister highlighted the importance of spirituality, public participation and collective responsibility in nation-building. He also praised organisations like The Art of Living for contributing towards mental wellness, rural development, women empowerment and environmental conservation.
The Swachh Bharat Mission, launched on October 2, 2014, remains one of India's largest cleanliness and sanitation drives. The initiative has focused on improving sanitation infrastructure, promoting hygienic practices, eliminating open defecation and encouraging scientific waste management across urban and rural areas.
While at Art of Living, met Sri Sri Ravi Shankar Ji. We had an excellent discussion on various subjects, notably the work of Art of Living. His passion towards furthering societal good is noteworthy.@ArtofLiving@Gurudev pic.twitter.com/c9vah6mXeO
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 10, 2026
The programme has also played a major role in improving public health and environmental sustainability by facilitating the construction of toilets in villages and expanding awareness campaigns around cleanliness and sanitation.
Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar noted that The Art of Living movement, founded in 1981, has grown into a global humanitarian and spiritual organisation working in areas such as stress relief, meditation, education, environmental protection and community welfare.
