Permanent Mission of India

New York
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Meditation for Global Peace & Harmony
 

Statement by Ambassador Parvathaneni Harish, Permanent Representative

20 December 2024

President of General Assembly H. E. Philemon Yang,

Under Secretary General Atul Khare

Ambassador Lok Bahadur Thapa

Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar,

Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,

NAMASTE

I am honored to welcome you all to this momentous occasion commemorating the first World Meditation Day. I extend a special welcome to fellow members of the UN diplomatic corps and UN officials, and to Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar for their participation in this event.

As you are aware, the United Nations General Assembly on 6^th December 2024 passed resolution declaring 21^st December as World Meditation Day. While acknowledging the universality of meditation, the General Assembly also invited all member states, organizations of the UN system, civil society and individuals to observe the World Meditation Day in an appropriate manner to raise awareness of the benefits of the meditation.

The ancient Indian practice of dhyana, or meditation, goes back thousands of years to yogic traditions and holds the key to attain inner calm, and achieve harmony between mind and body, thought and action, humanity and external environment. Modern science attests to the numerous benefits of meditation and its profound impact on our lives.

21 December marks the Winter Solstice which in the Indian tradition is the beginning of Uttarayana – an auspicious time of the year especially for inner reflection. India’s leadership in overall human well being stems from our civilization dictum of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” – the whole world is one family.

Dear friends,

The United Nations General Assembly also acknowledged the link between yoga and meditation as complementary approaches to health and wellbeing. The International Day of Yoga which falls on 21 June marks the Summer Solstice and in the Indian tradition is the beginning of Dakshinayana – an auspicious time for the practice of Yoga.

We are fortunate that the ancient wisdom of meditation offers a beacon of hope amid growing stress and anxiety at the individual level, and conflicts and tensions at the global level. In our current global landscape, marked by escalating conflicts and deep-seated mistrust, meditation emerges not merely as a personal practice, but as a powerful instrument of diplomacy. Meditation helps us to cultivate empathy, deep self awareness, capacity to understand complex situations with greater clarity – skills that are critical to navigate an increasingly interconnected and complex global environment.

Excellencies,

We are privileged to have amongst us an extraordinary spiritual leader, Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar. Through his 'Art of Living' Foundation, he has fostered harmony among individuals and nations, touching millions of lives across cultural and geographical boundaries.

His discourse today will offer profound insights into the practice of meditation as a practical tool for personal transformation in our digital age. Drawing from his vast experience, wisdom, and humanitarian work, Gurudev will also enable us to taste the inner tranquility that meditation brings about.

Excellencies,

As we reflect on this day, we must remember that inner happiness, peace and harmony is our natural state of being and meditation offers us a practical pathway for achieving this. I invite each one of you to embark on the transformative potential of meditation with us, today.

Dhanyavaad

Thank you!