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Art of Living Silver Jubilee
February 17th-19th, 2006: Youth Celebrate Humanity!

Astonishing Facts
•  2.5 Million people – largest group meditating together (in pin-drop silence!)
•  243-acre ground for the audience
•  Largest stage ever: 3.5 acre stage seated 8,000 people
•  3,800 person orchestra, their first rehearsal being their first performance on Day 1 of the Jubilee!
•  30,000 volunteers put together this 3-day grand event
•  Cultural Performances from over 40 nations and 15 Indian states

Youth delegates from around the world – South Africa, United Kingdom, the United States, Russia, India, Croatia, Canada, Australia, Germany, Taiwan, Poland – represented their countries and cultures through a variety of festivities that took place during the Jubilee.  Rosa Nina, an 18-year old YES! graduate from New York City was one of 100 students to participate in the international YES! Program. She remarks, “Silver Jubilee was great!  I loved it.  It was great to meet people from around the world, to learn their culture, their ideas. Coming together and breathing was powerful… there were 100 of us!  We sang and danced, everyone was together.  It felt like, WOW!”
 
Following the YES! Course, from February 17th - 19th 2006 at Jakkur Aerodrome, Bangalore – the world witnessed the Silver Jubilee celebrations of the Art of Living. The largest spiritual gathering in history, borders faded as millions came together from over 110 countries to experience and celebrate His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar’s message of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam”– a One World Family.

It was an event, which saw people arrive in bullock carts, buses and trains, as well as jets and private helicopters! The first of its kind, it did not differentiate between the rich and the poor, bridging the gap between rural and urban populations. Intellectuals, saints and common people, all mingled in one celebration, reinforcing human values and renewing commitment to service. There was a single spirit of joy, celebration and oneness, making this a memorable event for the tens of millions who watched it live on television and the millions who attended. From taxi drivers to government officials, from homes to hotels, many worked together to make this the only event in history where a crowd of 2.5 million people gathered, and astonishingly, the policemen present were also relaxed enough to rejoice and participate in the celebrations.

Making history, more than 2.5 million people meditated in absolute silence for global upliftment and harmony. No one was left untouched by this colossal event – by the love, laughter and celebration of life!

We take this opportunity to thank all of you, who were present, for sharing in the celebrations. To all of you, who were unable to attend in person, we express our gratitude for your support and warm wishes.

From Your Youth Team!
USA

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