Sri Sri Ji receives 2009 Culture in Balance Award in Germany

Sri Sri receives 2009 Culture in Balance Award in Germany

Spiritual leader and Art of Living Founder Sri Sri Ravi Shankar was on Saturday conferred with the 2009 Culture in Balance Award in Dresden in Germany in recognition of his outstanding contribution to all facets of culture and for his commitment to global cultural balance. In granting the award, the selection committee attached special importance to Sri Sri's efforts in promoting inter-cultural dialogue, peace and reconciliation in conflict zones and ethics in business, according to a release by the Art of Living Foundation. The award, instituted by the Forum Tiberius, was presented to Sri Sri by Dresden Mayor Helma Orosz, amidst a standing ovation. The award ceremony took place in a special session of the World Culture Forum, at Volkswagen's landmark transparent factory in Dresden, the release added.

Sri Sri received accolades by a number of prominent individuals, including Mr Nirj Deva, British Member of European Parliament, Professor Gesine Schwan, candidate for the 2009 German presidential elections and Dean of Humboldt-Viadrina School of Governance, Berlin, and Prof Bernd Guggenberger, Dean of Lessing University, Berlin.
In her address, Prof Schwan praised Sri Sri for his peace efforts, global service projects, and valuable counsel on the various social and political issues facing the world. ''It is admirable with what a gentle resoluteness, with what a calm dynamic, with what full concentration, with what incorruptible kindness, Sri Sri makes people understand that they can only contribute to peace by overcoming their own inner fear and prejudices against others,'' she said. Prof Guggenberger lauded Sri Sri's humanitarian efforts to promote, preserve and celebrate diversity across the globe.
''Every society has a right to diversity,'' he said. MEP Nirj Deva commended Sri Sri's initiatives in Europe, and spoke of the breadth, depth and multidimensional approach of the Art of Living Foundation. ''He is friend to millions - presidents and peasants,'' he said, adding that his contribution to bringing people out of distress was greatly appreciated. Upon receiving the award, Sri Sri said, ''I share this award with all those people who stand for a violence-free and stress-free society. This award is not for a person or personality, but for a principle that stands for the ideal of a 'one world family' and cultural plurality.'' Later in the evening, the Art of Living Foundation entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with the Humboldt-Viadrina School of Governance in Berlin.