Peace Initiatives
Sri Sri's Unique approach of facilitating outer peace through individual empowerment has effected long-lasting change in conflict hotspots across the world. This approach, combined with self development programs, the principle of non-violence, dialogue and rehabilitation programs, has helped every section of society, from militants and estranged youth to victims and security forces, transforming hate, bitterness and violence into joy.
Reintegrating Naxalites in India
The single biggest internal security challenge India hasever faced, naxalites are militant communist groups that were born out of the Sino-Soviet split. They run 'parallel governments' in more than 180 districts in India by coercing people to adhere to their demands. Between January 2004 and March 2007, 3700 fatalities have been reported in India from naxalite violence.
In the last decade, Sri Sri's relentless efforts have transformed more than 11,000 naxalites and terrorists in Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Chattisgarh and North East India. Also, Trauma Relief programs and Youth Leadership Training Programs have been conducted for victims of the violence. For example, in Jharkhand, 20,000 people have benefited from trauma relief programs.
- Ram Kumar, Bihari youth
We were indoctrinated with words of confrontation and hatred. Now, Sri Sri has filled our lives with love and we want to spread love, not hatred."- Shiv Prasad, Naxalite from Bihar
Bihar: A remarkable transformation.
More than 700 rebels surrender arms, pledge non-violence
Bihar, a state in India with a rich heritage and abundant natural resources, has been reeling from caste wars, social divisions, and a disrupted educational system. Sri Sri has met with members of Bihar's warring factions and held dialog on the importance of non-violence. As a result of his initiatives and individual empowerment programs, about 700 rebels from rival groups have surrendered arms pledged to spread the message of love and peace.
In 2001, Sri Sri visited Masaudhi, a conflict-ridden region, and appealed to the audience of 50,000 people to give non-violence a chance. He also urged them to identify themselves with humanity rather than with a caste or religion. In Narhi, where no celebrations were held because of fear of violence, the Foundation held a special event of music and meditation where warring rebels were brought together. The evening created such a shift in the rebel groups that they agreed to drop a legal suit that they had filed against each other.
In addition to homes for widows and homeless, the Art of Living Foundation has also built twenty-seven free schools in Bihar for more than 1500 students. Local Art of Living volunteers with graduate degrees are now teaching in schools, and several schools in Jahanabad, Arwal and Bhojpur resumed their normal activities. After hours, these schools function as literacy centers, community centers and vocational training centers.
The Foundation has held alcoholism awareness workshops for about 35,000 people. These workshops feature stress elimination techniques, and urge women to pro-actively ensure that their husbands stay away from alcohol.
Tripura, India
Sri Sri village: Landmarks - Zero-Terrorism, Harmonious Co-existence
Ethnic and religious divisions have fractured the Indian state of Tripura since the late 1970s. In 2001, the Art of Living Foundation began its development program in Mandahi, a small village that has suffered great losses and has become the hub of terrorist activity. The Foundation built homes, conducted trauma relief programs and opened two schools in the village, providing students with an atmosphere of love, security and non-violence.
Twenty-four free schools have been built across the state. By rehabilitating estranged members of society and comforting the victims of terrorism, Sri Sri has given them peace and a sense of security.