The Global Spirituality Mahotsav was a landmark event that brought together diverse religions and spiritual orders, echoing the historic World Parliament of Religions meeting where Swami Vivekananda made his iconic speech. Hosted by Heartfulness, this unprecedented spirituality summit gathered over 500 spiritual leaders and attracted more than 100,000 participants from around the globe for four transformative days. This remarkable event, in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture, took place at Kanha Shanti Vanam, the largest meditation center worldwide located just outside Hyderabad.
Nawab Raunaq Yar Khan has been elected as the IX Nizam of the Asaf Jahi Dynasty and is widely recognized for his commitment to communal harmony. Among the key dignitaries at the event, he attended alongside his spokesperson and writer, Divyatha Ravi Prakash. Nawab Raunaq Yar Khan is celebrated for hosting Holi and Sankranti parties over the years, aiming to unify various communities within the town. During the summit, he expressed total appreciation for the vision of Rev. Daaji, emphasizing that man must be an experimenter to understand God independently. Additionally, he commended all the initiatives undertaken by Heartfulness in fostering spiritual growth and community engagement.
Under the theme “Inner Peace to World Peace,” the summit aimed to foster interfaith dialogue and encourage individuals of all ages and backgrounds to integrate spirituality into their daily lives. The outcomes exceeded expectations, as the summit not only aimed to raise collective human consciousness and promote spiritual awakening but also inspired the 500 spiritual leaders to embark on impactful projects addressing education, climate change, healthcare, and environmental conservation. This initiative aims to nurture a vision of “One Earth, One Sustainable Future” for everyone, with plans to solidify project proposals that could significantly impact India and reach beyond.
Smt. Droupadi Murmu, Hon’ble President of India, inaugurated the Global Spirituality Summit, while Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar, Hon’ble Vice-President of India, participated on Days 3 and 4. Rev. Daaji, known for his unwavering commitment to sustainability and accessible meditation practices, was honored as the ‘Global Ambassador of Peacebuilding and Faith’ by the Commonwealth Secretariat on the summit’s final day, receiving praise from both Hon. Patricia Scotland and Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar for his significant contributions to peacebuilding.
The summit was a collaboration of several renowned organizations, including the Ramakrishna Mission, The Art of Living Foundation, Brahma Kumaris, Patanjali Yogpeeth, and many more, representing various faiths and schools of thought. Key dignitaries such as Gaur Gopal Das of ISCKON, Chinna Jeeyar Swami, and Rev. Anthony Poola, among others, participated and shared valuable insights throughout the event.
Cultural and spiritual activities were a focal point of the summit, including panel discussions on themes such as “Spirituality in Daily Lives” and “Youth and Spirituality in the Digital Age.” Engaging wisdom sessions featured prominent figures like Swami Mukundananda, Usha Behn, and Devi Chitralekha, contributing to rich discussions and spiritual learning.
The summit also showcased India’s vibrant cultural heritage through performances, including a mesmerizing presentation blending Bharatnatyam, Kathak, and Odissi, helmed by Bikram Ghosh. A stirring concert featuring artists like Shankar Mahadevan and Paramita Maitra thrilled attendees, elevating the experience with spiritual melodies.
In summary, the Global Spirituality Mahotsav stood as a powerful testament to the potential of collaboration among diverse spiritual communities. It successfully fostered interfaith dialogue and personal growth while inspiring actionable projects to address global challenges. This unifying summit not only aimed for inner peace but also advocated for broader world peace, making it a pivotal event in the landscape of global spirituality.