The time beckonsBy Sri Sri Ravi ShankarThere is an old saying that time and tidewaits for no man. Yet, there are someto it and there are others who have the abilityto change it. People look towards leaders tobring about this change. Every new year theywish for a better life and a better society tobe in.Consciously or unconsciously, peoplehold the leaders responsible for the statethat they are in. Whereas often, leaders feelthat they are not in control of the factorscontributing to their challenges. And theregoes the blame game. In this ping pong ofresponsibilities, both leaders, and the societyare at a loss. What to do in this situation, is aquestion that weighs heavily on one’s mind.While greed of a few and unethical practiceshave caused economic turmoil in the world;the arms and the pharmaceuticals lobbiesare further fueling unrest and compromisingpeace. Egotistic attitude of power hungrypeople has caused destruction for decadesand has inflicted immense suffering in thelives of millions. Here, the political parties,media houses, business enterprises, and faithbasedorganizations, have a great role to play.They can make a big impact, either positiveor negative, on the human psyche. However,some political leaders thrive on creating alarm.A few religious zealots prey on guilt. Negativebias in society is further instigated by a sectionof media selling sensationalism. Short-sightedand profit hungry business approachescompromise sustainable and inclusive growth.In this divisive and self-serving atmosphere,there are very few who are striving to uplift thehuman spirit. It is hardly surprising then, thatour population is reeling in depression andthe opioid crisis – the two foremost challengesfacing us this decade. With this bleak picturearound, the onus of bringing hope lies on theleaders. A leader has to maintain high levelsof enthusiasm and conviction to pull people.Tis indeed an uphill task. Leaders can only dothis, if they can tap into their inner strength.There are many ways of doing so and I wouldsay making yoga and meditation part of one’s.Thelp one to start each day with a clean slate,OUR WORLD | 2018Sri Sri RaviShankarSri Sri Ravi Shankaris a revered globalhumanitarianand a renownedambassador ofpeace.He is the founderof The Art of LivingFoundation (1981)and the InternationalAssociation forHuman Values(1997), both activein 155 countriesand engaged indiverse humanitarianprojects includingtrauma and stressrelief in crisis areasand for victims ofviolence, prisonerrehabilitation andenvironmentalcare. He is also thefounder of the WorldForum for Ethicsin Business, whichregularly convenesin conferences at theEuropean Parliamentand around theworld. All threeorganizations hold aspecial consultativestatus with the UnitedNations.OUR POLITICAL SOCIETIESdrop pre-conceived impressions, enhanceintuitive awareness and strengthen resilience.Mahatma Gandhi had envisioned “RamRajya” - a society that is just and equitable.Education in human values, faith in nonviolence,and creating a more humanesociety are integral to realizing this. So, canwe still hold onto such a vision in the currentscenario? Can a stress-free violence-freesociety become a reality? Yes, the very goal ofdemocracy is to provide that hope – to providea platform to create a just, prosperous andhappy society. For this to happen, the fourpillars of democracy, politics, media, businessand faith based organizations all have to worktogether in collaboration, with the broadersocial interest in mind. They all have to stayat arm’s length and be strong pillars to holdthe roof called democracy. When all theseRRwithin reach. There is another burning issuetoday - immigration. Though, we live in anincreasingly globalized world, connected bytechnological advances, we seem to live inisolation of culture and civilization. Unlike inmiddle ages, when immigrants wiped out thehost culture; today immigrants have to adapt,while preserving their roots. They cannotbecome a threat to society. Terrorism is yetanother problem the world is facing, whichis ideology and theology driven. It needs to.Fin combatting terrorism. Many times, a soft.In my travels around the world andinteractions with people across diversecultures, religions and languages, I see alot of goodness in society. The number ofservice projects undertaken by faith basedorganizations, NGOs and the public is atestimony to this fact. It is our responsibilityas the global leadership community to inspire,.I see our volunteers in 155 countries,.Ioptimistic and hopeful for the times to come.Every new year presents us an opportunitythe lives of people in our societies happier,healthier and more peaceful. As the new yearunfolds, let us resolve to be unshakable fromwithin. Let us be that person who can changethe times. My heartfelt wishes and blessingsto everyone in the new year.131
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