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Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday inaugurated the newly built Dhyan Mandir at the Art of Living Foundation International Centre in Bengaluru during the organization’s 45th anniversary celebrations and the 70th birthday celebrations of spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar.
The event witnessed the presence of spiritual leaders, followers and dignitaries, with PM Modi highlighting the role of spirituality, youth empowerment and social participation in nation-building.
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Bengaluru, Karnataka: Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the newly constructed Dhyan Mandir at the Art of Living Foundation International Centre in Bengaluru. Spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar is also present pic.twitter.com/JHjiIy8agZ
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— IANS (@ians_india) May 10, 2026
PM Modi congratulates Art of Living family
Addressing the gathering after inaugurating the Dhyan Mandir, PM Modi congratulated the Art of Living Foundation and praised Bengaluru for contributing not only to technology and services but also to India’s spiritual identity.
“I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the Art of Living family for the Dhyan Mandir. Bengaluru is known across the world for software and services, but it has also given new heights to India’s cultural identity, spirituality and spiritual consciousness,” PM Modi said.
PM Modi also extended birthday wishes to Sri Sri Ravi Shankar and said he hoped to attend the spiritual leader’s centenary celebrations in the future.
“Today is Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar’s 70th birthday. When the centenary celebrations take place, I will come again to join them,” PM Modi said.
This afternoon, took part in the 45th anniversary celebrations of Art of Living and also inaugurated the Dhyan Mandir. My compliments to all those associated with Art of Living for their rich service to society, which is clearly reflected in their various initiatives.… pic.twitter.com/vY79ziBzFO
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 10, 2026
PM Modi calls for collective efforts towards ‘Viksit Bharat’
Speaking about the vision of a developed India, PM Modi said organisations like the Art of Living Foundation could play an important role in social transformation.
“You are all fulfilling your duties towards the nation and society very well. For the holistic development of India, collective efforts are needed at many levels. Organisations like the Art of Living can become strong guardians of this transformation,” PM Modi said.
He stressed that mentally calm and socially responsible youth would be key to building a “Viksit Bharat”.
“Viksit Bharat will be built by youth who are mentally calm, socially responsible and sensitive towards society. Spiritual well-being, mental health, yoga and meditation play a very important role in this,” PM Modi said.
Bengaluru, Karnataka: Prime Minister Narendra Modi says, “You are all fulfilling your duties towards the nation and society very well. But whenever I come among you, I cannot stop myself from making some request… For the holistic development of India, collective efforts are… pic.twitter.com/ctHapcFAKJ
— IANS (@ians_india) May 10, 2026
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar praises PM Modi
Speaking at the event, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar praised PM Modi’s leadership and credited him for major national initiatives.
“You gave a new identity to the country by raising it from poverty, dirt and disorder. You launched the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan and made the country clean, beautiful and safe,” the spiritual leader said.
PM Modi highlights environment protection
PM Modi also raised concerns over the excessive use of chemical fertilisers and appealed for stronger environmental awareness.
“Chemical fertilisers have weakened our soil and Mother Earth. Protecting Mother Earth from chemicals is also part of the Art of Living,” PM Modi said.
He encouraged the expansion of the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign and said environmental protection should become a people’s movement.
Bengaluru, Karnataka: Prime Minister Narendra Modi says, “Chemical fertilizers have weakened our soil and our Mother Earth. Protecting our Mother Earth from chemicals is also part of the Art of Living. The ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign can be further expanded, and you can give it… pic.twitter.com/Zk53H5ReNQ
— IANS (@ians_india) May 10, 2026
During his speech, PM Modi also highlighted India’s achievements in digital payments, infrastructure and the startup ecosystem.
“Our digital revolution has made India a global leader in digital payments. India has rapidly become the world’s third-largest startup ecosystem. Our youth are now sending satellites into space,” PM Modi said.
He credited the country’s youth for driving India’s transformation across sectors.
‘Society more powerful than governments’: PM Modi
PM Modi said social participation was necessary for the success of any national campaign and added that society played a greater role than politics in bringing change.
“I have always believed that society is more powerful than politics and even governments. Any government succeeds only when society actively participates in nation-building,” PM Modi said.
Referring to the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, PM Modi said the cleanliness campaign had become a part of people’s daily lives rather than remaining just a government programme.
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