Art of Living Brings Hope and Healing to War-Torn Ukraine

Quick Summary

• The Art of Living Foundation, led by Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, is conducting trauma relief sessions for Ukrainian soldiers and civilians affected by the ongoing war.
• Ukrainian military officers participating in these programs reported notable emotional and psychological benefits after using Art of Living’s breathing and meditation techniques.
• Soldiers shared that the training helped them cope wiht fear, grief, anger, and trauma. A soldier credited a breathing technique taught in the program for saving his life during combat.
• The leadership programs have provided adaptive strategies to military leaders, helping them make sound decisions under unpredictable conditions.
• Ukraine’s military leadership publicly recognized Gurudev’s contributions by honoring him with an award that highlighted these courses’ strategic importance for mission success.
• As 2022,over 8,000 individuals-including displaced civilians and children-have benefited from this initiative.

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!Art of Living’s Meditation Workshop Award Ceremony

Indian Opinion Analysis

The impact of the Art of Living Foundation’s work in Ukraine demonstrates how non-material interventions like mindfulness techniques can play a role alongside customary rehabilitation measures during crises. By offering tools such as guided breathwork and meditation to trauma victims including soldiers on active duty, they address invisible wounds often overlooked amid physical injuries-the psychological toll.

The recognition by Ukraine’s military endorses this approach as not only therapeutic but strategically valuable for cognitive function under high-risk scenarios. For India-a nation where yoga-based therapies have ancient roots-this achievement underscores its soft power potential on global humanitarian platforms without any political alignments or predefined constraints.

Such initiatives may inspire further integration of traditional wellness practices into recovery programs worldwide while reinforcing India’s legacy as a promoter of peacebuilding methodologies.

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