On 2023-09-26, Representative Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL-8) delivered a floor speech titled "RECOGNIZING GURUDEV SRI SRI RAVI SHANKAR FOR HIS ACCOMPLISHMENTS" in the House. The speech addressed the environment and also covered trade policy.
RECOGNIZING GURUDEV SRI SRI RAVI SHANKAR FOR HIS ACCOMPLISHMENTS Congressional Record, Volume 169 Issue 156 (Tuesday, September 26, 2023) [Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 156 (Tuesday, September 26, 2023)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E888] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] RECOGNIZING GURUDEV SRI SRI RAVI SHANKAR FOR HIS ACCOMPLISHMENTS ______ HON. RAJA KRISHNAMOORTHI of illinois in the house of representatives Tuesday, September 26, 2023 Mr. KRISHNAMOORTHI. 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. In 1981, Gurudev founded the Art of Living Foundation, a non-profit focused on the promotion of meditation and humanitarianism. To date, Gurudev and the Art of Living 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. 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. Furthermore, Gurudev has had a long-term focus on youth empowerment. He started over 1,000 schools that provide a free education within disadvantaged communities, benefiting over 82,000 students and equipping them with the skills and confidence necessary to succeed in life. Additionally, Gurudev has shown his commitment to a cleaner and healthier environment by leading an effort that restored approximately 70 rivers and thousands of bodies of water in India, as well as planting some 80 million trees throughout the world. With his message of peace and commitment to education and humanitarianism, Gurudev has lived a life dedicated to the betterment of others. Mr. Speaker, I wish to extend my immense gratitude to Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar for his invaluable contributions. ____________________