On Wednesday, April 17th, over 10,000 people from different backgrounds gathered at The Art of Living International Centre in Bengaluru for an event called "An Evening of Music and Meditation with Viksit Bharat Ambassadors." The attendees included people from all walks of life, including Art of Living disciples, instructors, professionals, and educated individuals of various ages.
The evening at @ArtofLiving International Centre in Bengaluru was unforgettable! More than 10,000 #ViksitBharatAmbassadors, including disciples and professionals, attended. The @VBA2024 event celebrated music, meditation, and democracy.
— narendramodi_in (@narendramodi_in) April 18, 2024
Gurudev @SriSri inspired the audience with… pic.twitter.com/NR5i0CoRCU
The VBA 2024 event was honoured by the presence of Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, founder of the Art of Living Foundation, who served as the Chief Guest. He spoke about important topics, ranging from the importance of democratic participation to celebrating cultural and religious milestones.
In Pictures: Sri Sri Ravishankar commences the Vikisit Bharat Ambassador program at The Art of Living International Center (Bangalore Ashram). pic.twitter.com/IxGRIalPvP
— IANS (@ians_india) April 17, 2024
One of the highlights of the evening was the screening of a film showcasing Viksit Bharat's journey and its transformative impact over the past decade.
In Pictures: The Art of Living International Center (Bangalore Ashram) is ready for an evening of enlightenment and grace with Viksit Bharat Ambassadors. pic.twitter.com/8crkGaNwnu
— IANS (@ians_india) April 17, 2024
Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his commitment to governance, adherence to religious customs, and his leadership in fulfilling the aspiration of establishing the Ram Mandir.
Gurudev lauded PM Modi's role in fulfilling a long-standing aspiration of establishing the Ram Mandir, underscoring the emotional significance of celebrating Ram Navami at the birthplace of Bhagwaan Shri Ram after 500 years. He lamented that previous governments did not do enough about it and said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi ended 'politics over Ram Mandir' and turned a centuries-old dream into reality in the shortest possible time.
"Ram Mandir was once only a matter of politics, but PM Modi ensured that the Ram Mandir became a reality," says Sri Sri Ravishankar at the Viksit Bharat Ambassador program at The Art of Living International Center (Bangalore Ashram) pic.twitter.com/hXo8P0j65y
— IANS (@ians_india) April 17, 2024
"Despite historical challenges, Prime Minister Modi's resolute leadership has ensured the timely construction of a magnificent temple. His meticulous attention to detail and personal commitment during the consecration process have set a compelling example for others to emulate," he said.
Modi's Legacy: Ram Navami at Ram Janmabhoomi After Centuries
— narendramodi_in (@narendramodi_in) April 17, 2024
"Today, after 500 years, Ram Navami is being celebrated at the Ram Janmabhoomi, where Ram Lalla was born. Ram's presence permeates every aspect of our lives. Despite years marred by political turmoil, little progress… pic.twitter.com/lSQzggsRMc
Witnessing PM Modi's sincere efforts and strict adherence to religious customs, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar said that the Prime Minister doesn't believe in superficial things and does everything with a 'clean heart and strong resolve'.
"PM Modi followed the ascetic 11-day Yam Niyam before the Pran Pratistha ceremony of Ram Lalla. He also keeps fast on all nine days of Navratri. By strictly following the Hindu rituals, he has set a benchmark for his successors, and they will have a tough time meeting the standards set by PM Modi," said Ravi Shankar.
The chants of "Ram Ram" graciously pave the way in the minds and souls of Viksit Bharat Ambassadors at @BangaloreAshram of Art of living as Gurudev @SriSri leads the way of music and spirituality in the evening #VBA2024 #ViksitBharatAmbassador pic.twitter.com/c0wYd1z8Dc
— Viksit Bharat Ambassador (@VBA2024) April 17, 2024
"PM Modi has set high governance standards in the last ten years. He doesn't socialize on Sunday; he does 'Mann Ki Baat' with the countrymen. He celebrates Diwali with the jawans on the borders. Whoever becomes his successor in times to come will have to maintain this standard," he said.
Gurudev remarked on the Prime Minister's high standards in governance and urged future leaders to uphold similar dedication and integrity. He emphasized the need for committed leadership to realize the vision of Viksit Bharat, a mission to achieve a developed India by 2047.
"Prime Minister Modi has raised the bar for future leaders by prioritizing duty over personal comfort. His commitment to spending Diwali with the army and engaging in regular public addresses like 'Mann Ki Baat' sets high standards, emphasizing the importance of selfless service and echoing the ideals of Lord Ram. This places significant challenges on future prime ministers, who must uphold these standards to advance India's development," he said.
