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[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E971]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
HONORING HIS HOLINESS SRI SRI RAVI SHANKAR
______
HON. RAJA KRISHNAMOORTHI
of illinois
in the house of representatives
Wednesday, July 24, 2019
Mr. KRISHNAMOORTHI. Madam Speaker, I rise to honor his Holiness Sri
Sri Ravi Shankar, a Hindu spiritual leader and humanitarian who has
devoted his life to eliminating violence and spreading compassion
throughout the world. I also wish to acknowledge the America Meditates
guided meditation conducted today in Denver, Colorado by His Holiness
as part of the National Summit for Mental Health and Mental Fitness, an
event that will be livestreamed nationwide and joined by thousands of
His Holiness' devotees.
His Holiness's teachings emphasize the close relationship between
spirituality, compassion for others, and concern for the environment.
According to his beliefs, spirituality is open to all people regardless
of religion or culture, because the bond that all humans share is
stronger than any characteristics that may divide us.
His Holiness has taken part in extensive humanitarian work around
the world. Volunteers from his many service organizations have
distributed food and emergency supplies, and provided spiritual support
and counseling, to victims from natural disasters including Hurricane
Katrina in the United States and the 2004 tsunami that devastated
Southeast Asia.
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar is a champion of peace, and has actively sought
to assist in efforts to mediate conflicts in Southeast Asia, the Middle
East, South America and on the Indian subcontinent. His Holiness has
dedicated himself to social initiatives all over the world and
especially in India, where he has worked to increase voter awareness
and establish free health camps, and address social problems ranging
from drug abuse to the rehabilitation of prison populations. His
Holiness has also worked to protect our environment with an assortment
of water and river rehabilitation projects, and through efforts ranging
from programs to help train farmers on creating seed banks to building
waste management facilities.
In recognition of his decades of service, His Holiness has been
honored with awards from countries including India, Argentina, Brazil,
Colombia, Hungary, the Netherlands, Paraguay, Peru, Russia and the
United States. In 2016, the Government of India awarded him the ``Padma
Vibhushan'', its second highest civilian honor.
His Holiness continues his work throughout the world to bring peace
and understanding through meditation and spiritual growth. Madam
Speaker, I want to recognize His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar for the
good work he has done through his spiritual leadership and humanitarian
service, and commend him for his continued efforts to make a more just
and peaceful world.
____________________