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Her Excellency Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, former Chairperson of the African Union Commission, visited the The Art of Living Foundation International Centre in Bengaluru, India, from 10 to 14 May 2026, where she joined celebrations marking the Foundation’s 45th anniversary and the 70th birthday of Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar.
During her visit, Dr Dlamini-Zuma met with Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar and participated in engagements showcasing the Foundation’s work in healthcare, sustainable agriculture, education, youth empowerment and skills development. She expressed appreciation for Gurudev’s lifelong commitment to humanity and his message of peace, compassion and service across racial, religious and national boundaries.
The celebrations attracted thousands of visitors from around the world, including religious leaders from different Faiths, political leaders, government representatives, members of parliament and delegations from countries including Ghana, Liberia, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Nepal and Sri Lanka. India’s Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, also joined the celebrations. Dr Dlamini-Zuma noted that the gathering reflected the unifying power of leadership rooted in service and community upliftment.
In her address, Dr Dlamini-Zuma emphasised the importance of peace, ethical leadership and investing in young people as foundations for sustainable development, noting that Africa’s development depends on social cohesion, integrity and humility.
During a tour of the Sri Sri Rural Development Programme Trust facilities, Dr Dlamini-Zuma was introduced to practical skills programmes focused on mobile phone repairs, drone technology and drone farming applications, electric vehicles, solar technology, microgrid systems, computer skills and carpentry. The delegation was also introduced to the Foundation’s ecosystem of educational institutions, including pre-schools, schools and higher education centres that combine academic learning with ethics, service and human values.
Dr Dlamini-Zuma commended the programmes for addressing youth unemployment, food security and sustainable development challenges. She also appreciated the Foundation’s work in soil sciences, regenerative agriculture and organic fertiliser development, as well as the Art of Living Centre’s use of organic farming and agro-processing for products consumed within the community.
The visit included engagements at the Sri Sri College of Ayurvedic Science and Research Hospital, where the delegation was introduced to integrated healthcare approaches combining modern medicine with traditional wellness systems, including naturopathy, osteopathy, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, Ayurvedic medicine, brain dentistry and stress management therapies.
Dr Dlamini-Zuma also observed youth programmes linked to the intuition process, where children are guided to strengthen concentration, confidence and decision-making abilities through mindfulness and inner awareness practices. A demonstration involving a blindfolded child responding accurately to visual prompts prompted reflection on the importance of nurturing the full potential of young people through discipline and positive developmental environments.
Throughout the visit, Dr Dlamini-Zuma reflected on the importance of preserving indigenous knowledge systems and ways of life that promote harmony between humanity, community and nature.
Drawing from the African Union’s Agenda 2063 vision of “An integrated, prosperous and peaceful Africa, driven by its own citizens,” Dr Dlamini-Zuma noted that many of the initiatives demonstrated at The Art of Living Centre align closely with Africa’s aspirations for youth empowerment, food security, ethical leadership and sustainable development.
Dr Dlamini-Zuma congratulated Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar and The Art of Living Foundation on their continued contribution to humanity, peace and social development across the world. She noted that there is much Africa can learn from the integrated and human-centred approach demonstrated at the Centre and expressed hope for greater collaboration between Africa and The Art of Living Foundation.
She concluded her visit by attending Gurudev’s birthday celebration and wished him a long and healthy life.
INFO SUPPLIED.