Global Humanitarian Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar Held Group Meditation in Chicago
Local Officials Toni Preckwinkle, Reps. Davis and Krishnamoorthi Come Together
CHICAGO, June 28, 2022 (Newswire.com) - Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar of The Art of Living Foundation welcomed local and state political dignitaries, business leaders and about 2,500 guests last night at the UIC Forum for the "I Stand for Peace" event on Sunday evening. Shankar is a global leader in non-violent conflict resolution, meditation and mental health awareness.
Notable Chicago and Illinois political leaders were also in attendance and spoke about the surge in gun violence, the need for peace across the city and how Gurudev's influence can help reduce tensions among warring groups both local to global unrest. Those leaders include Toni Preckwinkle, President of the Cook County Board of Commissioners, Rep. Danny Davis (D, IL-7th District) and Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi (D, IL-8th District), State Representative Jim Durkin (R, 82nd District) and Hoffman Estates Police Chief Kasia Cawley. Dr. Suresh Reddy, an Indian American neuro interventional radiologist and president of Indian American Medical Association, Illinois, also gave remarks.
"In this polarized society, we need more people who can bring peace, who can bridge the gap from conflict to proper communication and celebration, some planning to have world culture festivals and bring people together of all backgrounds and all ideologies. We want to give the message, 'Hey, wake up, we are one family,'" said Shankar.
Mayor Lori Lightfoot also sent a proclamation to the event, which was read by Rep. Davis, in which she declared June 26 each year to be "I Stand for Peace" Day.
The event was hosted by the Indian-American Business Council, a national, non-profit organization that promotes business opportunities, forums, networking, trade delegations and productive exchanges between India and the United States.
At the event, Shankar led the participants in a half-hour guided meditation and spoke about what he's experienced while on this worldwide tour and how it can help Chicagoans.
"Meditation makes you emotionally strong, mentally sharp intuitively, and more alert, and mindful in your work, whatever you are doing. It has more than a hundred benefits, including physical health benefits. It can help with hypertension, depression, digestive issues … many things it can help with," Shankar added.
The event was moderated by Chicago-based writer, comedian and climate change activist Lucia Whalen.
Source: The Art of Living Foundation
