Sri Sri Ravi Shankar Meets Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, Stresses Peace and Dialogue in Kashmir

SRINAGAR: Renowned spiritual leader and founder of the Art of Living Foundation, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, met Mirwaiz-e-Kashmir Moulvi Muhammad Umar Farooq at his Nigeen residence in Srinagar, with both leaders calling for renewed efforts towards peace, dialogue, and inter-faith harmony in the region.

During what was described as a cordial meeting, the two spiritual figures exchanged views on compassion, coexistence, and the dangers posed by radicalisation and social alienation. They agreed that injustice and disempowerment often fuel unrest, and that only sustained dialogue and mutual understanding can help societies heal and uphold human dignity, according to a statemnet issued by the Kashmir cleric.

Welcoming Sri Sri Ravi Shankar to Kashmir after a gap of seven years, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq said the institution of the Mirwaiz has always upheld peace and dialogue as humane and effective means of resolving differences. He also appreciated the Art of Living founder’s recent anti-drug outreach in the Valley, which saw an unprecedented gathering of 20,000 youth pledging to build a drug-free Kashmir.

Mirwaiz urged Sri Sri Ravi Shankar to advocate for a compassionate approach towards political prisoners and detained youth, ahead of the spiritual leader’s planned visit to the Central Jail Srinagar. He said empathy and understanding must guide all efforts for their release and rehabilitation.

Earlier, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar addressed a large gathering at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC), where he spoke about Rishi Kashyap and the region’s legacy as a cradle of diverse knowledge traditions. He also interacted with students from across districts during meditation and music sessions and discussed future social initiatives for youth empowerment.

Expressing happiness at being back in the Valley, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar said Kashmir’s spiritual and cultural heritage stands as a timeless symbol of coexistence and inner strength.