Bengaluru, Aug 2026: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Sunday visited the Art of Living Ashram in Bengaluru along with Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal and Punjab in-charge Manish Sisodia, where the leaders sought the blessings of spiritual leader Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar.
During the visit, the leaders participated in prayers and spent time at the ashram, seeking blessings for the peace, prosperity and progress of Punjab as well as the country. Mann also took part in meditation, describing the experience as deeply peaceful and spiritually fulfilling.
Sharing details of his visit on X, the Punjab Chief Minister said he was privileged to meet Sri Sri Ravi Shankar and address a gathering of devotees at the ashram. He said the serene surroundings and meditation provided him with a sense of inner peace and tranquillity.
Mann described his meeting with the spiritual leader as a “divine experience” and said it was an honour to interact with devotees gathered at the ashram. He said such moments provided an opportunity to reflect on broader social and moral responsibilities beyond political and administrative duties.
During his address, Mann spoke at length about Punjab’s history, cultural identity and contribution to the nation. Describing the state as the “land of five rivers”, he said Punjab had played a significant role in shaping India’s civilisational heritage through its history, traditions and vibrant culture.
The Chief Minister highlighted the courage and resilience associated with Punjab and described the state as the “Sword Arm of the country”. He said Punjabis had repeatedly stood at the forefront of efforts to protect the nation from internal and external challenges.
According to Mann, the historical experiences of Punjab have contributed to the resilient and determined character of its people. Despite facing numerous challenges over centuries, he said, the state had preserved its distinctive cultural identity and spirit.
At the same time, Mann stressed that Punjab’s identity was not defined only by courage and resilience but also by its tradition of inclusiveness and communal harmony. He said peaceful coexistence, mutual respect and social unity had long been integral to the state's cultural ethos.
The Chief Minister said these values were particularly important at a time when societies were confronting social divisions and other challenges. He called for greater efforts to promote communal harmony, social equality and universal brotherhood.
Mann also underlined the importance of strengthening moral and ethical values among young people. He said the Punjab Government's development agenda was being accompanied by efforts to reinforce social, moral, ethical and national values among the youth.
“The youth are the future of Punjab and the nation,” Mann said, stressing that providing young people with the right values and direction was essential for building a stronger and more responsible society.
The Chief Minister praised Sri Sri Ravi Shankar for his continued efforts to engage with and inspire young people through spiritual teachings and guidance. Mann said the spiritual leader had influenced people across different sections of society and expressed hope that his teachings would continue to guide younger generations.
Mann said spiritual and social institutions could play an important role in strengthening values that encourage responsibility, compassion and cooperation. He emphasised that economic and developmental progress needed to be supported by a strong social and moral foundation.
He also called for a renewed focus on the principles of communal harmony, peaceful coexistence, social equality and universal brotherhood. According to the Chief Minister, these values help bind communities together and contribute to a peaceful and inclusive society.
The visit brought together political leaders and a prominent spiritual institution, with discussions and remarks focusing largely on social harmony, cultural heritage and the responsibilities of the younger generation.
Mann's visit to the Art of Living Ashram comes as part of his broader engagement with social and cultural issues alongside the Punjab Government's development priorities. His message in Bengaluru centred on the need to combine progress with social responsibility and ensure that Punjab's long-standing traditions of resilience, inclusiveness and communal harmony remain central to its future.
The Chief Minister said that strengthening these values was not only the responsibility of governments or institutions but a collective duty of society. He expressed confidence that nurturing such ideals could help create a more peaceful, united and inclusive Punjab and contribute to a stronger India.
