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I Stand For Peace reaches the US shores

Peace Initiatives | Published: | 7 min read


I Stand For Peace reaches the US shores  

‘The voice of peace, the voice of truth should be heard loud and clear,’ – this message from Gurudev took shape into a global campaign ‘I Stand For Peace’ when it was kick-started in Geneva in April. Shortly after, Gurudev headed for the United States tour, and there too, he appealed to the people to unite for peace under this campaign.

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‘The voice of peace, the voice of truth should be heard loud and clear,’ – this message from Gurudev took shape into a global campaign ‘I Stand For Peace’ when it was kick-started in Geneva in April. Shortly after, Gurudev headed for the United States tour, and there too, he appealed to the people to unite for peace under this campaign.

Miami, FL

For the last 40 years, Gurudev’s focused efforts in bringing peace to individuals and conflict-impacted zones have been an inspiration for individuals and global leaders alike. Recognizing this, the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine presented the prestigious Global Humanitarian Award to Gurudev in Miami, Florida.

The Miami-Dade county commissioner Kionne L. McGhee presented the ‘Key to the City of Miami’ to Gurudev.

Harvard University, Cambridge, MA

The Covid-19 pandemic brought to the fore several mental health concerns that were not in the spotlight as openly as before. Varying mental health issues have been affecting individuals across the world. In an interaction based on the topic ‘Building emotional resilience through turbulent times’ leading award-winning psychologist, renowned author, and a faculty at the Harvard Medical School, Susan David, led a conversation with Gurudev at the Harvard University. The event was open to Harvard (and affiliated) students, faculty, and staff. Gurudev and Susan had an insightful talk on practical tools to tame emotional instability. Gurudev also led meditation to exhibit how it can be a potent tool in building emotional and mental resilience.

Gurudev has been attending a string of conversations and discussions with several eminent speakers and personalities covering myriad topics concerning society today. One such discussion was held with Erik Solheim, a former minister of development of Norway who is also an advocate of peace and an active environmentalist.

Gurudev had an interesting discussion about the current state of the world post-pandemic and the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. Gurudev gave his vision for the way forward. Gurudev said it is time for people who are peace-lovers to stand up and support the #IStandforPeace campaign. Gurudev said when peace-loving and good people unite then it will bring a positive shift in the atmosphere. This powerful thought of mobilizing the peace-makers to bring the change in the society much-desired by the world today was wholeheartedly endorsed and echoed by Erik as well.

New York City, NY

Gurudev was engaged in another delightful live conversation with John Sexton from the New York Public Library. Sexton, who served as the President of New York University from 2002 through 2015 quizzed Gurudev on a variety of topics ranging from religion, God, and spirituality to climate change and the environment. The hour-long conversation is a must-watch!

Washington, DC

While the pandemic proved to be tough and challenging for the commoners, it was more so for the medical fraternity. The doctors, nurses, and helping staff served the world relentlessly but not much attention was paid to their health. Gurudev addressed the medical fraternity at the #HealingHealthcareDC event which was hosted by National Geographic and the Children’s National Hospital in Washington DC.

Gurudev honored the medical fraternity stating that individual and societal health as well as the health between nations must be cared for. Wellness, Gurdev said, is the need of the hour.

Gurudev addressed an event hosted by George Washington University in partnership with Stanford’s Center for Compassion and Altruism Research and Education (CCARE) alongside US Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy and Founder and Director of CCARE Dr. James Doty.

This discussion touched upon the power of compassion and the importance of the work of CCARE on youth mental health, which is an important issue in the world today. The panel discussion, which was moderated by Emma Seppälä, Ph.D., a science journalist, and an author, explored the future of mental health, work, and life in general in the US. Gurudev shared tips and tools that young people can make optimum use of to be happy now, and even in the future.

The following days, the #IStandForPeace campaign got an overwhelming response in Philadelphia, Boone, Dallas and Austin. The campaign got a shot in the arm on Gurudev’s birthday, May 13th, when thousands across the globe meditated for peace.

Kimmel Center, Philadelphia, PA

Boone, NC

Thousands joined Gurudev in a meditation for peace at the Art of Living Retreat Center in Boone. The meditation was part of the evening to celebrate Gurudev’s birthday on May 13th.

Delaware

Mid-May saw Gurudev interacting with several government dignitaries and officials. Gurudev delivered keynote address at the Delaware State Senate and the House of Representatives. Gurudev also met with the Governor JohnCarney. Here, each chamber presented a tribute in recognition of The Art of Living’s efforts and works in uplifting the society.

Washington, DC

US Capitol

Continuing the string of meetings, Gurudev attended the reception at the US Capitol hosted by Assistant Speaker of the US House Katherine Clark. Accompanying them were Congressmen Raja Krishnamoorthy and Danny K Davis.

Organization of American States

In the coming days, Gurudev had a meaningful discussion over the pressing issues concerning the North and South America with the Secretary General of Organization of American States (OAS), Luis Almagro. After the meeting, Almagro mentioned in a tweet about about the discussion he had with Gurudev about peace and teachings of Mahatma Gandhi.

Texas

Arizona

Condemning the violence at the Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, Gurudev raised concern over the unchecked sale of firearms.

California

The #IStandForPeace movement continues to the west coast where Gurudev shared his vision through interactions with celebrities, government officials, medical fraternity, business organizations and educational institutions.

Seattle, Washington

Gurudev interacted with the residents of the Greater Seattle area, students of the University of Washington, Senators and Representatives of Washington state during the #IStandForPeace events in Seattle.

The resounding reception of #IStandForPeace in every corner of the US where Gurudev visited has only reassured the society there are people who are more than willing to support the voice of peace. A little nudge of wisdom, meditation and Gurudev’s efforts can bring about a phenomenal change in the world that every individual is perhaps wishing for – peace. And this journey to world peace, like Gurudev says, begins with individual peace.

When each and every person says and supports the #IStandForPeace movement, the shouts of violence will be silenced one at a time, for the larger good of the world.

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