Remarks of US Congressman on two Indian spiritual gurus entered in Congressional Register

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On September 26, 2023, Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi, D-Illinois, entered into the Congressional Register, the appreciation for Indian spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, founder of the Art of Living Foundation, for his humanitarian work.

“Mr. Speaker, I wish to recognize Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar’s distinguished career as a global humanitarian and spiritual leader. For over 40 years, Gurudev has helped guide individuals in Illinois and throughout the world in their search for inner peace with his programs rooted in meditation and yoga. Through his charity work and educational efforts, Gurudev has spread his belief that if individuals find inner peace, it can lead to real world reductions in violence and conflict,” Krishnamoorthi said in his announcement.

He recounted the Art of Living Foundation’s work since the non-profit was founded by Sri Sri Ravishankar in 1981, noting how Gurudev and the Foundation have engaged in humanitarian efforts in numerous conflict zones and currently operates in over 100 countries. He also founded the International Association for Human Values, which offers programs to reduce stress.

“Together, these organizations have thousands of volunteers who continue the important work of supporting individuals and communities in need,” Krishnamoorthi noted, adding, “Gurudev’s knowledge and experience with conflict resolution have allowed him to play vital roles in peace negotiations globally. In particular, Gurudev has promoted multiple interfaith dialogues to establish mutual respect and understanding, including between religious groups that may have been in conflict previously. This unique approach to conflict resolution, which focuses on communication and universal values, has proven its merit repeatedly.”

The Congressman recorded other achievements of Sri Sri Ravishankar including environmental projects, ending with, “Mr. Speaker, I wish to extend my immense gratitude to Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar for his invaluable contributions.”

On the same day Sept. 26, 2023, Rep. Krishnamoorthi introduced a similar resolution on Jain Acharya Lokeshmuniji.

“Mr. Speaker, I wish to recognize His Holiness Acharya Dr.Lokesh Muni Ji for his lifetime dedication to promoting peace, religious tolerance, and universal values,” Rep. Krishnamoorthi said.

At a young age, Acharya Dr. Lokesh Muni Ji committed himself to the study and teaching of Jainism, Buddhism, and Vedic philosophy. Dr. Lokesh eventually received the title of Acharya, the highest honor in the Jain faith, noted the Congressman.

He founded an organization called Ahimsa Vishwa Bharti, which supports Acharya’s various initiatives related to interfaith cooperation, environmental, and physical and spiritual wellness. Acharya has also written dozens of books to spread his message of peace, Krishnamoorthi went on to say.

Acharya Dr. Lokesh Muni Ji has dedicated himself to the promotion of peace and tolerance among different faith groups. He has helped defuse communal violence on multiple occasions and recently opened the World Peace Center in Gurugram, India, the Indian American lawmaker said.

With the support of Ahimsa Vishwa Bharti, Acharya Dr. Lokesh Muni Ji leads interfaith dialogues with the goal of finding common ground among the participants. Acharya Dr. Lokesh Muni Ji’s work has positively impacted individuals throughout the world, Krishnamoorthi went on to say.

“Mr. Speaker, I wish to extend my thanks and appreciation to Acharya Dr. Lokesh Muni Ji for his many accomplishments,” the Hindu lawmaker concluded.