PM @narendramodi Has Set High Standards and Higher Challenges for Future Prime Ministers
— narendramodi_in (@narendramodi_in) April 17, 2024
"In the future, prime ministers may face enduring challenges as they won't have the luxury of spending peaceful Diwalis at home; instead, they'll need to dedicate it to the army.… pic.twitter.com/3EGsO8HPIu
"To set ourselves on the path of development, we have to unite our efforts and inculcate a positive mindset. You can't become a Viksit Bharat Ambassador unless you are eager and inspired to attain it. To achieve this mission, everyone should come together and contribute to it," he said.
Addressing the audience, Gurudev called on first-time voters to recognize their role as active participants in shaping the nation's future. He encouraged them to vote with a sense of responsibility and optimism, stressing that every vote contributes to the country's progress.
Voting is a privilege & a responsibility. For first-time voters in India,world’s largest democracy, it’s a step from childhood to active adulthood. Focus on the big picture, not just local issues. Vote with pride & a vision for future. Your vote is crucial! #LokSabhaElections2024 pic.twitter.com/yQbBcgaIeT
— Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar (@SriSri) April 18, 2024
"You should think about yourself as an active participant of the vibrant democracy and vote with a positive mindset that your vote has the power to give direction to the country's growth," he said.
He appealed to first-time voters not to get discouraged and disoriented by local issues but to vote to take Bharat to new heights.
"To become an agent of change and a stakeholder in the country's development, you must cast your ballot," he told the Viksit Bharat Ambassadors.
"We are all citizens of the world's biggest democracy, and we must keep doing our bit to make it stronger and contribute, even if you consider it insignificant," he added.
In concluding remarks, Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar reiterated the collective responsibility to ensure India's development as Viksit Bharat. The event concluded on a note of optimism and determination, with attendees invigorated to contribute towards the nation's progress.
"...It is our collective responsibility to ensure that India becomes Viksit Bharat...," says Sri Sri Ravishankar at the VIKASAT Bharat Ambassador program at The Art of Living International Center (Bangalore Ashram) pic.twitter.com/NGm9Mt847U
— IANS (@ians_india) April 17, 2024
इस वर्ष, देश के लाखों युवा पहली बार मतदान करेंगे। अब तक जो दर्शक रहे, वे अब देश के विकास में भागीदार होंगे। स्थानीय समस्याओं से ऊपर उठकर, एक अंतर्राष्ट्रीय दृष्टिकोण के साथ, देश के प्रगतिशील भविष्य के लिए वोट दें।#LokSabhaElections2024 pic.twitter.com/JpQ2RMLlrf
— Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar (@SriSri) April 18, 2024
Hitesh Jain, Vice President of BJP Mumbai Pradesh, says, 'We all need to collectively contribute towards the Viksit Bharat initiative' at The Art of Living International Center (Bangalore Ashram) pic.twitter.com/0xwz5d5I1W
— IANS (@ians_india) April 17, 2024
"I think the Viksit Bharat brand ambassador meetup is a great initiative to bring the countries together," says an attendee at The Art of Living International Center (Bangalore Ashram) pic.twitter.com/MfcLvqwHkj
— IANS (@ians_india) April 17, 2024
Watch: "The vision of Viksit Bharat is uniting the whole country," says an attendee at the Viksit Bharat Ambassador program at The Art of Living International Center (Bangalore Ashram) pic.twitter.com/LnO96GL0sK
— IANS (@ians_india) April 17, 2024
Watch: "In the last ten years, the country has been developing, but the digital infrastructure is where we have made the most progress. We need to collectively find solutions to the problems that our country is facing... PM Modi is working towards that..," says an attendee at the… pic.twitter.com/EGDCcIMQ1o
— IANS (@ians_india) April 17, 2024
The Vision of Viksit Bharat: 140 crore dreams, 1 purpose
The Viksit Bharat Ambassador movement aims to encourage citizens to take responsibility for contributing to India's development. VBA meet-ups and events are being organized in various parts of the country to achieve this goal. These events provide a platform for participants to engage in constructive discussions, exchange ideas, and explore practical strategies for contributing to the movement.
Join the movement on the NaMo App:
https://www.narendramodi.in/ViksitBharatAmbassador
The NaMo App: Bridging the Gap
Prime Minister Narendra Modi's app, the NaMo App, is a digital bridge that empowers citizens to participate in the Viksit Bharat Ambassador movement. The NaMo App serves as a one-stop platform for individuals to:
Join the cause: Sign up and become a Viksit Bharat Ambassador and make 10 other people
Amplify Development Stories: Access updates, news, and resources related to the movement.
Create/Join Events: Create and discover local events, meet-ups, and volunteer opportunities.
Connect/Network: Find and interact with like-minded individuals who share the vision of a developed India.
The 'VBA Event' section in the 'Onground Tasks' tab of the 'Volunteer Module' of the NaMo App allows users to stay updated with the ongoing VBA events.
