Bengaluru, May 10: Manipur Deputy Chief Minister and senior Kuki-Zo leader Nemcha Kipgen attended the 45th anniversary celebrations of The Art of Living Foundation at the organisation's International Center in Bengaluru, joining dignitaries, spiritual leaders, and participants from across India and abroad for the landmark event.
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Nemcha Kipgen interacts with Sri Sri Ravi Shankar during the 45th anniversary celebrations of the Art of Living Foundation and the spiritual leader’s 70th birthday event at the organization’s International Center in Bengaluru. (Image: facebook.com/nemchakipgen.kpi) |
The celebration also commemorated the 70th birthday of spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, founder of The Art of Living Foundation. The programme featured spiritual sessions, cultural performances, and gatherings highlighting the organisation's work in promoting peace, wellness, humanitarian service, and community development over the past four and a half decades.
Sharing photographs from the event on social media, Nemcha Kipgen described it as a privilege to participate in the celebrations. She said she felt "deeply honoured" to be part of the occasion and expressed gratitude for the warm hospitality extended to her by the organisers.
The Deputy Chief Minister praised The Art of Living Foundation for its continued commitment to the values of seva (selfless service), peace, wellness, and collective harmony, noting that these principles have positively impacted millions of people across the world. She also acknowledged the organisation's efforts in promoting emotional well-being, social cohesion, and humanitarian initiatives through its various programmes.
Kipgen interacted with Sri Sri Ravi Shankar during the celebrations and conveyed her appreciation for his contributions toward fostering peace, spiritual awareness, and human values through the foundation's global outreach.
A prominent Kuki-Zo legislator from Manipur, Nemcha Kipgen has remained an important political figure during the state's prolonged ethnic crisis. Her decision to continue serving in the BJP-led government despite criticism from sections of the Kuki-Zo community has attracted considerable public and political attention since ethnic violence broke out in Manipur in May 2023.
Her participation in the Bengaluru event comes at a time when Manipur continues to grapple with political and social challenges arising from the conflict. Against this backdrop, her presence at a gathering dedicated to peace, reconciliation, and collective harmony drew attention as the state continues efforts toward restoring normalcy.
The event underscored the importance of dialogue, compassion, and service in building peaceful societies, values that organisers said remain central to The Art of Living Foundation's mission across the world.
