Hyderabad: The World Headquarters of Heartfulness Institutes at Kana Shanti Vanam, which is home to the world’s largest meditation hall complex, celebrated World Environment Day today. The event was attended by Shri Krupakar Ravipati, Assistant Director, Department of Tourism, Government of Telangana as the Chief Guest. Mr. Ravipati marked the occasion by planting a sapling at the Kana Campus and delivered a speech praising the good work done by Heartfulness Institutes in the field of environment conservation. During the event, the residents of the ashram, students of Heartfulness Learning Centre and Kana Coaching Centre, all employees and volunteers undertook tree planting and clean-up activities at Kana Shanti Vanam. All participants at the event also experienced Heartfulness relaxation and meditation techniques. Shri Krupakar Ravipati was given a special tour of the Kana Shanti Vanam premises.
Krupakar Ravipati, Additional Director, Ministry of Tourism, said, “The environment is not only the backdrop of our lives but the basis of our existence. By nurturing and protecting the environment, we can ensure a healthier and more prosperous future for ourselves and future generations.” Witnessing the immense amount of work that has gone into Kana Shanti Vanam, he commented that it is an epitome of nature conservation. He believes that the environmental protection measures adopted in Kana Shanti Vanam are the most important initiatives that will serve as an inspiration for all generations to care for the environment. Meanwhile, due to lack of conscientious efforts, plastic as a pollutant has not been curbed to the required extent.
Deforestation, on the other hand, is causing climate change and global warming. But involving the youth and communities in decontamination and reforestation activities at this level instills in them a sense of responsibility not only towards themselves but towards future generations. He appreciated that Heartfulness, under the astute guidance of Guru Daji, is bringing about great change in this field, inspiring millions of people across the world to make a difference.
Reverend Daaji, Heartfulness Leader and President of Sri Ram Chandra Mission, currently on a tour of the US, expressed his appreciation for the enthusiasm of the participants on World Environment Day. He said, “It gives me immense joy to see an increasing number of people being driven to be role models in protecting the environment. Our environment reflects our inner state. Being in harmony with nature not only protects our surroundings but also fosters peace of mind. But the environment is not just plants and water. The air and soil are also environment and their quality must be protected. My spiritual master Babuji Maharaj had beautifully said that when we are in harmony with nature we find inner peace and harmony.”
Lalaji Maharaj emphasized that nature itself is a reflection of the Divine. By observing nature, we can understand the divine principle at work within and around us. This reflection reminds us that our actions towards the environment are divine and impactful. Our environment changes us at a genetic level and also directly impacts our health and future generations. If each of us, at the community level and across society, makes an effort to restore ecosystems, eliminate pollutants and use natural resources wisely, we can certainly save the environment. The entire universe is a manifestation of the Divine. Every element of nature has something to teach us about simplicity and balance.”
About Heartfulness: First developed in the early 20th century and formalized as a teaching in India in 1945 through the Sri Ram Chandra Mission, Heartfulness offers a set of simple meditation techniques and lifestyle changes. Its purpose is to bring peace, happiness, and wisdom to one mind at a time. These techniques are a contemporary form of yoga designed to support contentment, inner peace, serenity, compassion, courage, and clarity of thought as the first step toward a purposeful life. They are simple and easy to adopt, and are suitable for people ages 15 and older from all walks of life, cultures, religious beliefs, and economic situations. Ongoing training in Heartfulness practices continues in thousands of schools and universities, and more than 100,000 professionals have meditated in corporations, non-governmental organizations, and government agencies around the world. More than 5,000 Heartfulness centers are supported by thousands of certified volunteer trainers and millions of practitioners in 160 countries.
