'World Meditates with Gurudev' event to be held at new Dhyan Mandir inaugurated by PM Modi [Full details]

Within 72 hours of Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurating the Dhyan Mandir at The Art of Living Foundation International Center in Bengaluru, the newly unveiled meditation hall is set to host its first major event — a global meditation for world peace led by Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar.

Millions of people across 182 countries are expected to participate physically and through livestream during the "World Meditates with Gurudev" event on May 13, in what organisers describe as one of the world's largest collective meditation gatherings.

During the inauguration of the Dhyan Mandir on Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the importance of mental well-being and spiritual development, particularly among young people navigating stress and uncertainty in a rapidly changing world.

"A developed India will be built by young people who are mentally peaceful, socially responsible and sensitive towards society," the Prime Minister said, underlining the role of institutions working in yoga, meditation, spiritual well-being and mental health.

He also credited India's youth as the driving force behind the country's progress in technology, science and innovation, while acknowledging the contribution of Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar and The Art of Living in helping young people address modern-day challenges.

Reflecting on the vision behind the Dhyan Mandir, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that efforts rooted in service and clarity of purpose always lead to meaningful outcomes. He also described The Art of Living's 45-year journey as a "vast banyan tree" touching lives across the world through its humanitarian and wellness initiatives.

The global meditation event forms the centrepiece of month-long celebrations marking 45 years of The Art of Living Foundation. Over the past several weeks, political leaders, policymakers, business leaders, artists and social figures have gathered at the Bengaluru-based International Center to honour Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar's contributions to peacebuilding, mental wellness and service initiatives.

Among the dignitaries attending the broader celebrations are Union Minister of State for Education Sukanta Majumdar, Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari, Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh, Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla, Nagaland Governor La. Ganesan, Uttarakhand Governor Gurmit Singh and Niranjan Hiranandani, Chairman of the Hiranandani Group.

Prominent film personalities including Allu Arjun, Rajinikanth, Mohan Babu and Arjun Rampal have also participated in the celebrations.

Organisers said the May 13 meditation is expected to bring together people across continents and time zones in a shared moment of silence and reflection, reinforcing Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar's long-standing message that "inner peace alone can bring peace outside."